Best Practices

Even though total supply chain costs may be reduced by global sourcing, typically, transportation and logistics costs have been rising as a percentage of the cost-of-goods sold (COGS).

Marine cargo insurance policies are unique compared to other insurance policies. This is because international ocean and air shipments are subject to a unique set of laws that limit the liability of carriers. So how do you better protect your freight in transit? Here are six things you may not have known about marine cargo insurance and why it’s a good idea to add a policy.

While intermodal and truckload are similar services, each has strengths that complement one another for a stronger 53' capacity solution. Shippers not looking at these strengths are leaving money and capacity on the table.

In many cases, inventory related costs can rival transportation spend as the largest logistics cost - and often holds the most opportunity for significant improvement once it’s closely examined. Our warehouse/DC insiders give us a refresher on the all too often overlooked practices.

China’s warehousing solutions appeal to global companies. Businesses can consolidate orders from multiple vendors and ship directly to end customers. This allows companies to avoid more expensive distribution networks in other regions of the world.

To become market driven, companies need to identify the right market signals, build sensing capabilities, define demand-shaping processes, and effectively translate the demand signal to create a more effective response.

Everyone wants Auto ID, but no one is exactly leaping out of their seats to take responsibility for implementing it because it means coordinating with so many facets of the organization. Why is it that most organizations don’t naturally gravitate to Auto ID? Clearly, everyone wants to leverage the reliable, precise item data that can be captured and stored in a database using barcode and RFID technology. What’s getting in the way?

I’ve thought long and hard about what to say this year because of all the media buzz around shale oil and natural gas fracking as energy saviors, maybe bringing back cheap energy and rendering the big user oil countries less dependent on oil, and less dependent on OPEC and other oil producing countries. My view has not been altered by the recent news around fracking.

Before pursuing any supply chain innovation, a company has to be clear about the objective; is the goal continuous improvement to maintain market position with a modest increase in margin or to disrupt the industry? Many managers get starry-eyed over the latter objective but actually need to target the former.

No one can precisely foretell whether oil prices will drop, continue to stay high, or even go much higher. No one can predict the frequent, unexpected swings that might take place either. However, I don’t know many who are betting that prices will go down or stabilize over the long run.

Which individual certification program is most appropriate for those aspiring to have a career in the field of supply chain management. With multiple certification choices it seems that many are confused as to which certification program will provide the most benefit for that dream job.

The opportunity for sustainability has the potential to be great. But Rana Plaza-type disasters won’t be avoided, and the impact of progress will increasingly worsen unless we attempt a bolder strategy. To achieve industry transformation, we need to step up the game. It is now time to decide on the way forward.

Companies seeking software solutions to increase efficiency and promote growth are no different than the prospective homeowner looking for the “perfect fit” for their family. After an exhaustive, often frustrating search, the would–be homeowner may turn to a trusted professional to design and build a custom solution for their living needs.

Over the last dozen years, the bottom-line benefits of Inventory Optimization have proven to rival established activities such as network design, transportation optimization, advanced planning and scheduling, and sales and operations planning.

Eight essential elements of Supply Chain Control Tower (SCCT) enabling advanced visibility and standardized, real-time analytics from a single source.

How do we address the ever-growing concerns with minimizing negative human rights and conflict impacts of supply chains with the push to incentivize responsible sourcing from the areas experiencing the most devastating impacts? And do we know what responsible sourcing means in all situations?

Labor represents two-thirds of the total cost of operating a warehouse. However, when an organization wants to improve its overall performance and profitability, processes and systems are typically the first to be attended to. While these are critical components to any company’s short and long-term success, consider the potential impact of a disengaged and inefficient work force.

The London 2012 Olympics meant longer trading hours, restricted road access, increased congestion and heightened security across the city. This put pressure on supply chains to deliver products efficiently and reliably.

Andrew Starkey, Head of e-Logistics at IMRG, gives his perspective on the UK’s growing e-commerce sector and what this means for logistics providers.

Do you have unlocked optimization potential in your supply chain set up? A Lead Logistics Partner (LLP) can steer you in the right direction. Scalable, flexible and giving real visibility, your LLP journey can start with a small step.