Latest in Supply Chain

Data published this week by the United States Department of Commerce and the National Retail Federation (NRF) shows that retail sales are still in a modest growth pattern.

April retail sales, which include non-general merchandise like automobiles, gasoline, and restaurants, were $389.4 billion for a 0.5 percent increase from March and a 7.6 percent increase compared to April 2010, according to Commerce data. Commerce said that total retail sales from February through April were up 8.1 percent annually.

On the heels on a 2.7 percent gain in March, following a cumulative 2.8 percent decline in January and February, the April edition of the Ceridian-UCLA Pulse of Commerce Index (PCI) was down 0.5 percent. The PCI has been down on a sequential basis in six of the last nine months, but it was up 3.5 percent compared to April 2010 and has been up annually for 17 consecutive months.

Carload volume was down 0.1 percent in the East and down 4.2 percent out West. Carloads on a year-to-date basis are at 5,233,086 for a 3.4 percent annual gain.

Both major ocean cargo gateways in San Pedro Bay posted positive numbers for container throughput in April.

A unique optical RTLS system has led to dramatic productivity improvements at Genco ATC’s returns center in McDonough, Ga.

The real-time locating system (RTLS) is an integral part of receiving, putaway and picking operations.

Slotting systems can deliver big results, but are they right for your operation?

From simple pushers to sophisticated crossbelt sorters, automated sortation systems reduce labor and increase efficiency and throughput in today’s warehouses and distribution centers.

Competition in the food and beverage sector is intense and profit margins are wafer thin. Here’s a look at how technology and materials handling equipment can keep your operation healthy and competitive.

Foresighted information destruction equipment supplier adds lift tables to make equipment more ergonomic.

For more than a decade, the fashion giant’s WMS has kept pace with several ERP integrations and the installation of a slew of materials handling equipment—all in an effort to keep the company on top of the fickle fashion world.

I’ve often found that some of the most innovative ideas present themselves when you’re not actually looking for them.

Battery management protects equipment, hastens workers and optimizes inventory.

Russ Devilbiss is the chair of the Conveyor & Sortation Systems industry group at MHIA.

While the global consensus seems to support “green” supply chains, the cost/reward ratio remains a question

Take a look at how to overcome the most common barriers to getting the most from your warehouse labor

The Conveyor Equipment Manufacturers Association reported that its March 2011 Booked Orders Index was 192. Index in March is up 23 points or 14% from February 2011’s Index of 169.

While union dockworkers and truckers have long been criticized for making U.S. West Coast ports weaker, another faction of organized labor may pose an even greater threat to the competitiveness of one major ocean cargo gateway.

CEVA Logistics has announced the creation of a new organization, Supply Chain Solutions, and launched its latest SMART Solution, SMART End to End.