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Pandemic Three-Year Review – How Has the Industry Evolved?
It’s hard to believe it has been three years since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic and the onset of the global disruptions it caused. Since March of 2020, the supply chain has experienced snarls and setbacks of all shapes and sizes— including semi-conductor chip shortages, port backups, a dwindling workforce, and panic buying. A…
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Digital Logistics in the Supply Chain
In recent years, stakeholders throughout the supply chain — including manufacturers, retailers, and logistics services providers — have had to find new ways to remain efficient and adapt swiftly to an evolving economic environment. As 2020 brought the onset of the pandemic, businesses quickly realized that stay-at-home orders and tightened restrictions would fuel increased demand…
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Materials Management in Supply Chain
For a supply chain to function properly, materials management is paramount. Materials management in the supply chain involves planning for material requirements, determining the amount of materials to be deployed at each stocking location, and establishing plans to maintain inventory levels. Inventory can be raw materials or even finished goods. Communication must be maintained across…
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Choosing the Right Pallet Supplier
When selecting a pallet supplier, supply chain managers must consider a multitude of factors. Opting for the incorrect supplier can result in problems that impact every facet of a business, whereas making the right choice can significantly enhance the efficiency of the supply chain and financial outcomes. When choosing the right pallet supplier, there are…
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How Radio Frequency Identification Supports Supply Chain Efficiency
Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) technology works by using radio wave frequencies to identify objects. i RFID-enabled devices read information without making any physical contact or requiring a line of sight. Electromagnetic fields identify and track objects which carry either a passive or active tag. Unlike passive tags, which require energy from nearby RFID readers to…
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How Government Regulations Impact the Supply Chain
There are endless factors that impact how global and national supply chains operate, including the ever-changing economy, shifts in consumer behavior, and our increasing reliance on technology and automation. Evolving government regulations also play a prominent role in supply chain operations, and this is nothing new. But as we continue to combat supply chain disruptions…
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How Life Cycle Assessments Support Supply Chain Sustainability
Sustainability in the supply chain is more crucial than ever before. According to McKinsey, global supply chains account for more than 80 percent of greenhouse gas emissions and more than 90 percent of companies’ impact on air, land, water, biodiversity and geological resources. Major retailers such as Costco, Walmart, and Amazon have set ambitious, multi-year…
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Reusable Packaging Enhances Worker and Product Safety
According to a 2020 report by the Reusable Packaging Association, the global packaging market reached an estimated $950 billion in value, with $200 billion of this market considered transport packaging — half of which can be deemed reusable. The demand for reusables can be attributed to a combination of factors including regulations, public concern for…
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How Port Automation is Shaping the Supply Chain
Ports play a crucial role in the success of the global supply chain. Over the last several years, port congestion has been at an all-time high, causing major disruptions throughout every industry. Ships waiting to drop their cargo for hours, and sometimes days, outside of shipping ports cause disruptions throughout the rest of the supply…
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How Digital Intelligence Builds Supply Chain Resiliency
Industries and consumers across the board have felt the impact of supply chain disruptions over the last several years. From baby formula to semiconductor chips, shortages continue to put strains on every market as businesses work to build back from the challenges posed by the peak of the pandemic. Many companies are hardening their infrastructure…
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How Rapid Delivery is Shaping the Supply Chain
The food delivery sector grew rapidly after the onset of the pandemic, and though people have learned to live and work outside the home with increased precautions, consumer demand for delivery, including speedy, same-day food and grocery delivery, has remained high. The speed at which groceries or any number of household products can be distributed…
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Using Big Data to Drive the Supply Chain
Supply chains worldwide have faced massive challenges over the last several years. Product shortages, port bottlenecks, labor crises, and more have prompted manufacturers and retailers to invest in emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, and automation to alleviate the impacts of supply chain disruptions and help manage optimized logistics. As companies increase their…