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Why Covid-19 has Made Supply Chain Innovation Even More Important for Retailers.
As every retailer knows, the COVID-19 pandemic and resulting economic crisis have been incredibly challenging for the industry. Between statewide lockdowns, the need for enhanced safety and hygiene measures, and slowed economic activity in certain markets, the industry’s already narrow margins have gotten even slimmer and supply chain innovation has suffered. To survive and thrive…
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Planting Trees to Fight Climate Change
America’s National Forest System spans 193 million acres and provides immeasurable benefits to our country. Our forests sustain more than 3,000 species of wildlife and 10,000 species of plants. More than 160 million Americans benefit from recreation, leisure time and exercise in our national woodlands. These visitors spend $13.5 billion on our economy annually, sustaining…
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Supply Chain Employee Health and Safety Measures — During and Beyond COVID-19
As the world continues to grapple with the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, global supply chain leaders are busier than ever implementing employee health and safety measures to keep both workers and customers safe — even as they keep millions of products moving. Of course, the threat of coronavirus has dominated the national dialogue. But responsible warehouse managers know that employee health and safety measures are always a top priority.…
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What Does it Mean to Have a Sustainable Supply Chain?
Wikipedia defines supply chain sustainability as “a business issue affecting an organization supply chain or logistics network in terms of environmental, risk and waste costs.” It is increasingly seen by both executives and consumers as essential to both the economy and our planet’s future. A sustainable supply chain helps the environment while also enhancing brand reputation…
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Helpful Ways to Recycle at Work and Home
At iGPS, environmental sustainability is a key component of our business model. In honor of Global Recycling Day on March 18th, we surveyed iGPS team members to learn more about their recycling and sustainability habits and learn more about efforts they have made to reduce their carbon footprint. Although we were pleased to learn that…
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The Impact of Reusable Packaging and Shipping Platforms
By now, most of us are accustomed to the habit of dropping a plastic water bottle or food container into a recycling bin instead of a trash can. But as we observe Global Recycling Day, it is worth remembering that our individual recycling efforts are merely the tip of the sustainability iceberg. To make a…
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How to Simplify Pallet Sorting and Handling
Warehouse managers often view pallet sorting and handling as wasted time. While shipping platforms are necessary tools, they also require maintenance and storage. And the more time warehouse workers spend handling and storing empty pallets, the less time they can dedicate to essential tasks like managing inventory, receiving orders, and loading shipments. By simplifying pallet…
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Building a Cradle-to-Cradle Supply Chain
The cradle-to-cradle supply chain is a relatively new idea that builds upon the circular business model. When executed correctly, this strategy makes an entire network more sustainable while improving resource use and cutting costs. Luckily, there are many simple ways companies can develop a cradle-to-cradle approach and take advantage of these benefits. Managers can initiate…
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Implementing Continuous Improvement in the Supply Chain
Throughout the Industrial Age businesses have looked for continuous improvement in the supply chain. Managers sought ways to streamline operations and eliminate waste by establishing working protocols, leveraging new technology, or even shifting their business models. As times change, successful businesses adapt and modernize. Technology provides many opportunities to support a continuous improvement process, but…
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How to Improve Pallet Durability
We’re all familiar with the scene: broken wood block pallets piled against a warehouse wall. Wood pallets like these have served their useful lifespan of around 15 to 20 trips across the supply chain and are often bound for the local landfill—or perhaps a good bonfire. On average, once every three to four trips through…
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5 Warehouse Automation Trends and What They Can Do for You
The warehouse automation market—composed of innovative practices and machinery that cut labor costs, protect workers, and accelerate operations—is predicted to reach $89 billion by 2026. As managers begin to adopt these warehouse practices, they often face a steep learning curve. One way managers can flatten the learning curve is by ensuring that they approach the…
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Best Practices for Automatic Pallet Wrapper Safety
If your facility invested in an automatic pallet wrapper, then you’re likely already experiencing total cost of business (TCOB) reductions. Consider the efficiency gains in sheer productivity. Remember when one warehouse worker would wrap maybe thirty pallets over the course of an entire workday? Entry model turntable wrappers can wrap as many in one hour,…