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How to Keep Track of Pallets: Tips on Tracking and Managing Assets
If you’re wondering how to keep track of pallets, you’re not alone. The ability to keep tabs on a pallet of goods as it moves through the supply chain is an enormous advantage for many industries, particularly those dealing with sensitive or perishable products, such as pharmaceuticals or fresh food. And as regulations mandating traceability…
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5 Ways to Increase Traceability in the Food Industry
Food producers, grocery stores, and restaurants are increasingly concerned about traceability in the food industry for two big reasons: they want to be able to assure customers that products are safe if an outbreak of foodborne illness or contamination occurs, and they need to be able to quickly remove unsafe food from their shelves and…
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Supply Chain Management for the Circular Economy: Reducing Waste and Lowering Costs
Supply chain management in the circular economy focuses on eliminating waste to improve operational efficiency and cut costs. Finding opportunities to create and support a circular supply chain requires that businesses audit their processes, labor pools, and the tools that support them. By reviewing these elements with a critical eye, most supply chain managers will…
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The 4-Way vs. the 2-Way Pallet: How to Choose a Pallet Type
ARTICLE UPDATED ON SEPTEMBER 29, 2023 The 4-Way vs. The 2-Way Pallet: How to Choose a Pallet Type When comparing the 4-way pallet to the 2-way pallet, it becomes evident that their main distinction lies in the forklift entry capability. The 2-way pallet can only be accessed by a forklift from two sides, whereas the…
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How to Improve the Warehouse Shipping Process
On its surface, the warehouse shipping process is simple. The customer places an order, the warehouse management system (WMS) generates a pick order, and a warehouseman follows the pick order, pulls the items needed from inventory, and brings them all to packing. The packing department boxes everything up, palletizes the load, and it all ships…
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Reducing Food Waste in the Supply Chain
Food waste is a growing problem. It’s estimated that by 2030, total annual losses due to food waste could reach $1.5 trillion globally. Misuse of resources is one part of this problem, as when manufacturers overproduce or overstock items that go bad before sale. However, much of this food waste takes place before products ever…
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The Disadvantages of Wood Pallets: Why Wood Isn’t for Everyone
Anyone who has worked in logistics knows that wood pallets have their place in the supply chain and always will. However, the disadvantages of wood pallets are clear, especially in highly regulated industries like food and pharmaceuticals. In these cases, switching from wood to an alternative pallet material like plastic can reduce the likelihood of…
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How Much Do Wood Pallets Cost?
ARTICLE UPDATED ON MAY 18, 2023 How Much Do Wood Pallets Cost? Wood pallets have traditionally been the most common type of shipping pallet used throughout the supply chain. However, when analyzing the best pallet for an efficient and cost-effective supply chain, many manufacturers and logistics companies are rethinking their use of wood pallets. To…