Logistics Viewpoints

DECEMBER 1, 2023

To say that Black Friday weekend shopping was a success would be an understatement. In fact, to kick off the holiday shopping season, a record 200.4 million shoppers hit the stores and the internet to capitalize on Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals, according to a survey by the National Retail Federation. The turnout topped last year’s figure of 196.7 million shoppers and the NRF’s forecast for about 182 million people during the five-day weekend.

Logistics Network Optimization Software 232

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Logistics Viewpoints

NOVEMBER 10, 2023

People will steal just about anything these days. I saw an article this week about criminals in the Mediterranean that are stealing olives due to the surging price of olive oil. Warehouse break-ins, accounting scams, and oil tampering are on the rise in the olive growing regions of Greece, Spain, and Italy. But thieves are also raiding unprotected groves and cutting off branches or even cutting down whole trees.

Logistics Network Optimization Software 235

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Logistics Viewpoints

NOVEMBER 6, 2023

Suppliers are facing increasing pressure from the buyers of their goods and services to report their environmental, social, and governance data. As corporations announce plans to be Net Zero across their end-to-end supply chain at some point in the future – often 2050 – they then need their suppliers to participate in helping them meet their goals. Corporations are kicking off these initiatives both because their customers expect it and because of increasing regulatory pressure.

Resource Reduction 223

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Logistics Viewpoints

OCTOBER 19, 2023

I should have known better. I work in supply chain. Even worse, I work for a company who makes solutions to help companies solve these kinds of problems, which I listen, speak and write about for a living! What was the problem? I ordered a table online without checking reviews sufficiently. If I had done due diligence, I’d have seen the warnings – the retailer had pretty pictures on their website, but their supply chain failed them, creating an eleven-month saga and unhappy customer.

Supply Chain Planning Software 226

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Logistics Viewpoints

OCTOBER 16, 2023

Distributed order management solutions can support a ship-from-store strategy. The book You’ve Been Played was written by a software developer who created one of the most popular gamified apps in the world. He writes, “over the years, I’ve found little evidence that most gamification actually works.” I’ve encountered gamification in enterprise applications.

Retail 229

Retail Inventory Reduction Omnichannel Shipping 229

Logistics Viewpoints

SEPTEMBER 21, 2023

The combination of supply chain planning and real-time visibility can lead to bigger benefits than either can provide alone.

Supply Chain Planning Software 574

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Logistics Viewpoints

SEPTEMBER 4, 2023

Procuring transportation for freight is much different than any other procurement category. There are different tools, goals, and market dynamics. Transportation procurement needs to support both customer service and a company’s internal supply chain goals. The freight market is mercurial. It can move quickly from a situation where there is too much capacity in the market and buyers having the whip hand, to a situation where shippers are begging carriers to take their loads at almost any price.

Procurement Solutions 204

Procurement Solutions Procurement Analytics Manufacturing Procurement Optimal Sourcing 204

Logistics Viewpoints

AUGUST 30, 2023

A transportation management system ( TMS ) helps companies move freight from origin to destination efficiently, reliably, and cost-effectively. The primary reason companies buy a TMS is for freight savings. These freight savings can be attributed to simulation and network design, load consolidation and lower cost mode selections, and multi-stop route optimization.

Optimal Sourcing 194

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Logistics Viewpoints

AUGUST 29, 2023

A transportation management system ( TMS ) helps companies move freight from origin to destination efficiently, reliably, and cost-effectively. The primary reason companies buy a TMS is for freight savings. These freight savings can be attributed to simulation and network design, load consolidation and lower cost mode selections, and multi-stop route optimization.

Optimal Sourcing 213

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Logistics Viewpoints

AUGUST 14, 2023

The global trade compliance market is one crazy market. The market grew by double digits year over year, yet there is no standard user and consequently there is no common understanding of what the end-to-end global trade compliance process should be. Linda McKee, the director for global trade services management at SAP, expressed the idea this way, “I don’t think we currently have any real standard global trade scenarios.

Global 177

Global Supply Chain Design Software Supply Chain Planning Software Sourcing Strategies 177

Logistics Viewpoints

AUGUST 9, 2023

This year’s research on the global WMS market has revealed many of the perennial factors influencing demand for WMS solutions – such as e-commerce fulfillment needs. However, there is one dynamic that became ubiquitous across market segments this year. I refer to this dynamic as demand for “WMS-plus.” — I have now completed ARC Advisory Group’s research on the global warehouse management systems (WMS) market , and it is currently in editing.

Demand Planning Software 196

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Logistics Viewpoints

JULY 26, 2023

I am placing the finishing touches on ARC Advisory Group’s research on the warehouse management systems (WMS) market ( [link] ). ARC has been publishing structured research on the global WMS market for over 20 years and this history provides us with valuable context for understanding the changes that occur and serves as an anchor to our five-year market forecast.

Modeling Software 202

Modeling Software Analytics Software Forecasting Software Demand Planning Software 202

Logistics Viewpoints

JULY 21, 2023

Seven years ago, I wrote that Cyberdyne Systems’ Skynet division was working on teleportation capabilities that will eliminate the need to wait for products to ship entirely. While still in the early stages of development, the emerging technology will instantly transport an item once it is picked at a warehouse or store to your living room. According to Dr.

Logistics Network Optimization Software 194

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Logistics Viewpoints

JULY 10, 2023

The International Maritime Organization (IMO) adopted tougher greenhouse gas emission targets for the global shipping industry on Friday. The IMO is a United Nations agency responsible for creating a regulatory framework for the global shipping industry. The member states have agreed to tougher standards. The new pledge is squishy. It targets a reduction of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions to net-zero “by or about 2050.

Marshall Islands 167

Marshall Islands Shipping Liberia Expense Reduction 167

Logistics Viewpoints

JULY 5, 2023

I engaged in numerous discussions with robotics executives last year as I was developing ARC Advisory Group’s mobile warehouse robotics (AMR) research. I noticed that many of them obtained valuable experience at Kiva Systems (Amazon Robotics) prior to their current roles. One such executive credited Mark Messina with Amazon’s ability to scale its rollout of Kiva Systems subsequent to its acquisition of the company.

Supply Chain Design Software 226

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Logistics Viewpoints

JUNE 21, 2023

In February 2023 I wrote the article What Does 2023 Have In-Store for Global Supply Chains? It introduced the survey we had just launched to determine the perceptions, priorities, and strategic initiatives of today’s supply chain and logistics executives. This post was subsequently followed by two articles that discussed some of the findings from the survey.

Supply Chain Planning Software 235

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Logistics Viewpoints

JUNE 16, 2023

Two months ago, I assumed this was going to be championship week for the city of Boston. The Bruins were coming off a historic season with an NHL all-time best 65 wins and 135 points. The team was so dominant that the Carolina Hurricanes, who finished with the league’s second-best record, were a full 13 wins and 22 points behind. It seemed like a run to the Stanley Cup was inevitable.

Logistics Network Optimization Software 173

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Logistics Viewpoints

JUNE 7, 2023

A few weeks ago, I had the opportunity to speak with Kushal Nahata, Co-Founder and CEO at FarEye. In this conversation, Kushal and I talked about the complexities of last mile delivery. I asked Kushal to give some deeper insights on a few key points. First, what are some things companies can do to reduce delivery costs and how does technology play a role?

Cost Reduction Strategies 188

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Logistics Viewpoints

JUNE 2, 2023

Ever since I was a kid, cartoons showed me that dogs like to bite the mail carrier. I always assumed this was just a joke. And for the most part, it is just that – an ongoing joke. But, more than 5,300 Postal Service employees were attacked by dogs while delivering mail last year. Aggressive dog behavior is a common safety concern USPS employees face.

Logistics Network Optimization Software 176

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Logistics Viewpoints

MAY 25, 2023

“Our rules of thumb are no longer up to the challenge.” This description by a Chief Supply Chain Officer of the state of the supply chain he found in his new role stuck with me. The tumult of our times has accelerated interest in artificial intelligence (AI) for help more advanced than rules, and ChatGPT’s release has rocketed this already-explosive growth.

Supply Chain Planning Software 235

Supply Chain Planning Software Supply Chain Software Negotiating Skills Predictive Analytics Software 235

Logistics Viewpoints

MAY 11, 2023

The concept of digital twins has emerged as a powerful foundational tool to drive improvements in warehouse productivity and efficiency. To define what exactly it is, a digital twin is a virtual replica of a physical asset, process, or system. In the warehouse context, a digital twin can be created to represent the physical layout, inventory, equipment, and workflows of a warehouse.

Modeling 237

Modeling Analytics Software Supply Chain Design Software Optimization Software 237

Logistics Viewpoints

MAY 1, 2023

On April 4 th , Kyle Masters – the senior manager of transportation procurement at Simmons Foods, participated in a webinar hosted by Emerge. The webinar focused on Simmons Food’s approach to transportation procurement. Simmons Foods, and its affiliates, are suppliers of poultry, pet, and animal nutrition products. This family-owned business is headquartered in Siloam Springs Arkansas in the US.

Food 212

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Logistics Viewpoints

APRIL 27, 2023

Note: Today’s post is part of our “ Editor’s Choice ” series where we highlight recent posts published by our sponsors that provide supply chain insights and advice. Today’s article comes from Eric Mcpherson at Open Sky Group and looks at a WMS budget and preparing for implementation. When you begin researching Warehouse Management System ( WMS ) software, you’re probably running into some difficulties in the budgeting process because pricing is not always readily available.

Supply Chain Planning Software 203

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Logistics Viewpoints

APRIL 17, 2023

It is now understood that fossil fuels cause environmental harm. Many consumers are transitioning to electric vehicles (EVs). EVs are an important part of the transition to a green transportation system. A total of 10.5 million new electric vehicles were delivered during 2022, an increase of 55 % compared to 2021. To reach carbon neutrality by 2050 a transition to green transportation is necessary.

Transportation 209

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Logistics Viewpoints

APRIL 11, 2023

Companies and supply chains continue to face unprecedented challenges and, in some cases, unprecedented opportunities. The post-COVID-19 (if we can claim to be post COVID) “new normal” will continue to be defined by new challenges and more importantly by the ability of the supply chain executives to manage disruption and their ability to power organization strategy and growth.

Supply Chain Planning Software 205

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Logistics Viewpoints

MARCH 29, 2023

A transportation management system ( TMS ) helps companies move freight from origin to destination efficiently, reliably, and cost-effectively. The primary reason companies buy a TMS is for freight savings. These freight savings can be attributed to simulation and network design, load consolidation and lower cost mode selections, and multi-stop route optimization.

Transportation Management 212

Transportation Management Optimal Sourcing Transportation Optimization Software 212

Logistics Viewpoints

MARCH 10, 2023

Harriet Tubman Day is an American holiday in honor of the anti-slavery activist Harriet Tubman, observed on March 10, and in the U.S. state of New York. Observances also occur locally around the U.S. state of Maryland. After Juneteenth became a federal holiday, there are growing calls for this day to also be observed at the federal level. Harriet Tubman, born Araminta Ross (c. 1822 – March 10, 1913) was an American abolitionist, humanitarian, and an armed scout and spy for the United States Army

Logistics 214

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Logistics Viewpoints

MARCH 6, 2023

GEON Performance Solutions purchases plastic pellets and add plastic compounders to make products of different strength, resilience, and flexibility. When a company undergoes a digital transformation, the transformation should be based on an understanding of what they want to achieve. A transformation that is based on the idea that by putting in new applications the company will automate a process, or processes, and provide more and better data to make decisions, is a poor foundation for a true

Supply Chain Planning Software 235

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Logistics Viewpoints

JANUARY 31, 2023

So much has changed in a year! While the supply chain pressures that have built up over the last two years continue to abate as transportation capacity problems ease and consumption shifts from goods to services, newer challenges and opportunities lie ahead. As costs pressures build up, organizations need to get creative in increasing the focus on cost optimization while ensuring resilience and business continuity.

Predictive Analytics Software 211

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Logistics Viewpoints

JANUARY 24, 2023

Survey Says: 86% of Consumers Willing to Delay E-commerce Delivery in Favor of Sustainability Note: Today’s post is part of our “ Editor’s Choice ” series where we highlight recent posts published by our sponsors that provide supply chain insights and advice. This article is from Logistyxlooks at the findings from a recent survey on sustainability. One of Logistyx’s long-time partners, Blue Yonder, published its 2022 Consumer Sustainability Survey, revealing retail consumer preferences related t

Sustainability 143

Sustainability Survey Shipping Retail 143

Logistics Viewpoints

JANUARY 4, 2023

ARC Advisory Group’s Global Warehouse Automation Research study is now complete and available for purchase. The research process includes an analysis of large amounts of information and interviews with executives from numerous warehouse automation providers; and concludes with the publication of ARC’s research study. I provided a glimpse of the study content in an article in October that lists the top 20 warehouse automation suppliers , based on ARC’s estimates of 2021 revenues.

Supply Chain Software 258

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Logistics Viewpoints

DECEMBER 13, 2022

What almost cost $2B a day and more than 700,000 jobs in the US alone, but would have led to global reverberations? The rail industry was on the brink of a strike-induced labor shortage that would have happened overnight if the President hadn’t intervened. This averted disruption is just one recent example of the impact of a labor shortage on supply chain planning and execution.

Supply Chain Planning Software 191

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Logistics Viewpoints

DECEMBER 6, 2022

The Dirty Secret of E-Commerce. The continued growth in e-commerce retail sales has been largely driven by factors such as convenience, product selection and lower prices. However, the inability for consumers to initially see, feel or experience products they purchase online can create gaps between product expectations and what arrives at the doorstep.

Reverse Logistics 222

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Logistics Viewpoints

NOVEMBER 15, 2022

DC operations in many companies are becoming more complex and changeable, with new business requirements, which are now coupled with new forms of modular automation and robotics. There are also many companies in the industry who have grown successfully and organically, that are still operating as they did when they were much smaller, simpler entities.

DC 227

DC Optimization Software Inventory Management Software Inventory Reduction 227

Logistics Viewpoints

NOVEMBER 8, 2022

As global supply chains continue to tackle ongoing disruptions, one major headwind that most organizations are faced with is the inflationary environment we are living through. This is starting to mount cost pressures just at the time when additional investments are needed to build resilience. So, how can organizations tackle the inflationary environment by finding significant cost savings opportunities while improving resiliency?

Optimal Sourcing 205

Optimal Sourcing Material Savings Sourcing Strategies Sourcing 205

Logistics Viewpoints

OCTOBER 21, 2022

Artificial intelligence has been applied to just about every supply chain application imaginable, including transportation management and execution, demand planning, supply chain planning, warehouse management, and order management. It has also been embedded in autonomous trucks, robots, and drones for navigation. There are myriad applications outside of the supply chain world as well.

Logistics Network Optimization Software 207

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Logistics Viewpoints

OCTOBER 20, 2022

Tis the season to be jolly – unless you are overwhelmed with the many tasks traditionally associated with the annual freight Request for Proposal ( RFP ) season. For decades, shippers have sought proposals and awarded contract lanes to carriers. Shippers and carriers have described the process as time-consuming, and the results are often obsolete three months into a year-long contract due to market dynamics.

Freight 209

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