Logistics Viewpoints

MAY 31, 2024

Early this week, basketball legend and all-around great guy Bill Walton passed away after a battle with cancer. Tributes came pouring in from past and present NBA players, broadcasters, fans, and the surviving members of the Grateful Dead. While that last bit may surprise you, Bill Walton was one of the biggest Deadheads around. He first saw the band in the late-60’s while in high school, and would catch every show he could.

Logistics Network Optimization Software 196

Logistics Network Optimization Software Negotiating Skills Supply Chain Planning Software Logistics 196

Logistics Viewpoints

MAY 23, 2024

Situation Companies are increasingly confronted with complex planning scenarios due to predictable events such as mergers and acquisitions, category expansions, supplier changes, and distribution evolution, as well as disruptive events including demand volatility, material shortages, capacity constraints, and logistical surprises. These challenges necessitate extensive configuration within Advanced Planning Systems (APS) test environments to assess their impacts.

Modeling 218

Modeling Scenario Planning Supply Chain Planning Software Supply Chain Optimization 218

Logistics Viewpoints

MAY 1, 2024

Following 45 days of negotiations, the European Council approved a watered-down version of the Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence Directive. The EU CSDDD has had a difficult journey, facing delays, changes, and hurdles to overcome. Nonetheless, the direction of travel of European governments is clear: companies need to do more to identify their exposure to unethical practices, human rights abuses, and significant adverse environmental issues , across their value chain.

Sustainability 266

Sustainability Resource Reduction Sourcing Strategies Government 266

Logistics Viewpoints

APRIL 24, 2024

I am coming to you from the sunny confines of San Diego, CA where I am attending the 2024 Körber Elevate conference. This is my first time attending Körber Elevate, and it did not disappoint, with over 800 attendees, 60 thought provoking sessions, and lots of networking and learning opportunities. The theme this year was “Chart Your Course” which Richard Stewart, EVP Americas at Körber Supply Chain pointed out, is all about overcoming supply chain complexities and challenges.

Course 229

Course Supply Chain Planning Software Predictive Analytics Software Optimization Software 229

Logistics Viewpoints

APRIL 17, 2024

Over the past decade, the main battleground for China’s WMS market has been in the consumption industry; but more recently the battleground has returned to the manufacturing industry. Overseas suppliers have always ruled the top end of the market in this segment. However, local Chinese vendors have been growing rapidly over the past few years and have the potential to compete with overseas suppliers.

Demand Planning Software 247

Demand Planning Software Logistics Network Optimization Software Supply Chain Software Warehousing 247

Logistics Viewpoints

MARCH 22, 2024

As Steve Banker wrote earlier this week, robots are everywhere. At MODEX this year, 33 exhibitors had the word “robot” or “robotics” in their title, and almost all the large material handling vendors and systems integrators that don’t include that word in their title were also displaying bots. But it’s not just at shows like MODEX where robots are showing up.

Logistics Network Optimization Software 227

Logistics Network Optimization Software Cost Reduction Strategies Vendor Strategies Panama 227

Logistics Viewpoints

MARCH 15, 2024

St. Patrick’s Day is this Sunday, and consumers are doing more than just wearing green – they are spending lots of green as well. According to its annual survey, the National Retail Federation (NRF) indicates that consumers plan to spend a record $7.2 billion — or an average of $44.40 per person — on the holiday this year and, perhaps unsurprisingly, their top spending categories are food and beverages.

Expense Reduction 232

Expense Reduction Cost Reduction Strategies Price Reduction Negotiating Skills 232

Logistics Viewpoints

MARCH 14, 2024

As digital threats loom larger than ever, automating your warehouse is not just about enhancing operational efficiency — it’s equally about safeguarding your digital and physical assets. The relentless rise in cyber threats such as ransomware and phishing attacks underscores the imperative need for robust cybersecurity measures, especially in sectors as vital as warehousing and logistics.

Warehousing 237

Warehousing Supply Chain Network Software Purchasing Training Logistics Network Optimization Software 237

Logistics Viewpoints

FEBRUARY 23, 2024

This Monday was President’s Day. President Biden’s Oval Office has both a portrait and a bust of Abraham Lincoln. But his family’s connection to the 16th president extends back to the Civil War. On March 21, 1864, an ancestor of Biden got in a knife fight with another man in a Union military encampment. Biden’s great-great-grandfather was charged with attempted murder and incarcerated for a term of two years of hard labor on a remote island near modern-day Florida.

Supply Chain Planning Software 251

Supply Chain Planning Software Supply Chain Software Supply Chain Planning Supply Chain Strategy 251

Logistics Viewpoints

FEBRUARY 21, 2024

A few weeks ago, I sat down to speak with Mike Noble, SVP of Technology and Jonathan Mitchell, Director of Software Services at Open Sky Group. In this conversation, we discussed seeing your supply chain through a new lens, and how this can help to achieve improved visibility. Specifically, I asked Mile and Jonathan to give me some background on Open Sky Group, as well as a rundown of the Kaleidoscope platform, and the different components that link the end to end supply chain.

Logistics Network Optimization Software 221

Logistics Network Optimization Software Rail Software Supply Chain Software Vendor Strategies 221

Logistics Viewpoints

JANUARY 25, 2024

Getting started with AI in supply chain might not start where you think. Some try delving into deep learning or a crash course in generative AI (GenAI), but I don’t recommend starting there. Instead start with the foundation of your AI strategy, which should be an understanding of your company’s supply chain and your data. Second, avoid islands of isolation and limited impact by integrated AI into your supply chain so the results are aligned end to end.

Supply Chain Planning Software 233

Supply Chain Planning Software Supply Chain Software Supply Chain Planning Supply Chain Strategy 233

Logistics Viewpoints

JANUARY 23, 2024

Last week I attended the annual National Retail Federation (NRF) Big Show in New York City. This year, nearly 40,000 attendees comprising 6,200 brands from all over the world headed to the Javits Center to see what new solutions and innovations software and hardware suppliers had in store for 2024 and beyond. The usual themes were still very present as solution providers and retailers alike were more than happy to talk about omni-channel, mobility, robotics, and machine learning, to name a few.

Supply Chain Planning Software 212

Supply Chain Planning Software Supply Chain Software Supply Chain Planning Modeling 212

Logistics Viewpoints

JANUARY 5, 2024

Later this month the nominees will be announced for the 2024 Oscars. One category that has always been interesting is Best Adapted Screenplay. This is the award for the best screenplay adapted from previously established material, including novels, stage plays, musicals, short stories, and TV series. The list of winners over the years has been very impressive.

Logistics Network Optimization Software 220

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Logistics Viewpoints

DECEMBER 11, 2023

I’ve completed research on supply chain planning (SCP) boutiques. My colleague Clint Reiser has completed a study on warehouse management system (WMS) boutiques. We are teaming up to bring you the coolest supply chain boutiques, listed alphabetically, that we identified through those studies. What is a boutique? A boutique is a small, regionally focused system integration and consulting firm.

Supply Chain Design Software 246

Supply Chain Design Software Supply Chain Planning Software Supply Chain Software Supply Chain Design 246

Logistics Viewpoints

NOVEMBER 20, 2023

As ecommerce grew at double digit rates, while in store sales grew at less than the rate of inflation, retailers were looking for a way to turn their stores into a competitive weapon. Rather than just offering consumers the choice of buying online or buying in the store, a retail omnichannel strategy involves a lot more paths to fulfill an order or to process a return.

Omnichannel 229

Omnichannel Retail Cost Reduction Strategies Expense Reduction 229

Logistics Viewpoints

NOVEMBER 2, 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. This article is from James Canham-Ash at Manhattan Associates and looks at the ongoing cost-of-living crisis. The latest research from Manhattan shows that 89% of consumers have altered their spending habits in response to cost-of-living challenges.

Retail 226

Retail Supply Chain Software Omnichannel Logistics Network Optimization Software 226

Logistics Viewpoints

OCTOBER 30, 2023

Per $1 billion in company revenues, no supply chain application has a better return on investment (ROI) than network design! The larger the supply chain, the bigger the payout. Further, these projects are not for the faint of heart. Executives must have the fortitude to make changes in the operating policies and the network infrastructure that may affect the lives of employees.

Vendor Strategies 233

Vendor Strategies Cost Reduction Strategies Modeling Inventory Reduction 233

Logistics Viewpoints

OCTOBER 11, 2023

A couple of weeks ago I wrote an article outlining how cargo theft is on the rise. In the United States alone, cargo theft is a $15 to $35 billion industry. The most common type of theft in recent years has been what is called strategic cargo theft, which uses deceptive means to commit theft, including the use of fraud and deceptive information to trick brokers into giving up a load.

Packaging 223

Packaging Oklahoma Arkansas New Hampshire 223

Logistics Viewpoints

SEPTEMBER 20, 2023

My colleague Fox Chen and I just kicked-off the update to ARC Advisory Group’s research on the global mobile warehouse robotics market. Fox is located in Singapore, and I am in Boston. With a solid 12-hour time zone difference between him and me, together we should be able to speak with any robotics provider at virtually any time – we are the around-the-clock research team.

Research 251

Research Warehousing Inventory Management Software Logistics Network Optimization Software 251

Logistics Viewpoints

SEPTEMBER 1, 2023

As Labor Day approaches, I can only think about kids going back to school. And when I think of going back to school, I think of a rite of passage that most kids enjoyed: watching the Price is Right on a sick day. Earlier this week, longtime host of the Price is Right, Bob Barker, passed away at the age of 99. Barker started his career with a radio show before becoming the host of Truth or Consequences in 1956.

Logistics Network Optimization Software 225

Logistics Network Optimization Software Pricing Training Los Angeles Purchasing Training 225

Logistics Viewpoints

AUGUST 31, 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 Kyle Franklin, Senior Solutions Consultant, Lucas Systems, and looks at warehouse distribution errors. Being a veteran of the warehouse industry throughout my career has given me a unique insight into many aspects of distribution interaction.

Warehousing 226

Warehousing Distribution Vendor Strategies How To 226

Logistics Viewpoints

AUGUST 28, 2023

Last week, the Teamsters, one of the largest unions in the US, voted to ratify a contract with UPS. The five-year deal includes wage increases and historic new protections for working in high temperatures for UPS’s employees. UPS is the largest parcel delivery company in North America. The company generated over $100 billion in revenue in their last financial year.

Purchasing Skills 182

Purchasing Skills Third Party Logistics North America Arizona 182

Logistics Viewpoints

AUGUST 11, 2023

Long live rock! At the beginning of this week, I took a “boy’s trip” with my son and my dad to Ohio to check out the Football Hall of Fame and the Rock n’ Roll Hall of Fame. Both venues were incredible, and it was an amazing bonding experience for the three of us. The Football Hall of Fame was especially fun as we were able to see old and new equipment up close, and my son got to try on a Joe Burrow game worn jersey.

Logistics Network Optimization Software 178

Logistics Network Optimization Software Negotiating Skills Purchasing Skills Logistics 178

Logistics Viewpoints

AUGUST 8, 2023

References to the new gig economy are ubiquitous nowadays and many say it has revolutionized the way businesses operate in today’s world. But what exactly is it? As defined by Oxford Languages, it is “a labor market characterized by the prevalence of short-term contracts or freelance work as opposed to permanent jobs.” The warehouse and DC industry has always had somewhat of a gig culture, owing to seasonal and temporary labor needs.

Optimization Software 206

Optimization Software Demand Planning Software Modeling Software Warehousing 206

Logistics Viewpoints

AUGUST 7, 2023

Cardinal Health’s senior vice president of global logistics, said of their implementation of the Kinaxis’ supply chain planning (SCP) solution, “I was scared! I put my name on the line.” He added, “we needed results in the first year.” Pete Bennett, and his co-presenter, Mary Byrne, the vice president of supply and demand planning, spoke during a presentation at Kinaxis’ user conference Kinexions.

Supply Chain Planning Software 173

Supply Chain Planning Software Supply Chain Design Software Predictive Analytics Software Modeling Software 173

Logistics Viewpoints

AUGUST 7, 2023

We have a plastic bottle problem. Around the world, 1 million plastic bottles are purchased every minute. I am one of the culprits. I love to combine my morning walk with the consumption of caffeine. In my case, I consume what I call a “walking Diet Coke” – 16.9 ounces of a tasty wake-me-up beverage in a polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottle. The Coca-Cola Company assures me that PET is a “recyclable material” that can play “a role in the circular economy.

Procurement Analytics 168

Procurement Analytics Purchasing Skills Waste Reduction Expense Reduction 168

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 198

Modeling Software Analytics Software Forecasting Software Demand Planning Software 198

Logistics Viewpoints

JULY 20, 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 Matt Elenjickal, Founder and CEO at FourKites, and looks at redefining real-time visibility. When you look at the real-time supply chain visibility market of several years ago, it was all about solving or addressing foundational use cases: Where’s my shipment?

Real-time Visibility 130

Real-time Visibility Optimal Sourcing Inventory Reduction Supply Chain Visibility 130

Logistics Viewpoints

JULY 6, 2023

The marijuana supply chain is an interesting market to follow. Like any agricultural product, there are ebbs and flows to its supply and demand. However, there is one caveat in the marijuana supply chain that makes things a bit trickier: in most states, cannabis products can only be sold and consumed within the state that the original plant was grown.

Supply Chain Design 177

Supply Chain Design Supply Chain Strategy Supply Chain Warehousing 177

Logistics Viewpoints

JUNE 19, 2023

Experts have recently warned about the possibility that artificial intelligence (AI) could lead to the destruction of 400 million jobs by 2030. These same pundits also predict that AI could lead to increases in global GDP by trillions of dollars in the same time frame. However, AI’s inability to solve the very limited problem of ensuring that inventory is located in the right place in a warehouse suggests that planners don’t have to worry too much about job security.

Supply Chain Design Software 237

Supply Chain Design Software Supply Chain Planning Software Supply Chain Network Software Optimization Software 237

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 172

Logistics Network Optimization Software Negotiating Skills North America Supply Chain Design Software 172

Logistics Viewpoints

JUNE 5, 2023

Manhattan Associates, a supplier of supply chain management software solutions and the market share leader for warehouse management systems (WMS), had their Momentum user conference a couple of weeks ago. Sanjeev Siotia, the chief technology officer at Manhattan, spoke about the role of ChatGPT for supply chain management in one of the keynotes on day one of the conference.

Supply Chain Software 207

Supply Chain Software Predictive Analytics Software Modeling Software Supply Chain 207

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 175

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Logistics Viewpoints

MAY 23, 2023

In early May, I participated in one of the supply chain industry’s premier events, which attracted more than 3,500 logistics professionals. I attend this conference every year, but this time, strolling the exhibition floor and surveying the 110+ technology providers’ latest wares, I was struck by a dichotomy. On the one hand, technology has undeniably helped the supply chain industry solve a multitude of previously intractable problems, making supply chains significantly less fragile in the proc

Real-time Visibility 182

Real-time Visibility Sourcing Strategies Supply Chain Planning Software Supply Chain Design Software 182

Logistics Viewpoints

APRIL 28, 2023

I’m back after a quick family vacation to New Orleans. The trip was amazing, as we experienced a zipline swamp tour, a second line parade on our street, the opportunity to see the greatest clarinet player in the world (Doreen Ketchens), as well as a full culinary tour of the city. While it was a bit tough to jump right back into the swing of work, I saw an interesting article about workplace conditions when I got back.

Material Savings 202

Material Savings Purchasing Skills Logistics Network Optimization Software Logistics 202

Logistics Viewpoints

APRIL 13, 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 the team at KNAPP and explores the use of warehouse robotics. Does this sound familiar to you? Customers want their goods ASAP as competition and cost pressures soar.

Warehousing 218

Warehousing Supply Chain Software Logistics Network Optimization Software Optimization Software 218

Logistics Viewpoints

APRIL 10, 2023

Pickelball is the fastest growing sport in the US. Franklin Sports needed to protect sales in this category by improving their pickleball supply chain. Franklin Sports, founded in 1946, is a third-generation business employing over 150 workers and doing roughly $200 million in business. The company, headquartered in Stoughton Massachusetts, is now headed by Adam Franklin.

Security 198

Security Supply Chain Planning Jordan Forecasting 198