The Logistics of Logistics

OCTOBER 30, 2023

Over his 30+ year career in the supply chain, Richard has worked with manufacturers around the world in operations, supply chain, and lean strategy roles to develop systems that can manage complex supply chains on a global scale. Richard previously founded and led Factory Logic, Inc. acquired by SAP).

Inventory Reduction 366

Inventory Reduction Optimal Sourcing Supply Chain Design Software Inventory 366

Logistics Viewpoints

NOVEMBER 26, 2024

Companies must harness a wide variety of data structures and formats, spanning internal and external sources. For example, a warehouse inventory discrepancy may only matter if it affects high-priority orders or strategic customers. While the abundance of data is seen as an asset, the real question is: What do you do with it?

Resource Reduction 143

Resource Reduction Supply Chain Planning Software Inventory Reduction Sourcing Strategies 143

Logistics Bureau

JULY 18, 2022

As you’ll know, if you follow our blog regularly, Logistics Bureau does a great deal of work related to supply chain strategy development and alignment. As a result, and as we’ve mentioned in several previously published articles, we’ve discovered that many companies lack a defined and documented supply chain strategy.

Inventory Reduction 116

Inventory Reduction Resource Reduction Vendor Strategies Cost Reduction 116

Logistics Viewpoints

NOVEMBER 8, 2022

The key to this lies with sourcing. Before diving further, let us define what sourcing is. Sourcing is the practice of finding and selecting suppliers for a range of services (e.g., Traditional sourcing practices tend to be highly manual and are fraught with latencies and inefficiencies. Digitalizing sourcing (i.e.,

Optimal Sourcing 142

Optimal Sourcing Sourcing Strategies Material Savings Supply Chain Software 142

Logistics Bureau

NOVEMBER 13, 2024

If you can identify with one or more of them, you’ll find a tip or two here to help remedy the situation and improve warehouse layout efficiency. 5 Ways to Achieve Efficient Warehouse Design: Improve Layout Efficiency & Save Costs! 2 Meandering Pickers Time is money and distance is time.

Sourcing Strategies 85

Sourcing Strategies Optimal Sourcing Material Savings Cost Reduction 85

Logistics Viewpoints

DECEMBER 2, 2021

Importers will look for near-term strategies to move their shipments away from congested trade lanes or process containers further inland to minimize the impact of lead time variability that has dramatically increased in 2021. Online buying will fuel home delivery growth, challenges and new strategies.

Waste Reduction 202

Waste Reduction Cost Reduction Inventory Reduction Resource Reduction 202

CLX Logistics

MAY 3, 2024

A resilient and agile supply chain strategy is not just a prudent choice—it’s a necessity, especially within the context of chemical supply chains. Investing in Supply Chain Ensuring supply chain resilience is paramount for chemical companies, not only for operational efficiency but also for regulatory compliance and risk management.

Material Savings 76

Material Savings Resource Reduction Cost Reduction Sourcing Strategies 76

Logistics Viewpoints

OCTOBER 17, 2024

Suppliers are now crucial strategic partners that support product innovation, efficient supply chains, and overall competitiveness. Treating suppliers as essential partners in the field of direct spend management—almost like customers—can be a key component of a successful company strategy. Nari Viswanathan is Sr.

Supply Chain Planning Software 148

Supply Chain Planning Software Manufacturing Procurement Supply Chain Design Software Optimal Sourcing 148

Material Handling and Logistics

DECEMBER 14, 2018

Learn how to organize your data operations in alignment with supply chain strategy. Complex supply chains generate more data, which companies can use to drive greater efficiency or engage in innovation that disrupts an entire industry—think Amazon. It arrives from an array of sources, and it is presented in a variety of formats.

Supply Chain Software 166

Supply Chain Software Optimal Sourcing Supply Chains Sourcing Strategies 166

Logistics Viewpoints

AUGUST 15, 2024

The digital twin, for example, can be subjected to numerous stress tests that mimic real-world conditions and observe how different variables interact and impact the entire network. Supply chain policies and configurations are tested and leverage reinforcement learning to yield the best possible strategies.

Scenario Planning 160

Scenario Planning Supply Chain Planning Software Sourcing Strategies Optimal Sourcing 160

Logistics Viewpoints

NOVEMBER 20, 2024

For senior leaders, understanding and integrating the three pillars of sustainability—environmental, social, and economic—into supply chain strategies is essential. Smart energy management systems further enhance efficiency by tracking and optimizing energy use in real-time. Efficiency is a vital component of economic sustainability.

Supply Chain Design Software 146

Supply Chain Design Software Waste Reduction Supply Chain Software Supply Chain Design 146

Logistics Bureau

OCTOBER 11, 2024

People’s pursuit for bottom-line improvement will significantly impact the way we conduct our business in the local market, the efficiency we deliver through the supply chain, and the return we generate from our investment (ROI). Do we really care about centralisation or decentralisation as a strategy?

Manufacturing Procurement 116

Manufacturing Procurement Optimal Sourcing Procurement Solutions Procurement Analytics 116

Logistics Viewpoints

JANUARY 18, 2024

1) Streamlined Data Flow and Process Automation Is all about AI At the heart of effective supply chain automation lies the seamless flow of data across various sources and digital platforms, akin to a well-constructed highway for data. This results in more accurate recommendations and efficient process automation.

Supply Chain Software 171

Supply Chain Software Supply Chain Planning Software Supply Chain Design Software Supply Chain Design 171

Logistics Viewpoints

FEBRUARY 7, 2024

A few ways companies can begin to offset their carbon footprint is to take a deeper look at product packaging, energy efficiency, alternative fuels, route optimization, and returns and recycling programs. For example, most people expect free next-day delivery for online purchases as a result of Amazon Prime.

Supply Chain Design Software 178

Supply Chain Design Software Supply Chain Software Supply Chain Design Supply Chains 178

Logistics Viewpoints

APRIL 22, 2021

alternate sourcing strategies), while others are potentially negative (e.g. As supply chains continue to evolve to drive more efficiency, we will see changes in three main areas: Physical infrastructure – Electrification and low emissions transportation and IOT supported by high volume ubiquitous connectivity via 5G.

Supply Chain Planning Software 203

Supply Chain Planning Software Supply Chain Software Supply Chains Sourcing Strategies 203

Logistics Viewpoints

OCTOBER 3, 2022

The result is that instead of being so singularly focused on labor efficiencies, companies need to consider morale. In warehouses, for example, one solution is labor management. For example, the auto industry embraced risk management after the nuclear disaster at Fukushima. In short, workers have more choices.

Supply Chain Software 191

Supply Chain Software Supply Chains Sourcing Strategies Optimal Sourcing 191

Logistics Viewpoints

FEBRUARY 11, 2021

Over the years, cost and efficiency ruled the supply chain agenda. At the same time, the Chief Purchasing Officer (CPO) has taken on a pivotal role by securing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to protect the workforce and direct materials when primary sources fail.

Manufacturing Procurement 146

Manufacturing Procurement Supply Chain Planning Software Sourcing Strategies Procurement Solutions 146

GlobalTranz

APRIL 20, 2021

A resilient supply chain incorporates alternative sources, carriers, routes, and other characteristics so that it can flex in response to a situation. Large companies with a supply chain risk strategy already in place couldn’t fully cope with the impact of the pandemic. Tips For Building Supply Chain Resiliency.

Supply Chain Planning Software 115

Supply Chain Planning Software Supply Chain Design Software Supply Chain Software Supply Chain Design 115

Logistics Viewpoints

MARCH 27, 2024

Robots offer many benefits for supply chain operations, such as increased efficiency, productivity, accuracy, safety, and flexibility. Examples of Supply Chain Robots at MODEX 2024 Several exhibitors at MODEX 2024 showcased their innovative solutions for supply chain robotics, demonstrating the diversity and potential of this field.

Optimization Software 151

Optimization Software Logistics Network Optimization Software Optimal Sourcing Supply Chain Software 151

The Logistics of Logistics

FEBRUARY 11, 2022

You are Making Significant Logistics Strategy Changes : When you realize that your current WMS cannot support new processes effectively or at all. You are Facing New Omnichannel Fulfillment Requirements : The boom of ecommerce and direct to consumer demands require new strategies and cutting-edge WMS capabilities.

Modeling Software 221

Modeling Software Logistics Network Optimization Software Cost Reduction Vendor Strategies 221

Logistics Viewpoints

OCTOBER 9, 2024

As businesses face tighter regulations on product safety, sustainability, and ethical sourcing, Digital Product Passports (DPPs) are becoming crucial for navigating these challenges. As the regulatory environment continues to shift, companies that adopt DPP strategies will be better prepared for the future.

Compliance 133

Compliance Digital Sourcing Strategies Waste Reduction 133

Logistics Viewpoints

JUNE 15, 2021

These new tools will free time for managers and engineers, making them more productive and their DCs more efficient and effective. Proactively re-slot products to improve efficiency. For example, the traditional approach to workforce planning is to use an engineered labor standards system. To read the full article, click HERE.

Optimal Sourcing 152

Optimal Sourcing Supply Chain Planning Software Modeling Software Optimization Software 152

IoT World Today

MAY 21, 2020

Supply chain recovery hinges on incorporating robust data analytics and other data-driven tools into business operations to increase efficiency, reduce costs and proactively manage risk. Practitioners must develop a data analytics strategy that gives them insight into supply chain aberrations before catastrophe sets in. “If

Supply Chain Planning Software 145

Supply Chain Planning Software Supply Chain Software Supply Chains Sourcing Strategies 145

Logistics Viewpoints

AUGUST 5, 2021

I was drawn to Hunter and Amory Lovins, who advocated a strategy pairing energy efficiency with renewables, long before its current popularity. We must plan, source, make, and deliver differently for supply chain sustainability. These examples address the source, make, and deliver areas of supply chain.

Supply Chain Planning Software 190

Supply Chain Planning Software Supply Chains Material Savings Waste Reduction 190

Freightos

NOVEMBER 6, 2024

One speaker – Megan Kelley of Crane Logistics – for example, shared that Crane aims to have their partners use the standards they’ve developed in-house. At Crane, successful integration of disparate data sources is already leading to cost savings by eliminating duplicate work and many errors.

Sourcing Strategies 62

Sourcing Strategies Logistics Network Optimization Software Optimization Software Digital 62

Logistics Viewpoints

NOVEMBER 10, 2021

I was familiar with GXO as the former logistics segment of XPO and knew about select examples of its warehouse automation investments. But I was not well-informed on the breadth and depth of the company’s warehouse technology investments or the overarching technology strategy. Source: GXO Logistics Q3 2021 Investor Presentation.

Logistics Network Optimization Software 153

Logistics Network Optimization Software Modeling Software Tips Cost Reduction 153

SYSPRO Smarter ERP

NOVEMBER 8, 2021

According to McKinsey , the value of goods traded globally has tripled to more than US$10 trillion since 2000, and because of recent events, they are having to re-evaluate supply chain strategies. Unfortunately, the state of disruption to the current landscape has never been contemplated and very few strategies exist to navigate it.

Supply Chain Planning Software 116

Supply Chain Planning Software Supply Chain Software Supply Chains Sourcing Strategies 116

Logistics Viewpoints

MARCH 2, 2022

For example, the rapid increase in the price of oil to over $100 a barrel for WTI is sure to result in additional inflation in our current inflationary environment. For example, Volkswagen is halting production at two electric vehicle plants in Germany as a result of interruptions of components sourced from Ukraine.

Supply Chains 163

Supply Chains Sourcing Strategies Factories Course 163

SYSPRO Smarter ERP

OCTOBER 4, 2021

This allows for more than just catering to online customers and managing operations remotely, but an opportunity for organizations to run smarter, improve operations and efficiency which will make an impact to the bottom-line. Use ERP to improve operations and efficiency. ERP to drive business strategy and insights.

Manufacturing Procurement 119

Manufacturing Procurement ERP Distribution Supply Chain Software 119

Logistics Viewpoints

JANUARY 13, 2022

As organizations look for reducing dependencies on concentrated sources of supply, Eastern Europe, Mexico, and South Asian countries will start providing viable alternatives to the current manufacturing powerhouse countries. American Supply Chain Resilience Act and the German Supply Chain Act are just two examples of this.

Supply Chain Design Software 165

Supply Chain Design Software Supply Chain Planning Software Supply Chain Software Supply Chain Design 165

AIMMS

JULY 13, 2020

Other reviews (prepared for decision-making versus attending for receiving information) are shared by the owners of each strategy element/pillar. For instance, COOs own the supply strategy, marketing the portfolio strategy, and so forth. Image source: Oliver Wight. Pitfall #7: No alignment with the strategic growth plan.

Scenario Planning 160

Scenario Planning Supply Chain Planning Software Resource Reduction Sourcing Strategies 160

SYSPRO Smarter ERP

APRIL 18, 2022

Longstanding weaknesses in the supply chain like port infrastructure, outdated supply chain strategies and impacts of natural disaster and wars have all further affected global supply chains. It is, therefore, extremely difficult to secure new sources of supply in a timely manner. Collaboration for transparency and profitability .

Manufacturing Procurement 124

Manufacturing Procurement Supply Chain Planning Software Supply Chain Software ERP 124

Now, That's Logistics

JANUARY 7, 2021

During a year when e-commerce sales skyrocketed, the global pandemic impacted supply chains around the globe, and transportation capacity contracted across most modes, while companies worked to get their logistics strategies realigned with this “new normal” operating environment. Two Big Players: E-com and Health Care.

Sourcing Strategies 122

Sourcing Strategies Trends Manufacturing Procurement Logistics Network Optimization Software 122

Logistics Viewpoints

MAY 26, 2022

The pursuit of ever higher efficiency and speed have dominated transformation initiatives for more than forty years, driven in large part by the assumption that raw materials, commodities, warehouse space, transportation capacity and labor will be plentiful and immediately available at stable and often declining cost.

Supply Chain Software 178

Supply Chain Software Optimal Sourcing Supply Chain Design Software Logistics Network Optimization Software 178

Logistics Viewpoints

SEPTEMBER 4, 2024

From raw material sourcing to end-of-life disposal, each step is recorded securely on a distributed ledger. As the ecosystem evolves, questions around scalability, energy efficiency, and infrastructure readiness will shape the adoption timeline.

Supply Chain Design Software 161

Supply Chain Design Software Supply Chain Planning Software Supply Chain Software Modeling Software 161

Logistics Viewpoints

JULY 22, 2021

As product flows rapidly shifted and hard baked assumptions about lead times and sourcing locations were put to test, users across many organizations bypassed their planning systems and turned to excel sheets, internal data science teams or non-traditional supply chain vendors who could deliver AI based solutions at a faster turn.

Supply Chain Planning Software 162

Supply Chain Planning Software Supply Chain Design Software Optimal Sourcing Scenario Planning 162

Logistics Viewpoints

APRIL 7, 2022

As an example, a major retailer whose market presence is in the Americas realized that several of their shipments that originate in China pass through Russia to make their way to the west and are now subject to shipment backlogs. Some may have believed themselves to be immune at one point, but now their perspective is shifting.

Supply Chain Design Software 167

Supply Chain Design Software Supply Chain Planning Software Supply Chain Software Supply Chain Design 167