Logistics

Profitable Home Delivery - A Prerequisite in Omnichannel World

March 11, 2016

Analyst Insight: Too many retailers, wholesalers and manufacturers are in a race to the bottom, when it comes to what they charge for shipping. This is not sustainable over the long run. Those that create their own granular, real-time intelligence about where they hold inventory, understand total fulfillment costs, and have the ability to dynamically steer customers to the most profitable options, will be able to satisfy and attract customers, while creating profitable order deliveries. - Bill McBeath, Chief Research Officer, ChainLink Research

Last-Mile Fulfillment

March 11, 2016

SupplyChainBrain

Analyst Insight: The orchestration of processes and information for the procurement of goods to the "last mile" delivery to the customer is a required competency in today's direct-to-consumer marketplace. The convergence of supply chain execution systems is a goal that many enterprises have yet to achieve. While some like Amazon and Walmart are well on their way, others have yet to begin the development of their strategic road map. – David Meyers, Principal - Supply Chain Technology, Tompkins International

Micrologistics as a Strategy for Improving Your Network

March 10, 2016

SupplyChainBrain

Analyst Insight: The impact of the omnichannel revolution is being felt across every element of business today, including transportation and distribution, which can impact network planning. Customers today are more connected, more informed, and more demanding than ever before, and as a consequence, firms are forced to reevaluate their fulfillment strategies to meet ever-increasing demand for fast, accurate, and low-cost delivery of product to the customer. - John Santagate, Research Manager, IDC

What Does the DC of the Future Look Like?

March 10, 2016

SupplyChainBrain

Analyst Insight: The distribution center is taking on greater importance as a driver of growth and profitability. Top companies are investing in distribution operations to drive competitive advantage and gain market share. Many are leveraging today's technology to prepare for the distribution center of the future. But there is a next wave of technologies on the horizon - from wearables to mobile manufacturing to the Internet of Things. And the tipping point for these technologies is near. - Nikko Pianetto, Group VP of Integrated Technology Solutions, Fortna Inc.

Find Interest Rate Time Bombs in Your Purchasing Policies

March 10, 2016

Matthew Holzapfel, Procurement Analytics Evangelist, Tamr Inc.

After years of historically low interest rates, the Federal Reserve has started to execute on its strategy to raise rates. As a result, procurement teams will need to scrub their policies and plans to find interest rate sensitivities in a way they haven't in almost a decade.

Big Data Has Been Missing From Logistics - But Not Anymore

March 10, 2016

Logistics Viewpoints

Big Data has led to a discussion of predictive analytics in supply chain management. I'm not sure we have a good understanding in the field of how predictive analytics differs from forecasting.

McKesson's Canadian Footprint Grows With Takeover of Rexall Health

March 9, 2016

McKesson Corporation

McKesson Corp., an international healthcare services and information technology company, is strengthening its position in Canada's pharmaceutical supply chain with the acquisition of Rexall Health for US$2.2bn.

Import of Paper for Worldwide Destinations

March 8, 2016

Challenge: In a world where speed continues to gain in importance, customers expect the ordered products to be delivered quickly. As a result of digitalization, the client found himself operating in an increasingly shrinking paper market.

Exporting Pears from Antwerp to China

March 8, 2016

Challenge: The conference pear is firm and well suited to export, but short transit times are nevertheless very important. Also, the cost of transport plays an important role, as it makes up some 10% of the retail price of the pear.

RFID Propels the Retail Sector Forward

March 8, 2016

SupplyChainBrain

Analyst Insight: With the consumer's hands firmly placed on the steering wheel, omnichannel retailing is driving the retail industry forward with record-breaking speed. Item-level RFID is fueling the journey by providing retailers with real-time inventory visibility, rich data insights, and a means for better trading partner collaboration - allowing for more efficient supply chain operations and ultimately, an enhanced customer experience. - Melanie Nuce, Vice President of Apparel and General Merchandise, GS1 US