Logistics

What Does the DC of the Future Look Like?

March 10, 2016

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

Innovating to Meet Needs of Retiring Baby Boomers

March 7, 2016

SupplyChainBrain

Analyst Insight: The highly competitive pharmaceutical industry is innovating rapidly to meet the changing needs of an aging U.S. population. More than 10,000 baby boomers are turning 65 every day, a pattern that will continue for at least 14 years and equating to over 50 million by the year 2029. As such, how and where consumers obtain and receive pharmaceuticals will change, and logistics will be a driving force behind these movements. -- Kim McQuilken, Chief Operating Officer, Spend Management Experts

Click and Collect: Opening the Door to Competitive Advantage

March 7, 2016

SupplyChainBrain

Analyst Insight: Retailers are seeing new opportunities afforded by omnichannel commerce to leverage brick-and-mortar assets as more than just nodes in the distribution network. They are taking advantage of customers' desires for low or no shipping costs to drive additional in-store spend and seamless returns that make customers happy and ease the burden on distribution. -- Rob Dold, Retail Industry Leader, Fortna Inc.

Sharks vs. Jets on the West Coast Waterfront?

March 7, 2016

Robert J. Bowman, SupplyChainBrain

Here's a question for U.S. exporters who were grievously harmed by the West Coast longshore labor slowdown in late 2014 and early 2015: Would it make you feel any better to learn that you were the victims of "a street brawl"?