Logistics

Customs Automation Is Finally Happening. Really!

March 4, 2016

After years of delay, the automation of importer filings, involving multiple government agencies, is upon us. Say hello to the "Single Window."

Trac Intermodal in Joint Venture to Create Intermodal Data Hub

March 3, 2016

Trac Intermodal

Trac Intermodal has joined Gary Chilo, founder of Blocking and Tackling LLC, in creation of the Intermodal Data Hub.

Reshaping the U.S. Trucking Industry

March 3, 2016

SupplyChainBrain

Analyst Insight: The U.S. trucking industry is experiencing unprecedented change that is spurring consolidation in the fragmented market. For shippers, the upheaval can be both good and bad news. Acquisitions can offer shippers the opportunity to expand operations to new areas without the need to change carriers. Conversely, consolidation reduces competition in the marketplace and may have a negative impact on rates or service levels. Throughout this shakeout, shippers will need to determine how the market adjustments will fit into their strategic growth plans. - Brian Broadhurst, Vice President of Transportation Solutions, Spend Management Experts

Commercial Supply Chains Driving Advances in Humanitarian Relief

March 3, 2016

SupplyChainBrain

Analyst Insight: Logistics accounts for the bulk of humanitarian relief expenditures. Application of technologies and frameworks used in commercial supply chain activities can reduce costs, increase velocity and save lives during crisis. - Kathy Fulton, Executive Director, American Logistics Aid Network

The Three Rings of Inventory Optimization

March 3, 2016

SupplyChainBrain

Analyst Insight: Ever wonder why a majority of inventory optimization projects struggle to completely realize potential benefits? Most companies focus solely on inventory strategy, without taking a comprehensive, holistic approach. Taking the holistic approach introduces two additional levers to inventory optimization - business alignment and execution excellence - which, coupled with inventory strategy, enable supply chains to achieve strategic and targeted performance improvement goals. We call these the three rings of inventory optimization. - Rodrigo Cambiaghi, Principal; Claudio Menegusso, Senior Manager; Mark Johnson, Manager; and Saurabh Jha, Senior, all in the Advisory Services of Ernst & Young LLP

E-Commerce Growth Notwithstanding, Retailers Expand Their Brick-and-Mortar Presence Worldwide

March 3, 2016

CBRE

Retailers are expanding their networks of stores internationally this year despite the presumed headwind of online shopping, with a greater percentage eyeing growth in the Americas than last year, according to a survey of more than 150 major, international brands released by CBRE Group, Inc.

Personalized Multichannel Logistics

March 2, 2016

SupplyChainBrain

Analyst Insight: Your target customers have completed their research and are ready to purchase your product. Then comes the final step in the purchasing process - selecting the delivery method (logistics channel) that best fits their immediate needs. In today's world, whether customers realize it or not, they are driving companies to become more flexible in their logistics capabilities. - Thompson Brockman, Partner, Tompkins International

The Growing Impact of IoT on Supply Chains

March 2, 2016

SupplyChainBrain

Analyst Insight: The growth of IoT (the Internet of Things) will impact supply chains dramatically in the long run. Increasingly instrumented and connected manufacturing plants, warehouses, vehicles, and the products themselves will provide very precise, real-time 'X-ray vision' into what is happening in the plant, on the road, and in the field. - Bill McBeath, Chief Research Officer, ChainLink Research

Giant Steps Needed for Distribution Footprint Optimization

March 2, 2016

SupplyChainBrain

Analyst Insight: Suppliers competing in a global market grapple with several factors that are pushing them to redesign their distribution footprints. A boom in mergers and acquisitions, increasing delivery demands, and a shift in the locations of supply sources are all converging, requiring reconfigurations of the single or multi-echelon networks of warehouses and cross-docks used to "hub and spoke" products in a cost-effective manner to customers while ensuring the appropriate level of required customer responsiveness. - Michael Albritton, Director, AlixPartners

APIs: Let the Transition Begin

March 1, 2016

SupplyChainBrain

Analyst Insight: At the start of 2016, one quest remains unchanged: how to take cost out of the transportation process. The focus on greater efficiencies and visibility is critical for a well performing supply chain. Shippers, 3PLs and carriers need to embrace new data visibility solutions that reduce costs, serve customers more effectively, and improve operating performance for everyone. APIs are one such solution that will continue to gain traction. - Karl B. Manrodt, Professor of Logistics and Supply Chain Management, Georgia College & State University

Logistics

The latest news, analysis, services and systems regarding logistics and freight and their impact on global supply chains. Today’s companies are transporting and delivering perishables and manufactured goods in a more timely and efficient manner than ever before through logistics solutions. New technologies that provide information during local and global shipments are transforming the way companies do business - and allowing them to stay ahead of the competition in their industries. As transportation and distribution services continue to evolve, businesses are discovering new ways to increase efficiency and cut costs. Learn how companies are using logistics and cargo solutions to power their supply chains.