Transportation & Distribution

Philips Medical Revitalizes Parts Distribution

April 1, 1999

Netherlands-based Philips Medical Systems revamped its spare-parts logistics network to better serve owners of its diagnostic imaging machines. These changes were in line with a larger trend in Europe, where roadblocks to centralized distribution of medical equipment slowly are coming down - giving U.S. companies new opportunities for carving out market share.

Europe is a Pain for Distribution of Consumer Health Products

March 1, 1999

Europe's widely differing regulations of the consumer health product industry pose significant obstacles to centralized distribution. For companies trying to build efficiencies into their supply chains, such as health care giant Novartis, it's a real Maalox moment.

Elizabeth Arden's Supply Chain Gets Dramatic Facelift

February 1, 1999

Kurt C. Hoffman

The cosmetics and fragrances manufacturer significantly reduced order-cycle times by assigning production and logistics operations to the same manager, and by implementing ISM's SPEX export documentation system.

Mikasa Redesigns Distribution To Match Retail Demands

September 1, 1998

Kurt C. Hoffman

To meet changing retailer requirements and sales growth demands, tableware designer Mikasa built a new, highly automated distribution center in Charleston, S.C., adopting an unusual design that conserves both energy and space.

Ocean Carriers Share Assets to Reduce Costs, Enhance Service Offerings

June 1, 1998

John Davies

Shipping alliances allow carriers to realize economies of scale while providing customers with more frequent sailings and faster transit times. Some critics, however, question the competitive results.

Global Sourcing Helps Home Depot Keep Prices Low, Quality High

April 1, 1998

Jean V. Murphy

Home Depot has centralized its import operations, opened a major import distribution center in Savannah, Ga., and installed purchase-order and import tracking software from RockPort Trade Systems to support its continuing, rapid-fire growth.

LEGO's Logistics Blocks Include 'Combi' Transport, Recyclable Packaging

April 1, 1998

Global Logistics & Supply Chain Strategies

Denmark-based LEGO Group keeps its brightly-colored blocks flowing to consumers in 150 countries by incorporating logistics as an important adjunct to both manufacturing and sales.

Audiovox Uses Public Warehouses, FTZs to Quiet Supply-chain Static

March 1, 1998

Kurt C. Hoffman

Consolidation of North American distribution points, a major shift from company-owned and -operated facilities to public warehousing, and economies from a little-known program with U.S. Customs helped slash inventory and associated costs for the Audiovox Corp., a consumer electronics company in Hauppauge, N.Y.

Gymboree Finds a European Launching Pad in Ireland

February 1, 1998

Grant Park

The Shannon Free Zone's irresistible tax benefits and other advantages helped it win the business of Gymboree and of many other companies looking for a European launch pad.

Following McDonald's to China Was Not As Easy as Pie

February 1, 1998

Karen E. Thuermer

When Bama Companies, a Tulsa, Okla.-based pie maker, found it too costly to continue exporting to China to supply McDonald's, its biggest customer, Bama officials decided to set up operations there. Implementing that decision involved numerous challenges.

Transportation & Distribution

The latest news, analysis, services and systems regarding transportation and distribution and their impact on global supply chains. Today’s companies are shipping and delivering perishables and manufactured goods faster and farther around the world than ever before through transportation and distribution solutions. New technologies that provide information during local and global shipments via air, ground and sea are transforming the way companies do business - and allowing them to stay ahead of the competition in their industries. As these services continue to evolve, businesses are discovering new ways to increase efficiency and cut costs. Learn how companies are using transportation and distribution solutions to power their supply chains.