Supply chain network design, a branch of operations research, helps in strategic decision-making about nodes, sourcing, transportation modes and inventory levels.

Projects funded by the grants include bridge, track, and grade crossing improvements, expanded passenger rail corridors, and workforce improvements. 

The deal will mark around $1 billion of investments in acquisitions by Blue Yonder since Q4 2023 in its quest to provide a unified end-to-end supply chain management platform.

With proper human oversight, NLP can reduce supply chain challenges even before they occur, thus potentially saving companies substantial time and money.

The FAST PASS Act would mandate the secretary of transportation to study how critical cargo can be expedited in emergencies like hurricanes and pandemics. 

The predicted surge in electric vehicle demand carries the potential to exacerbate sourcing challenges for key battery minerals, potentially disrupting automotive manufacturing.

The Task Manager, a supply chain-focused project management tool, offers a product- and supplier-centric approach.

When it comes to assessing supply chain risks, planners generally don’t place natural disasters at the top of the list. But with the growing number of extreme weather events, that could change in the coming years.

In 2024, the distribution industry stands at a crossroads, shaped by rapid technological advances and evolving supply chain dynamics.

Industry consolidation will continue this year as a proving ground for companies’ tech. Two thousand twenty-four will be the year our industry begins to realize the promises of modernity.