Global Supply Chain Management

Improving Returns Is Biggest Opportunity for Retailers to Increase E-Shopping Satisfaction

June 8, 2012

While 86 percent of consumers are satisfied with the overall experience of shopping online, e-tailers still have significant opportunity to improve customer satisfaction and their competitive position by making the process of returning or exchanging items easier, a new comScore study shows.

Almost 50 Percent of Fortune 500 Companies Post Information Online Only in English

June 8, 2012

One Hour Translation

At least half of Fortune 500 companies don't bother to translate their online information, which is alarming given that 70 percent of people using the internet are not native English speakers, says a study from One Hour Translation.

Commitment to America Said to Take Center Stage as Manufacturing Sector Growth Continues

June 8, 2012

ThomasNet.com

Buoyed by growth and confident in their futures, American manufacturers are laying out an agenda for restoring their industry to its earlier glory, according to results of ThomasNet.com's newest Industry Market Barometer (IMB). Overwhelmingly, they are pushing to revitalize the American manufacturing sector by creating jobs at home, doing business with U.S. suppliers, and expressing pride in the quality of products that are "Made in America."

U.S. Import Regulations on Canadian Meat Products Said to Be Too Restrictive

June 7, 2012

Fraser Institute

A simplified "Product of Canada and the USA" labeling system should apply to beef and pork as well as livestock raised, processed, and traded between Canada and the United States, says a study released by the Fraser Institute, a Canadian public policy think tank, and the Competitive Enterprise Institute of Washington, DC.

Watch Out for 'Gotchas' in Outsourcing Contracts Because They Are About More Than Price

June 7, 2012

Outsourcing Center

Negotiating a good outsourcing agreement involves much more than just achieving the pricing you desire. As you go through the process, you will go through the normal "give and take" discussions as you work with your potential provider(s). However, it is important that you do not focus solely on pricing.

Report Explores Value of Integration in Logistics Outsourcing

June 7, 2012

Saddle Creek Logistics Services

Why are many companies choosing to outsource a variety of logistics functions to a single provider? They recognize the positive impact that integration can have on their company's supply chain, according to a new study just released by Saddle Creek Logistics Services.

3PL Cost Control Strategies

June 7, 2012

SupplyChainBrain

Knowing how to effectively manage fuel costs is an important skill for 3PL providers, particularly in the current environment of volatile and spiking oil prices, says Skip Wendel, global vice president for consumer and retail at UTi Worldwide.

U.S. Manufacturing is Gaining Ground, But the Rate Varies from Region to Region

June 6, 2012

Brookings Metropolitan Policy Program

U.S. manufacturing has been one of the few bright spots of the recovery, restoring 489,000 jobs since the beginning of 2010. However, there are some significant geographic distinctions in that recovery, says a recent report.

Mobile Applications in Transportation

June 6, 2012

Jeff Vielhaber, Vice President, Operations, TTS

According to the Pew Research Center, one-third of U.S. adults own a smartphone. With smartphones dominating the consumer market, it is more possible now than ever to conduct business while on the move. What does this mean for the transportation industry? It means drivers can have the increased ability to communicate transit information to agents and carriers, while agents can have a snapshot of every load they've brokered in their pocket. In essence, mobile applications provide the opportunity to take a streamlined approach to operational efficiency in the transportation industry.

Online Retail Will Be Main Driver in Developing Distribution Space in Europe, Report Finds

June 6, 2012

CBRE

The major expansion of internet retailing is expected to be the biggest driver of activity in the European logistics market - and the need for distribution space - in the coming three years, according to a survey conducted by global real estate advisor CBRE.