While the debate rages over whether the loss of industrial jobs is caused by offshoring, immigration or automation, the revolutionizing power of robots in the supply chain is becoming undeniable.

Manufacturers today face increasingly complex challenges, from economic instability to compliance pressures and heightened global competition.

With each passing year, the use of technology in manufacturing continues to grow, and blue-collar job requirements become more sophisticated, further widening the skills gap.

As consumers become more eco-conscious, they push brands to adopt more sustainable practices. Many have responded by increasing their reliance on returnable industrial packaging.

Many firms are surprised to discover just how much of software implementation work is not included in the implementation scope from their software vendor. 

In naming new executive director Danny Wan, the Port of Oakland drew from among its ranks — Wan has served for 13 years in a variety of advisory and executive management roles, including port attorney. In this conversation with SupplyChainBrain, he outlines his vision of the port’s future.

In recent years, supply chain has become a hotbed of innovation and a darling of venture investors. A series of new technologies has matured and brought new life to this historically rather stodgy space.

Retail supply-chain executives are under intense pressure to support the seamless omnichannel experiences that consumers are demanding in the digital age.