IBM is bringing artificial intelligence and blockchain technology to bear on supply-chain management — with a twist.

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.

Earlier this year, the University of California sued Amazon, Walmart, Target and other major retailers for alleged infringement of four university patents related to “filament” LED light bulbs.

Retailers are launching new programs and collaborative efforts to improve customer experience in last-mile delivery.

It’s hard enough shoring up cybersecurity within the walls of your own business. But doing the same for the army of partners that makes up a global supply chain? That can be next to impossible.

Fuel and freight make up nearly two-thirds of logistics costs. Supply-chain and logistics managers need to optimize those costs to improve the bottom line.

The rise of smart factories promises to impact the future of manufacturing in emerging economies.

Digital network platforms and advanced analytics are making it possible for logistics providers to achieve unprecedented levels of visibility and collaboration, enabling true end-to-end supply chains.

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.