Analyst Insight: Customers of 3PLs face fundamental market transformation impacting their supply chain operations and initiatives. Connected commerce drives basic changes to fulfillment operations. Change is occurring at internet speed. 3PLs haven't traditionally been known for "anticipating" customer requirements changes. They have, however, been exceptional in responding to customers' requirements when the changes become apparent. In today's fast-paced markets, responding to change may not be enough. Vested relationships based on innovation are the new 3PL imperative. – Rich Sherman, author and founder at Gold & Domas Research
Analyst Insight: Implementation time-lines for transportation management outsourcing continue to shrink thanks to cloud-based systems, process standardization, and features like automated carrier contract management. This is not the case for facility start-ups. With 10+ key milestones, hundreds of key tasks and sub-tasks, time-line slippage and cost overruns can quickly extend the time to value for both 3PLs and shippers. – Valerie Bonebrake, Senior Vice President, Tompkins International
The International Air Transport Association released full-year air cargo data for 2014 showing 4.5 percent demand growth compared to 2013 measured by freight tonne kilometers, a significant acceleration from the 1.4 percent recorded in 2013 over 2012.
The Procter & Gamble Company plans to build a multi-category manufacturing facility in Berkeley County, West Virginia, in the Eastern Panhandle of the state near the town of Tabler Station. When the plant opens in 2017, it will be one of the most advanced and sustainable plants among P&G's global manufacturing and supply-chain operations.
The Centre on Regulation in Europe (CERRE) has published a series of studies designed to understand why competition in the European railroad industry has been successfully implemented in some cases but in others has led to a decline in the modal share for rail freight.
Chainalytics has taken over Sydney-based Logiworx, a partner since 2009 in several supply chain management projects in the Asia-Pacific region. With the acquisition, Chainalytics gains expertise in verticals such as mining, metals, oil and gas, as well as extending capacity in supply management and procurement of direct and indirect materials.
