OPSdesign’s Consultants, Engineers, and Analysts are supply chain logistics subject matter experts, authors, and speakers. We have written books, have been published in respected trade journals and business magazines, and are frequent speakers at leading supply chain conferences. Check back here often for our latest insights on trending supply chain logistics topics.
The Rise of NILF: Labor Force Withdrawal Among Able-Bodied Young People
NILF, or Not in the Labor Force, refers to individuals aged 16 and over who are neither employed nor actively seeking employment. This category is...
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Understanding The Difference Between AGVs & AMRs: Definition, Types, Applications, & Navigation Technologies
AGVs & AMRs (Automated Guided Vehicles and Autonomous Mobile Robots) are reshaping the way materials are moved in manufacturing, warehousing, distribution, and fulfillment operations. Although...
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Climate Conscious Contracts
As global efforts to combat climate change accelerate, industries across the board are being challenged to play a more active role in creating a sustainable...
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The Future of the Supply Chain
The future of supply chain management is being shaped by a convergence of technology, sustainability, and human capital. Disruptions caused by global events, shifting consumer...
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Comparative Analysis of Six Sigma, 5s, Lean, and Related Frameworks
In the modern industrial and supply chain environment, organizations continuously seek ways to improve operational efficiency, reduce waste, and enhance product and service quality. To...
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Designing Highly Efficient Warehouse Workstations
Well-engineered workstations harmonize process optimization, digital system integration, infrastructure flexibility, and labor efficiency. In modern supply chain operations, the demand for agility, customization, and value-added...
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Understanding Racking Options
Pallet storage racks are the unsung heroes of any warehouse operation. As the foundation of material handling and inventory storage, the right racking system can...
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How the Fourth of July Impacts the Supply Chain
The Fourth of July is a time of celebration for many, but behind the scenes, it creates a flurry of operational activity across supply chains...
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The Definition of “Data Cortex” in Supply Chain Context
A Data Cortex is a unified, intelligent data infrastructure that acts as the "brain" of supply chain operations — integrating data from across systems, applying advanced analytics...
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Are Autonomous Mobile Robots Right for Your E-Commerce Operation
The e-commerce landscape has undergone a radical transformation over the past several years. Increasing consumer demand for faster delivery, greater order customization, and 24/7 availability...
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Location Modeling, Transportation, Logistics, & Distribution Network Analysis Network Rationalization
How many distribution centers (DCs) should your company operate? Where should they be located? How large should each facility be, what inventory should reside in...
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Robots As A Service (RaaS)
RaaS or Robots As A Service is a great way to lower the financial barriers to automation and speed up implementation. In recent years, automation...
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Warehouse Labor Availability and Automation Trends
A recent jobs report reveals warehouse labor availability in the United States. While immediate disruptions are minimal, the long-term outlook is shaky. The U.S. labor...
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Why Supply Chain Projects Fail
Supply Chain projects fail every day. Avoiding a crash-and-burn scenario requires not just ambition, but alignment, rigor, and foresight. In 2025, supply chain transformation is...
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Warehouse Shelving & Rack Collapse
Warehouse shelving and rack collapses—like the one pictured—remain one of the most preventable yet devastating hazards in industrial facilities today. These incidents can destroy millions...
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Blockchain Integration in the Supply Chain
Blockchain integration in supply chains is enhancing transparency, traceability, and trust. Modern supply chains are incredibly complex. Spanning across countries and involving dozens—sometimes hundreds—of partners,...
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Aging Infrastructure in America’s Logistics Backbone
Aging infrastructure the a quiet crisis that plagues the country's must vital ports, highways and rail systems. The American logistics network is a marvel of...
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Leveraging Predictive Analytics For Proactive Inventory Management
Utilizing predictive analytics for proactive inventory management in today’s demand-driven, fast-moving supply chain landscape has become a standard as warehouses can no longer afford to...
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Nearshoring and Reshoring Amid Geopolitical Pressures and Tariffs
Nearshoring and reshoring are emerging as compelling alternatives to the offshoring model. In an era marked by escalating geopolitical tensions and shifting trade dynamics, companies...
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Rack-Supported Warehouses vs Traditional Warehouses
Many companies are exploring rack-supported warehouses as an alternative to conventional warehouse construction. A rack-supported warehouse is a structure where the storage racking itself supports...
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Avoiding Band-Aid® Fixes in Supply Chain Operations
In supply chain management, decision-makers often face a fundamental choice: apply Band-Aid® fixes or undertake holistic reengineering. Quick fixes – the proverbial "Band-Aids®" – are...
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Emerging Warehouse Technologies: USA vs Europe
Global spending on emerging warehouse technologies has surged in recent years, with North America and Europe leading the charge. North America currently dominates warehouse automation...
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Ethical Surveillance in the Supply Chain
Ethical surveillance in the supply chain refers to the proactive monitoring and auditing of supply chain activities to ensure compliance with ethical standards, human rights,...
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Optimizing Your Supply Chain: Right-Sizing for Speed, Scale, and Service
In today’s fast-paced supply chain landscape, static, one-size-fits-all distribution network strategies are no longer effective. Businesses are dealing with rising customer expectations, shorter fulfillment cycles,...
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Optimizing International Logistics with Incoterms 2020: A Comprehensive Guide for Supply Chain Professionals
Optimizing international logistics with Incoterms is essential for ensuring clarity and efficiency in global trade. Incoterms (International Commercial Terms) are a set of 11 standardized...
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Recording and Transcribing Web Meetings: Legal Implications
Electronically recording and transcribing web meetings has become increasingly important in today’s fast-paced global economy. The supply chain industry is heavily reliant on digital communication...
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The Impact of COVID-19 and Trade War Escalations on Global Supply Chains
The global supply chain has undergone profound transformations driven by the COVID-19 pandemic and escalating trade tensions. These events have exposed vulnerabilities and prompted a...
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AMRs (Autonomous Mobile Robots) for Warehouse Operations
Are Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs) the future of warehouse operations? In the ever-evolving world of logistics and supply chain management, warehouse operations are at the...
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Human Augmentation in the Warehouse: The Future of Work
As technology continues to evolve, human augmentation will play an increasingly pivotal role in shaping the future of warehouse operations. The world of warehousing and...
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Comparing Supply Chain Consulting Firms: Independent vs. Vendor-Affiliated
Organizations seeking to optimize their supply chain and warehouse operations often turn to supply chain consulting firms specializing in warehouse design, material handling, and process...
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ProMat 2025: The Future of Supply Chain Innovation
ProMat 2025, the premier event for manufacturing and supply chain professionals, is set to take place in Chicago. It will bring together thousands of industry...
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The Impact of U.S. Tariffs on Canada, Mexico and China
This article does not examine political issues or form an opinion on them. Instead, it focuses on these new tariffs' immediate and foreseeable impact on...
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Retail Technology: From Price Stampers to A.I. Automation
Retail technology has transformed dramatically over the past century, fundamentally changing how we shop. From the humble beginnings of individually priced items and manual cash...
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CASE STUDY: Strategic Advantage and Tactical Superiority in Supply Chain Operations
In today's highly competitive business environment, companies continually seek ways to differentiate themselves and gain a strategic edge. While pricing strategies are often the focal...
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Tariffs and the U.S. Supply Chain
The trade policies of the United States, particularly the recent focus on tariffs, have profoundly affected global supply chains. One of the most significant shifts...
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Bitcoin Vulnerabilities Due to Quantum Computing
Bitcoin’s security largely depends on the computational difficulty of reversing specific cryptographic algorithms but the rapid evolution of quantum computing technology is prompting serious concerns...
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How AI Can Improve Supply Chain Processes
Managing supply chain processes efficiently has become more challenging than ever in today's fast-paced, globalized world. With growing customer expectations, fluctuating market conditions, and the...
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SpaceX Raptor Engines: Engineering Simplicity, Elegance & Functionality
The SpaceX Raptor engines (Raptor 1 and Raptor 3) are designed for spaceflight, particularly for the Starship and Super Heavy launch system. The Raptor engines...
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Using 6-Sigma, 5S, and Lean Disciplines in the Warehouse
Efficient and effective warehouse management is the cornerstone of supply chain success. Adopting proven methodologies to streamline operations and improve productivity is critical in a...
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Postponement In The Supply Chain: Concept, Costs, Benefits, and Risks
In today’s highly dynamic and interconnected global market, postponement in the supply chain can help or hurt your business depending on how you go about...
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Consolidated Mega DCS vs. Multiple DCS Closer To The Customer vs. Micro DCS
Pros, Cons, and Finding the Right Balance for Service and Cost In today’s fast-paced, customer-centric world, the design of a company’s distribution network is a...
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