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.
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,...
Read More
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...
Read More
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...
Read More
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...
Read More
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...
Read More
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...
Read More
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...
Read More
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,...
Read More
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,...
Read More
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...
Read More
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...
Read More
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...
Read More
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...
Read More
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...
Read More
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...
Read More
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...
Read More
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...
Read More
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...
Read More
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...
Read More
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...
Read More
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...
Read More
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...
Read More
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...
Read More
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...
Read More
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...
Read More
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...
Read More
Returns Management in the Supply Chain: A Comprehensive Overview
Returns management, or reverse logistics, refers to the process of moving goods from their final destination back to the manufacturer or retailer for return, repair,...
Read More
Humanoid Robots in Warehouse Operations: Transforming Logistics and Supply Chains
Let's explore the use of humanoid robots in various warehouse operations, predicting the areas where they will be deployed effectively and the timeline for their...
Read More
Warehouse Floor Flatness: The Cornerstone of Efficient Operations
Warehouse operations, particularly those involving automated systems, high-density storage, or very narrow aisles (VNA), rely on the condition and quality of the floor. Flatness is...
Read More
Detention and Demurrage Charges and How to Reduce them
Detention and demurrage charges can significantly impact a business's logistics costs, but they are not unavoidable. In the global supply chain and shipping industry, detention...
Read More
The Future of Supply Chain Technology
Revolutionizing Distribution Network Optimization and Warehouse Operations The supply chain industry is undergoing an unprecedented transformation, driven by rapid technological advances and evolving customer expectations....
Read More
Engineered Standards in the Warehouse
OPSdesign has created this guide to engineered standards in the warehouse. In today's highly competitive logistics and supply chain industry, warehouses manage increasing demands for...
Read More
Pallet Trucks: Types, Uses, and Pros and Cons
Pallet trucks, commonly known as pallet jacks, are essential in warehouses, factories, and distribution centers for moving heavy loads, particularly pallets, over short distances. These...
Read More
E-Commerce Fulfillment Trends: Seamless, Efficient Customer Journeys
This article will explore the significant e-commerce fulfillment trends, including the growing emphasis on delivery speed and convenience, the personalization of customer experiences, sustainability practices,...
Read More
Self-Funding Supply Chain Technologies
Self-funding supply chain technologies represent a transformative approach to managing and optimizing supply chains. In the fast-paced world of global commerce, where supply chains span...
Read More
PPE: Essential Personal Safety Gear for Warehouse Employees
Warehouse environments are known for their bustling activity, heavy machinery, and constant movement of goods. Workers in these settings face several hazards, from slips and...
Read More
The Role of 3PLs and 4PLs in the Supply Chain
In the increasingly global and complex world of supply chain management, third-party logistics providers (3PLs) and fourth-party logistics providers (4PLs) have become pivotal players. These...
Read More
Warehouse Launch Disasters: Lessons and Strategies to Avoid Catastrophic Failures
Launching a new warehouse is a complex endeavor that requires detailed planning, precise execution, and coordination across various teams. A well-planned warehouse launch can increase...
Read More
Attention Warehouse Manager: 15 Ways to Keep Your Job
Avoiding termination as a warehouse manager involves strong leadership skills, effective communication, efficient operational management, and alignment with company goals. Warehouse managers are responsible for...
Read More
3 Warehouse Order Picking Methods Compared
Warehouse order picking is critical in supply chain management, directly affecting productivity, accuracy, and fulfillment speed. Choosing the right order-picking method depends on various factors,...
Read More
Warehouse Drones Improve Efficiency, Accuracy and Safety
Warehouse drones promise to improve efficiency, accuracy, and safety in inventory management and stocktaking tasks. As warehouse operations become more complex and competitive, the demand...
Read More
Exoskeleton Devices in Warehousing: Transforming Efficiency and Safety
Exoskeleton devices offer an exciting bridge between human labor and machine efficiency. In the past decade, warehousing and logistics industries have undergone significant transformations driven...
Read More
