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.
Mitigating Supply Chain Failure: 10 Strategies
Mitigating supply chain failure involves several strategies to reduce risks and ensure continuity. Here are some critical approaches: 1. Diversification of Suppliers Multiple Sources: Relying...
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Using Manufacturer’s Packaging and Leveraging Drop-Shipping
Shipping in manufacturer's packaging and drop-shipping have the power to reshape the industry's approach to efficiency and environmental responsibility. E-commerce fulfillment organizations are embracing a...
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Warehouse Racking Safety Considerations
Warehouse racking safety is critical to maintaining a secure and efficient working environment. Proper racking safety practices help prevent accidents, protect workers, and preserve inventory...
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Honeycombing in Warehousing: Causes, Costs, and Solutions
Grasping the concept of honeycombing in warehousing is not just important; it's crucial for maintaining efficient operations and cost-effective logistics. Warehouse managers often find themselves...
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Technology Investment vs Workforce Expansion
When logistics companies consider growth strategies, they often choose between technology investment and expanding their workforce. Both approaches have their merits, and the optimal choice...
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Industry 4.0 and the Future of Warehouse Design
Industry 4.0 represents the fourth industrial revolution, characterized by the fusion of physical and digital technologies. This revolution is marked by the integration of cyber-physical...
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Cargo Theft – Tools to Combat a Growing Issue
Industry experts at Overhaul (supply chain platform) report that cargo theft is a significant issue that affects supply chains worldwide, leading to substantial financial losses...
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Cultivating a Growth Mindset in Supply Chain Operations
Nurturing a growth mindset was a hot topic at this year’s Warehousing Education and Research Council’s (WERC) 2024 Conference, held in Dallas, TX, this month....
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Hurricane Season Challenges Supply Chain
The Atlantic hurricane season significantly impacts global supply chains from June 1 to November 30. Hurricanes can cause substantial disruptions by damaging infrastructure, delaying shipments,...
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Enhance Forklift Safety Through Warehouse Designs
National Forklift Safety Day is an event that underscores the pivotal role of warehouse design in forklift safety. By understanding and implementing key aspects of...
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3 Types of Supply Chain Professionals – Which One Are You?
Let's look at the three types of supply chain professionals. Supply Chain Professionals face multifaceted challenges and opportunities in the dynamic supply chain management landscape....
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Noise Reduction in Warehouse Operations
Warehouse noise reductions allow your workers to operate without noise protection, enhancing their awareness of their surroundings. In an era when finding qualified labor becomes...
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Small Parcel Delivery and the Future of USPS
The small parcel market is growing and USPS is poised to benefit from it. It’s no secret that the U.S. Postal Service has long been...
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Post-Pandemic Supply Chain Trends
The post-pandemic supply chain look much different. The trucking and warehousing industries, once thriving due to high consumer spending and limited inventory, are now grappling...
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Postponement in Warehouse Operations: A Strategic Advantage
Postponement in warehouse operations, is a strategic approach that involves delaying the customization or finalization of products until closer to the point of consumption. This...
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Direct Labor Employees: The backbone of the supply chain
Supply chain direct labor employees are the backbone of the supply chain. Investing in personnel is crucial to operational success. Effectively hiring, training, coaching, and...
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Port of Baltimore to become fully operational by the end of May
The Port of Baltimore should become fully operational by the end of May. It’s been about six weeks since the cargo ship Dali hit the...
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Closing the Visibility Gap Across the Supply Chain
Can your operation boast visibility into the entire supply chain? Today’s supply chain is full of unprecedented challenges, heaped on top of complex issues. From...
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Robotic Palletizing is Changing Warehouse Operations
The advent of robotic palletizing and depalletizing is changing warehouse operations dramatically and increasing productivity. One of the most physically demanding tasks in a warehouse,...
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The Retail Supply Chain is Here to Stay
The rise of the retail supply chain has caused a massive shift in how manufacturers operate. If you’re a manufacturer of goods like apparel or...
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The History of Same-Day Delivery and One-Hour Delivery
Let's explore same-day delivery and one-hour retail delivery; tracing its origins, milestones, and the strategies key players like Amazon and Target employ to meet consumers'...
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Meeting Last-Mile Delivery Demands
Last-mile delivery has become one of the most important components of the supply chain in the past few years. With the massive uptick in e-commerce,...
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Manufacturing is Resurging but Struggling to Fill Roles
Over the past few decades, many politicians have promised to bring manufacturing back to the United States. Ironically, it’s not a politician that has helped...
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Evolution of Barcodes: From Linear to Two-Dimensional and Gs1
Barcodes have become integral to modern society, revolutionizing how we track and manage products. Their evolution has been remarkable from their humble beginnings as linear...
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Geographic Center of Gravity (GOC) Distribution Network Modeling
Geographic center of gravity (GOC) computer models balance inbound/outbound freight costs (ocean, rail, container, truckload, LTL, parcel, and white glove) with strategic service levels to...
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The Greening of U.S. Trucking
While the focus on electric vehicle trucking remains strong, the middle-of-the-road solution hydrogen power trucking is still in play, too. Yet, as demand for zero-emissions...
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Progress For The Port of Baltimore
It’s been just over a month since the Key Bridge in the port of Baltimore was hit by a cargo ship and collapsed under the...
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Develop An Effective SOP For Better SCM
Effective supply chain management involves countless steps and developing a standard operating procedure (SOP) is valuable for every step. Establishing SOPs can streamline your supply...
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OTIF – Beating On Time In Full Thresholds
For suppliers of a large retailers, OTIF thresholds are likely here to stay. For the past several years, suppliers to companies like Walmart and Kroger...
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Faster Internet Speeds are on the Horizon
Faster internet speeds are on the horizon thanks to a breakthrough in wavelength technology. In a landmark achievement that promises to reshape the landscape of...
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Role of the 5th Percentile Woman in Designing Workstations
The 5th percentile woman should be a reference point for the ergonomic design of warehouse operations. In the dynamic landscape of modern warehouses, the design...
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The Future of the Supply Chain
The future of the supply chain is poised to undergo significant transformation, driven by advancements in technology, shifts in consumer behavior, and the imperative to...
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Shipping Costs Set to Increase
Shipping costs are set to increase sharply following several recent market disruptions. Ground transportation is a costly part of supply chain management. When combined, expenses...
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Storage Racks for Today and Tomorrow
Storage racks are perhaps the least glamorous part of a warehouse, but they are the workhorse and serve a valuable role in the supply chain....
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Autonomous Shipping Is Under Consideration
In several states, trials are underway on the nation's highways to see how well autonomous shipping works in the form of commercial trucks and how...
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The Power of RFID In A Modern Supply Chain
Consumers are more demanding than ever, and every segment of the modern supply chain can agree on that. Managing those growing expectations and demands is...
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Cargo Theft Is A Growing Problem
Supply chains fight back by implementing tools to prevent widespread cargo theft. Product shrinkage, whether inside the warehouse or from a tractor-trailer, has always been...
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Navigating The Quake: Enhancing Supply Chain Resilience In The Semiconductor Industry
The recent earthquake that shook Taiwan has sent ripples through the global semiconductor industry, amplifying concerns about the fragility of the intricacy of the supply...
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Turn Reactive Initiatives into Proactive Engines of Innovation
Turn reactive initiatives into proactive engines of innovation by engaging independent supply chain consultants and fostering ongoing advisor relationships to proactively navigate the evolving supply...
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Warehouse Mechanization and Automation Strategies
Companies are using warehouse mechanization, automation, robotics, and artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance efficiency, productivity, and competitiveness. However, adopting these technologies requires careful consideration and...
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Warehouse Safety Systems: 5 Key Factors
Warehouse safety is essential for protecting personnel and assets. The bustling environment of these facilities, often characterized by the movement of goods, heavy machinery, and...
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Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore: Supply Chain Disruptions
The Francis Scott Key Bridge collapse in Baltimore is going to cause additional supply chain disruptions. Recent cargo ship accidents may lead to more conversations...
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Stacking GMA Pallets: Determining the Best Configuration
Want to know the best configuration for stacking GMA pallets, maximizing space utilization, ensuring stability, and optimizing warehouse operations? Use this step-by-step approach to help...
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Power Grid Availability and Warehouse Site Selection
In an era of technological advancements, power grids' availability and reliability have taken center stage. The significance of power grid availability and load in warehousing...
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AR and VR in the Supply Chain
This white paper serves as a guide to the role of AR and VR in the supply chain. Integrating augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality...
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Using Geofencing Technology for Supply Chain Optimization
Using geofencing technology to trigger automated actions or notifications can greatly improve supply chain operations. This real-time tracking and event-triggering capability make geofencing a powerful...
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Leveraging Cycle Counting to Achieve 99.9% Inventory Accuracy
Avoid shutting down operations for days by breaking inventory audits into smaller portions using cycle counting on a regular schedule. Learn the advantages and strategies...
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Supply Chain and Distribution Leaders: Examining Top Qualities
Let's look at the Supply Chain and Distribution Leaders and what makes them tick. Are you looking for help navigating complex supply chain challenges, optimizing...
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Integration of Micro Warehouses in the Retail Supply Chain
The strategic adoption of micro warehouses in the retail supply chain is a testament to the industry's commitment to innovation and efficiency. It is important...
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Cubic Velocity by SKU and Cubic Inventory by SKU
The incorporation of cubic velocity by SKU and cubic inventory by SKU marks a significant leap forward in the realm of warehouse management. Do the...
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