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.
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...Continue reading→
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...Continue reading→
Why are Cubic Velocity and Cubic Inventory Important?
Cubic Velocity by SKU and Cubic Inventory by SKU and aren’t just metrics—they’re the key to more effective warehouse automation. In the age of e-commerce...Continue reading→
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...Continue reading→
To 3PL Or Not To 3PL? That Is The Question
In 2025, the question of whether to manage your own warehousing, distribution, or fulfillment operations or to outsource to a third-party logistics provider (3PL) is...Continue reading→
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...Continue reading→
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,...Continue reading→
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...Continue reading→
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...Continue reading→
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...Continue reading→
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...Continue reading→
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...Continue reading→
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...Continue reading→
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,...Continue reading→
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,...Continue reading→
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...Continue reading→
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...Continue reading→
OSHA Compliance: Choosing Between Man Lifts and Ladders
Ensuring OSHA compliance in warehouse operations is crucial to protect workers and avoid penalties or legal ramifications. OSHA sets strict guidelines regarding the use of...Continue reading→
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...Continue reading→
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...Continue reading→
Low-Touch Planning in the Supply Chain
In the world of supply chain management (SCM), where precision, efficiency, and agility are paramount, businesses have been consistently searching for ways to streamline operations...Continue reading→
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...Continue reading→
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...Continue reading→
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...Continue reading→

