Supply Chain Trends

Modern Supply Chain

Key Functions of the Modern Supply Chain

A modern supply chain is far more than the movement of goods from one place to another. It is a coordinated network of processes, decisions, […]

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Supply Chain, Logistics and Operations

The Difference Between Supply Chain, Logistics and Operations

The terms supply chain, logistics, and operations are often used interchangeably, yet they represent very different parts of how a business makes and delivers its […]

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Micro-fulfillment centers

Micro-Fulfillment Centers: When Do They Make Sense?

Micro-fulfillment centers (MFCs) have shifted from an emerging concept to a practical solution for retailers caught between rising customer expectations and the high cost of […]

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SAAS/Robotics-As-A-Service Vs Capital Investment

SAAS/Robotics-As-A-Service Vs Capital Investment

Robotics-as-a-Service has evolved from an experimental pricing tactic into a defining structure in the warehouse technology market. As distribution centers face rising labor volatility, throughput […]

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Supply Chain Orchestration

Supply Chain Orchestration vs Supply Chain Optimization

Supply chain orchestration is focused on coordination across a network of independent yet interconnected players. For decades, the supply chain has been treated as a […]

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Cyberattacks are Disrupting Global Supply Networks

Cyberattacks are Disrupting Global Supply Networks

Modern supply chains are the lifeblood of global commerce. They link manufacturers, suppliers, logistics firms, and retailers in a continuous exchange of goods and data. […]

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CSCMP EDGE

CSCMP EDGE 2025: This Year’s Premier Supply Chain Event

The Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals (CSCMP) is gearing up for its flagship annual gathering, CSCMP EDGE 2025, taking place October 5–8 at the […]

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CEOS More On Top of SCM

CEOS More On Top of SCM

Not long ago, supply chain management was seen as a background function. It was necessary for operations, of course, but it rarely received direct involvement […]

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The Truck Driver Shortage

The Truck Driver Shortage: What Carriers and Shippers Need to Know

Stories about the nation’s truck-driver shortage continue to make headlines. The American Trucking Associations still estimates a gap of roughly 80,000 drivers, and that figure […]

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Supply Chain Evolution

Supply Chain Evolution: Adapt or Become Obsolete

In today’s volatile global marketplace, the sustainability of supply chain networks is under constant threat. Some experts argue that rapid supply chain evolution means that […]

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Laffer Effect

How the Laffer Effect Applies to Supply Chains

In the lexicon of public economics, the term “Laffer Effect” or  “Laffer Curve” is widely known. It illustrates a theoretical relationship between tax rates and […]

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product shortages

Possible Product Shortages in 2025

In 2025, global trade networks are more resilient than they were five years ago, but warehouse operators, logistics planners, and procurement teams are still grappling […]

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NILF - Not In Labor Force

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

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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The Future of the Supply Chain

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

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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Fourth of July Impacts the Supply Chain

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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Data Cortex in Supply Chain

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

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

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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Blockchain Integration in the Supply Chain

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

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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Nearshoring

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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Band-Aid® Fixes in Supply Chain Operations

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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Ethical Surveillance in the Supply Chain

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 International Logistics with Incoterms

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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Legal Implications of Recording and Transcribing Web Meetings

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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COVID-19 and Trade War Escalations

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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Low-Touch Planning in the Supply Chain

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 […]

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Comparing Supply Chain Consulting Firms

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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Impact of U.S. Tariffs on Canada, Mexico and China

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: 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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Agentic AI

Understanding Agentic AI and Generative AI

Agentic AI and Generative AI represent two powerful and rapidly evolving branches of artificial intelligence. As supply chains begin to leverage Artificial Intelligence (AI), it […]

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Tariffs and the U.S. Supply Chain

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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evolution of supply chain management

The Evolution of Supply Chain Management: Humble Beginnings to Dynamic Future

The evolution of supply chain management (SCM) has transformed the modern global economy. From humble beginnings where materials and goods were traded and transported, the […]

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AI Can Improve Supply Chain Processes

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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Returns Management in the Supply Chain

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, […]

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E-Commerce Fulfillment Trends

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, […]

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Unified Platforms

Unified Platforms: A Key to Supply Chain Efficiency

Unified platforms, often called integrated supply chain solutions, combine various supply chain management (SCM) functions into a single, cohesive system. These platforms enable businesses to […]

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Self-Funding Supply Chain Technologies

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 […]

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3PLs and 4PLs

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 […]

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Exoskeleton Devices in Warehousing

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 […]

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Why RFID Will Never Replace Barcodes (1)

Why RFID Will Never Replace Barcodes

Radio-frequency identification (RFID) and barcodes are ubiquitous technologies in automatic identification and data capture (AIDC). While RFID has gained significant traction in various industries, suggesting […]

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Geofencing Technology in Supply Chain Management

Utilizing Geofencing Technology in Supply Chain Management

Supply chain management has always been a complex and dynamic field, constantly needing to balance efficiency, cost-effectiveness, and customer satisfaction. Technology integration into supply chain […]

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Future of Supply Chain Management

The Future of Supply Chain Management

How AI and Machine Learning Transforming the Workforce What will the future of supply chain management look like? As we stand at the intersection of […]

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How Egg Production Affects The Supply Chain

How Egg Production Affects The Supply Chain

Understanding the intricate web of egg production in the agricultural supply chain is a matter of curiosity and a crucial aspect of our food choices. […]

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Dockworkers’ Strike

Dockworkers’ Strike – The Supply Chain and Economic Impact

The current dockworkers’ strike is a pivotal moment with significant implications for various sectors of the U.S. economy. Initiated due to a protracted negotiation impasse […]

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4th Industrial Revolution

How the 4th Industrial Revolution will Transform Supply Chain Operations

The 4th Industrial Revolution, also known as Industry 4.0, is a period of rapid technological advancement characterized by the fusion of technologies that blur the […]

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Supply Chain Attacks Leveraging AI for Supply Chain Security

Supply Chain Attacks: Leveraging AI for Supply Chain Security

Supply chain attacks, a significant threat in today’s interconnected digital landscape, exploit vulnerabilities in the complex web of supplier relationships and third-party integrations. The recent […]

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Role of Supply Chain in NPI

Accelerate NPI by Improving Your Supply Chain

In the competitive landscape of modern business, the speed of New Product Introduction (NPI) can be a crucial differentiator. The faster a company can bring […]

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The U.S. Labor Shortage – What Factors Are Driving It?

The United States has a serious labor shortage and there are several factors driving low participation in the workforce. From early retirement to lack of […]

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Impact of Presidential Election Cycles on Supply Chains

Impact of Presidential Election Cycles on Supply Chains

In the global business landscape, presidential election cycles can introduce a unique uncertainty that significantly impacts supply chains. The intense and often contentious battles between […]

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Changes to National Motor Freight Classification

2025 Changes to National Motor Freight Classification (NMFC)

The National Motor Freight Classification (NMFC) system is set for significant changes in 2025. These updates, announced by the National Motor Freight Traffic Association (NMFTA), […]

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How Elections Might Impact the Supply Chain

How Elections Might Impact the Supply Chain

Let’s look at scenarios for how elections might impact the supply chain. A report, Election Year Impact Report, released on April 16, analyzes how the […]

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Robotic Pick-to-Light (PTL) Automation Systems

Robotic Pick-to-Light (PTL) Automation Systems

Robotic pick-to-light (PTL) systems are advanced automation technology in warehousing and order fulfillment operations. These systems combine robotic automation with pick-to-light technology to enhance efficiency, […]

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Retail Logistics Efficiencies

Retail Logistics Efficiencies Adding to Market Growth

The retail logistics market encompasses the processes and systems involved in managing the movement of goods from suppliers to retailers and, ultimately, customers. The globalization […]

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Using Manufacturer’s Packaging

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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technology investment and workforce expansion

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 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

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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