By Robert J. Trent and Zach G. Zacharia ·
November 13, 2012
Research and experience tells us that satisfied suppliers are more willing to provide preferential treatment to customers—treatment that can lead directly to market advantage. But what does it take to become a “preferred customer” and capture that edge?
By Mike Giguere and Brad Householder ·
November 13, 2012
Achieving supply chain visibility has been an elusive quest for many companies. Simply throwing more data or technology at the problem has not seemed to work. What’s needed instead is a structured approach that identifies the goals of enhanced supply chain visibility, narrows the scope of data required, and—most important of all—rests on a foundation of trust.
By Dr. Heimo Losbichler, Dr. Farzad Mahmoodi ·
November 13, 2012
Working capital is one of the most powerful and least understood drivers for supply chain managers to improve a company’s cash flow and profitability. In pursuing initiatives to achieve sustainable working capital improvements, supply chain managers need to look beyond their own organization. The best results are achieved when supply chain partners are embraced as well.
By Thomas V. Scannell, Sime Curkovic, Robert Lundquist, and Michael Isaac ·
November 13, 2012
Operating in a dynamic global environment, Steelcase Inc. recognized it needed to get a better handle on supply risk. The solution was an initiative called the Global Procurement Process. This comprehensive approach to risk management is built on two core principles: “begin with the end in mind” and “manage suppliers and risk throughout the lifecycle of the process.”
By Delphine Manceau, Pierre-François Kaltenbach, Line Bagger-Hansen, Valérie Moatti, and Julie Fabbri ·
November 13, 2012
Innovation is no longer the sole preserve of the R&D department. These days, companies draw practical inspiration and profitable ideas from far and wide— from suppliers, academia, competitors, customers, and through crowdsourcing. So who is now responsible for driving so-called “open innovation?” And how can businesses ensure that the necessary relationships are effective? Recent research sheds some light on those questions.
By John D. Schulz ·
November 1, 2012
American Trucking Associations (ATA) President and CEO Bill Graves is named NITL Executive of the Year for his leadership in shaping the nation’s ground freight transportation system and his affable, endearing management style.
By Jeff Berman ·
November 1, 2012
The foremost truckload analysts re-convene to update shippers on current supply & demand, the looming driver crisis, increasing diesel prices, the seemingly endless shifting of government regulations, and what all these issues mean for rates heading into 2013.
By Bridget McCrea ·
November 1, 2012
Analysts report that cloud-based adoption increased 40 percent this year in the supply chain software sector. Our technology correspondent shares the upsides/downsides of this deployment model—and how vendors are gearing up to meet growing shipper demand.
By Patrick Burnson ·
November 1, 2012
In today’s dynamic, global marketplace, shippers need to execute a checklist of essential action items in order to get the most out of their third-party logistics partnership.
By Maida Napolitano ·
November 1, 2012
A record response reveals that readership is divided in terms of investment: one side remains cautious, while the other is on the verge of making significant changes to their warehouse/DC operations. How have your operations emerged from the Great Recession?
SPECIAL REPORT
By Patrick Burnson ·
November 1, 2012
In anticipation of the Panama Canal expansion in 2014, the fight for market share of inbound cargo remains fierce among top U.S. ports.
SPECIAL REPORT
By John D. Schulz ·
November 1, 2012
After being battered by three years of recession that decimated profits, LTL carriers are now focusing on improving yields and profitability in order to recapitalize their rolling stock. Now shippers need to cope with a new era of tighter capacity, higher rates, and tougher carrier negotiations.
By Bob Trebilcock ·
November 1, 2012
The distributor of industrial supplies delivers on customer service guarantee with automated approach.
By Bob Trebilcock ·
November 1, 2012
MSC’s new order fulfillment system rapidly picks and consolidates multi-line orders for quick cycle times.
SPECIAL REPORT
By Noel P. Bodenburg ·
November 1, 2012
With more than 800 exhibitors, three keynotes and an extensive educational program, ProMat 2013 looks to be the biggest edition of the show yet.