Topic: Columns

Delivery costs continue to drive shopper preferences

Monday, August 26, 2024 · Jeff Berman Driven by high levels of online shopping and e-commerce activity, consumers’ ongoing desire for free and fast shipping remains in high demand. But for retailers unable to meet these demands, consumers will not hesitate to turn to other alternatives.

Why succession planning is key to retaining supply chain expertise

Tuesday, August 13, 2024 · Brian Straight When many people think of business succession planning, often they are speaking of the CEO’s chair. But succession planning within departments is a critical part of ensuring business continuity.

Managing procurement in a price-sensitive environment

Friday, August 2, 2024 · Brian Straight Chief procurement officers face challenges in securing materials and supplies in a volatile supply chain yet still controlling that spending.

When disaster strikes, the supply chain becomes the key to life

Monday, July 22, 2024 · Brian Straight Humanitarian supply chains are the key to survival for many following disasters, but the planning involved begins long before a disaster ever strikes.

An educated workforce is loyal, but what type of education is best?

Wednesday, July 17, 2024 · Bridget McCrea In supply chain, an alphabet soup of certification credentials is available to employees, who must weigh which ones offer the best career opportunities.

Keys to staying ahead of the competition

Tuesday, July 9, 2024 · Brian Straight The unique role supply chains play in an organization means they can have an outsized impact on the market competitiveness of the company.

The key to good data management? Start with good data

Friday, July 5, 2024 · Brian Straight As more companies turn to AI to manage and analyze their data, the concept of clean data sometimes gets pushed to the side.

Assessing the e-commerce supply chain as sales, imports grow

Monday, June 24, 2024 · Brian Straight Retail sales continue to grow, albeit at slower rates, and as a result, brands are taking advantage of excess cargo capacity in bringing in merchandise earlier than normal.

Bite-sized nuggets offer real-time learning

Wednesday, June 19, 2024 · Brian Straight Microlearning offers businesses the opportunity to focus training and education at relevant times and in ways that employees will engage with.

The rise of customer-centric supply chains

Tuesday, June 11, 2024 · Brian Straight Changing customer demands are putting more pressure on supply chains. In response, more companies are putting the customer at the center of supply chain design.

Nearshoring shifts focus of procurement leaders

Friday, June 7, 2024 · Bridget McCrea Bringing production and sourcing back to the United States or to a country in close proximity have always been goals for companies that want to gain better control over their supply chains. But for procurement leaders, it adds complexity.

Scaling fast-food warehouse operations in a best-case scenario

Monday, May 27, 2024 · Brian Straight When a fast-food restaurant wanted to consolidate and streamline its warehouse operations, it turned to a combination of technologies and customer support to make it a reality.

NextGen Leader: Kory Jacobson

Friday, May 24, 2024 · Brian Straight Kory Jacobson grew up with two educators as parents. That taught him the value of effort and education, two qualities that have driven his supply chain success.

Augmented reality’s role in upskilling the workforce

Wednesday, May 15, 2024 · Brian Straight Augmented reality is offering new opportunities to train the supply chain workforce of tomorrow, and upskill the workforce of today.

Supply chain’s rise in prominence brings regulatory compliance into focus

Tuesday, May 14, 2024 · Brian Straight Whether it is financial, ESG, or ethical sourcing and forced labor rules, supply chains are dealing with a complex maze of global regulations.