Experts Highlight Sales and Operations Planning for Business Growth

Experts Highlight Sales and Operations Planning for Business Growth

This article delves into the critical role of Sales and Operations Planning (S&OP) in driving business performance growth. It analyzes common challenges encountered during S&OP implementation and offers practical solutions. The importance of top management support, data quality, scientific forecasting, cross-functional collaboration, process standardization, technology tools, and skilled personnel are emphasized. The aim is to assist companies in building an excellent S&OP system that can propel performance to new heights. By addressing these key areas, businesses can optimize their S&OP processes for sustainable and impactful results.

01/29/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Pandemic Drives Surge in Trucking Demand Shipping Rates

Pandemic Drives Surge in Trucking Demand Shipping Rates

The COVID-19 pandemic has led to a surge in emergency restocking demands from retailers, significantly driving up spot market truckload rates and freight volumes. DAT data reveals a sharp increase in demand for van and refrigerated trucks, resulting in continuously rising rates. Experts predict a hot market in the short term, but the long-term trend remains uncertain, contingent on the pandemic's impact on consumer demand and supply chains. The need for rapid replenishment to meet consumer needs is a key factor influencing the current freight market dynamics.

01/29/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Digital Procurement Cuts Costs Boosts Efficiency

Digital Procurement Cuts Costs Boosts Efficiency

This paper delves into the strategic significance and practical pathways of digital procurement transformation, emphasizing the crucial role of intelligent automation in cost reduction and efficiency enhancement. It proposes that enterprises should undertake comprehensive digital transformation to unlock greater potential. The article also discusses cost-saving investment directions after digital transformation, digital procurement service delivery models, and the importance of data analysis. It points out that there is no one-size-fits-all approach to digital transformation, and companies should develop personalized solutions based on their own circumstances.

01/29/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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IBM Food Trust Raw Seafoods Boost Seafood Transparency Via Blockchain

IBM Food Trust Raw Seafoods Boost Seafood Transparency Via Blockchain

IBM Food Trust partnered with Raw Seafoods to enhance transparency and traceability in the seafood supply chain using blockchain technology, addressing consumer concerns about seafood safety, sustainability, and authenticity. Real-time data uploads and sharing enable end-to-end tracking from fishing vessel to table, reshaping trust in the seafood industry. This initiative aims to provide consumers with safer, more reliable seafood products and promote sustainable development within the seafood sector. The blockchain solution allows for verifiable tracking of the seafood's journey, ensuring its origin and handling are transparently documented.

01/29/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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US Industrial Real Estate Demand Surges As Ecommerce Grows

US Industrial Real Estate Demand Surges As Ecommerce Grows

CBRE data shows continued decline in US industrial real estate availability, driven by e-commerce demand. However, increased completions suggest a potential turning point in the cycle. The report emphasizes strong fundamentals but warns of geopolitical risks like economic recession and rising interest rates. Balancing supply and demand is crucial, and investors should carefully assess market risks. While e-commerce continues to fuel demand, the increasing supply could lead to a shift in market dynamics, requiring a more cautious approach to investment strategies in the industrial real estate sector.

01/29/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Csxs Restructuring Spurs Customer Losses Labor Disputes

Csxs Restructuring Spurs Customer Losses Labor Disputes

CSX Transportation's CEO Harrison blamed service disruptions on employee resistance to reforms, leading to customer dissatisfaction and market share loss. Declining stock prices and regulatory pressure further exacerbated the company's difficulties. While Precision Scheduled Railroading (PSR) holds potential, its implementation faced challenges due to layoffs and cultural conflicts. Data analysts need to thoroughly evaluate the transformation's impact, monitor competitors and the regulatory landscape, and effectively manage risks to help CSX overcome its current predicament. The successful navigation of these challenges is crucial for the company's future stability and growth.

01/29/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Firms Upgrade CRM Systems to Boost Supply Chain Efficiency

Firms Upgrade CRM Systems to Boost Supply Chain Efficiency

This report explores how CRM system upgrades can empower supply chain management and enhance multi-tier visibility. It analyzes the crucial role of CRM in supply chain operations, identifies challenges in current integrations, and proposes strategies such as building a unified data platform, adopting standardized interfaces, and optimizing business processes. The report emphasizes the importance of leveraging artificial intelligence and machine learning technologies to help companies build a more efficient and agile supply chain. The goal is to provide insights for businesses looking to improve their supply chain performance through CRM integration.

01/29/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Hanjin Races to Sell Long Beach Terminal Amid Deadline Pressure

Hanjin Races to Sell Long Beach Terminal Amid Deadline Pressure

Hanjin Shipping's sale of its Long Beach terminal assets is nearing completion. After Korea Line relinquished its priority purchasing rights, HMM and MSC jointly bid. Creditors are pressuring Hanjin to expedite Korea Line's decision to avoid bankruptcy. This transaction impacts the Port of Long Beach's operations, shipping competition, and global trade. Quantifying throughput, industry consolidation, competitor strategies, and legal risks is crucial from a data-driven perspective. The outcome will significantly reshape the landscape of container shipping and port operations in the region, potentially influencing global supply chains.

01/29/2026 Logistics
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Supply Chain Digital Twins Risk Growth by Overlooking Customers

Supply Chain Digital Twins Risk Growth by Overlooking Customers

Gartner's research indicates that while most enterprises are actively exploring Digital Supply Chain Twins (DSCT), few plan to incorporate Digital Twins of Customers (DToC) into their strategies. This oversight may hinder the full potential of digital twin technology. Businesses need to shift their perspective, placing the customer at the core, and enhance data collection and analysis. Building a customer-centric digital twin ecosystem is crucial to unlocking the true value of digital twins and gaining a competitive advantage. Prioritizing customer understanding within the digital twin framework is essential for maximizing its impact.

01/29/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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North Carolina Ports Panama Canal Partner to Boost Asian Trade

North Carolina Ports Panama Canal Partner to Boost Asian Trade

The North Carolina State Ports Authority and the Panama Canal Authority have signed a Memorandum of Understanding to leverage the Panama Canal expansion and enhance the competitiveness of US East Coast ports by promoting the “all-water route.” The collaboration will focus on marketing, data exchange, information sharing, and joint training. This partnership aims to address shifts in global trade patterns and facilitate increased trade between Asia and the US East Coast. By working together, they seek to capitalize on opportunities presented by the expanded canal and strengthen their positions within the global supply chain.

01/29/2026 Logistics
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