Three Strategies to Strengthen Supply Chain Resilience

Three Strategies to Strengthen Supply Chain Resilience

A joint study by APICS and MSU reveals that supply chain complexity stifles corporate growth. The report proposes three solutions: first, strengthen collaboration and build a community of value; second, empower with technology and create a smart engine; and third, drive with leadership and build an agile culture. Companies should actively embrace change to reverse the situation in complex markets. By focusing on these key areas, businesses can navigate challenges and achieve sustainable growth despite increasing supply chain complexities.

CR England Sued Over Independent Contractor Misclassification

CR England Sued Over Independent Contractor Misclassification

U.S. trucking company C.R. England faces a class-action lawsuit alleging it misled drivers into debt through an “independent contractor” model. The core dispute revolves around the classification of drivers' employment status, raising broader concerns about the independent contractor model. While this model can reduce business costs, it potentially harms worker rights, highlighting the urgent need for improved regulation. The lawsuit scrutinizes whether drivers were genuinely independent or effectively employees, impacting their access to benefits and protections typically afforded to employees. This case underscores the ongoing debate surrounding worker classification in the gig economy.

Reverse Logistics Turns Food Waste into Profits

Reverse Logistics Turns Food Waste into Profits

This paper explores how supermarkets can utilize reverse logistics to transform expired food into energy and compost, saving costs and protecting the environment. Through the case study of Stop & Shop's collaboration with Divert, it showcases a reverse logistics strategy that emphasizes multi-party collaboration, a holistic supply chain perspective, and profit optimization. The article also analyzes different channel options and the future trends of reverse logistics, emphasizing that companies should seize opportunities to build efficient reverse logistics systems. This approach minimizes food waste and contributes to a circular economy.

Asiaeurope Shipping Delays Persist As Alliance Restructures

Asiaeurope Shipping Delays Persist As Alliance Restructures

Restructuring of shipping alliances has caused disruptions on Asia-Europe routes, leading to port congestion, schedule delays, and lack of transparency, expected to persist until June. The root causes lie in inadequate planning, poor communication, and slow digitalization. Stakeholders need to strengthen cooperation, enhance supply chain resilience, and jointly address the challenges. This includes improved communication between carriers, ports, and shippers, as well as investment in digital solutions to improve visibility and efficiency. A more collaborative and proactive approach is crucial for mitigating future disruptions.

Sameday Delivery Boosts Retail Loyalty Amid Demand for Speed

Sameday Delivery Boosts Retail Loyalty Amid Demand for Speed

Instant delivery has become a key competitive differentiator in retail. Consumers, especially millennials, increasingly demand fast and transparent logistics services. Retailers must address the 'last mile' challenge, optimizing costs and data security. Embracing technological innovation and omnichannel integration is crucial for success in the future of instant delivery. By meeting these demands, retailers can foster customer loyalty and gain a competitive edge. The ability to provide quick and reliable delivery is now a vital component of the overall customer experience and a key factor in driving retail success.

Global Brands Urged to Address Child Labor in Supply Chains

Global Brands Urged to Address Child Labor in Supply Chains

A Standard Bank Economist Intelligence Unit report reveals that only 22% of companies address child labor in their supply chains, highlighting a lack of corporate social responsibility. The report identifies key priorities and blind spots in corporate action, emphasizing that poverty, lack of education, and weak regulation are the root causes of child labor. It recommends that companies strengthen supply chain due diligence, establish transparent systems, and support educational development. The report calls for collaborative efforts to build a fair and sustainable global economy.

Omnichannel Retail Success Hinges on Seamless Supply Chain Communication

Omnichannel Retail Success Hinges on Seamless Supply Chain Communication

In the omnichannel retail era, supply chain communication is crucial. A transparent supply chain focuses not only on product origin and transportation but also on ensuring product information accuracy and consistency. Companies should establish a unified information platform, adopt standardized data formats, strengthen training, build effective communication mechanisms, and leverage technology to improve communication efficiency. This approach enables businesses to meet consumer demands, enhance customer trust, and ultimately gain a competitive advantage in the market by providing clear and reliable information throughout the entire supply chain.

LA Long Beach Ports Accelerate Efforts to Reduce Container Delays

LA Long Beach Ports Accelerate Efforts to Reduce Container Delays

The Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach are working to reduce container dwell times to improve supply chain efficiency. Through data sharing, dwell time tracking, and the Federal Maritime Commission's National Data Portal initiative, the ports aim to increase cargo velocity, lower costs, and enhance transparency and competitiveness in a demanding market. Data-driven supply chain optimization is a key trend for the future of port development. This includes leveraging data to improve operations and reduce bottlenecks.

Logistics Index Offers New Economic Forecasting Insight

Logistics Index Offers New Economic Forecasting Insight

The Logistics Manager Index (LMI), inspired by the PMI, is a monthly survey of key logistics indicators, offering a novel perspective on economic forecasting. It faces challenges related to data quality and analytical tools, requiring continuous improvement. The LMI aims to provide timely insights into the logistics sector and its impact on the broader economy, helping businesses and policymakers make informed decisions regarding supply chain management and economic outlook.

Global Supply Chains Focus on Resilience Amid Rising Risks

Global Supply Chains Focus on Resilience Amid Rising Risks

The report reveals frequent supply chain disruptions, yet nearly half of businesses fail to analyze the root causes, lacking deep visibility. IT disruptions are a major threat, and cybersecurity risks are significant. Building a resilient supply chain requires improved visibility, enhanced risk assessment, optimized supplier management, strengthened contingency plans, and investment in talent development. Going beyond Tier 1 suppliers is crucial to create a more robust network. Companies need to proactively identify vulnerabilities and implement strategies to mitigate potential disruptions, ensuring business continuity and minimizing the impact of unforeseen events.