Hershey Invests 250M to Modernize Supply Chain

Hershey Invests 250M to Modernize Supply Chain

Hershey is investing $250 million in a supply chain upgrade focused on boosting operational efficiency and agility through digitalization and automation. The plan encompasses optimizing sourcing and manufacturing, accelerating R&D and planning, and integrating existing business units onto the SAP S/4 HANA platform. Expected to be completed in 2026, the initiative is projected to yield $300 million in annual savings, with 30% attributed to supply chain productivity gains. This transformation aims to create a more responsive and efficient supply chain for the company.

AI Transforms Freight Payment Experts Drive Global Integration

AI Transforms Freight Payment Experts Drive Global Integration

The freight payment landscape is transforming, with AI and expert knowledge converging to enhance audit accuracy, reduce fraud, and optimize transportation spend. Deeper ERP integration, multimodal capabilities, and emerging digital payment solutions are reshaping freight payment, shifting it from a back-office function to a strategic, data-driven one. This evolution allows for better cost control, improved efficiency, and enhanced visibility into global logistics operations. The integration of AI streamlines processes, leading to significant cost savings and improved decision-making within the supply chain.

Datadriven Cost Cuts Boost International LCL Shipping Efficiency

Datadriven Cost Cuts Boost International LCL Shipping Efficiency

This paper deeply analyzes the cost structure of LCL (Less than Container Load) shipping, emphasizing data-driven cost optimization strategies. By refining the LCL process, optimizing cargo consolidation and packaging, selecting appropriate freight forwarders and shipping routes, and strengthening risk control, businesses can effectively reduce costs and improve cross-border logistics efficiency. Focus is placed on meticulous management of the entire LCL process to achieve significant cost savings. The paper advocates for a proactive and analytical approach to managing LCL shipments for optimal financial outcomes.

01/15/2026 Logistics
Read More
Voice Tech Enhances Efficiency in Retail Warehouses

Voice Tech Enhances Efficiency in Retail Warehouses

Faced with the impact of e-commerce, retail DCs urgently need to improve efficiency and profitability. This paper explores the challenges faced by retail DCs and focuses on how voice technology can improve efficiency in picking, receiving, and inventory management, enhance employee experience, and reduce operating costs, ultimately achieving profit growth. Successful implementation of voice technology requires careful planning and continuous optimization. It allows for hands-free operation, reduces errors, and speeds up workflows, leading to significant gains in productivity and cost savings within the distribution center.

Kraft Heinz Boosts Supply Chain Efficiency with New Operations Center

Kraft Heinz Boosts Supply Chain Efficiency with New Operations Center

Kraft Heinz successfully addressed a mayonnaise bottle shortage crisis and achieved cost savings and efficiency gains by establishing an operations center and integrating its supply chain and marketing departments. This strategic transformation, breaking down departmental silos, is crucial for companies to maintain competitiveness in a highly competitive market. Integration is not easy, but Kraft Heinz's experience demonstrates that it is a worthwhile path to explore. By centralizing operations, Kraft Heinz streamlined processes and improved responsiveness to market demands, ultimately strengthening its overall supply chain resilience.

Automated System Boosts Productivity at Munters

Automated System Boosts Productivity at Munters

Munters partnered with WESCO Distribution to implement the ACTYLUS™ automated replenishment system, effectively resolving inventory shortages, freeing up valuable factory floor space, and saving over $43,000 annually in labor costs. This case study demonstrates the significant potential of automated replenishment systems in improving production efficiency and reducing operational expenses. The system ensures parts are always available when needed, minimizing downtime and maximizing output. By automating the reordering process, Munters streamlined its inventory management and optimized its workforce, leading to substantial cost savings and increased productivity.

01/19/2026 Warehousing
Read More
Airlines Adopt Predictive Model to Cut Baggage Costs

Airlines Adopt Predictive Model to Cut Baggage Costs

This paper develops a cost-effectiveness analysis model to help airlines quantify potential cost savings from transitioning from traditional Type B messaging systems to a BIX architecture. By inputting key parameters such as passenger volume, baggage count, messaging fees, and BIX adoption rate, the model simulates cost-saving potential under various scenarios. This provides data-driven support for airlines' investment decisions regarding BIX adoption. The model allows airlines to understand the financial benefits and optimize their transition strategy for maximum cost reduction and improved operational efficiency.

01/20/2026 Airlines
Read More
Supply Chains Boost Efficiency with Marginal Gains Strategy

Supply Chains Boost Efficiency with Marginal Gains Strategy

The law of diminishing marginal returns highlights the accumulation of overall benefits through incremental improvements, offering an effective approach for businesses to enhance supply chain performance within limited budgets. Companies should adopt unified planning, data-driven decision-making, leverage artificial intelligence and scenario modeling, and continuously improve to adapt to changes, achieving cost savings and efficiency gains. By focusing on details and continuous optimization, businesses can gain a competitive edge. This approach allows for maximizing impact with minimal investment, proving particularly valuable in resource-constrained environments.

Amazon Ends FBA Prep and Label Services in Service Overhaul

Amazon Ends FBA Prep and Label Services in Service Overhaul

Amazon FBA's announcement to discontinue pre-processing and labeling services marks a significant shift in cross-border e-commerce operations. Sellers need to enhance their overseas localization capabilities, optimize supply chains, connect with reliable overseas warehouses, and adjust product selection strategies. Proactively addressing these new regulations is crucial to maintaining a competitive edge in the dynamic market. This change compels sellers to take more control over their inventory preparation and logistics, potentially leading to increased efficiency and cost savings with proper planning and execution.

01/23/2026 Logistics
Read More
Advanced TMS Features Cut Logistics Costs for Businesses

Advanced TMS Features Cut Logistics Costs for Businesses

A Transportation Management System (TMS) offers much more than just optimized load planning. This article delves into the value of a TMS as an ERP interface, freight payment/settlement application, complex route builder, backhaul planning tool, custom Bill of Lading generator, and performance tracking tool. It also provides ROI evaluation ideas, helping companies fully leverage the various functions of a TMS to achieve significant reductions in logistics costs. By understanding its multifaceted capabilities, businesses can unlock substantial savings and improve overall supply chain efficiency.