Postpandemic Supply Chains Struggle to Balance Safety Stock and Lean Practices

Postpandemic Supply Chains Struggle to Balance Safety Stock and Lean Practices

A Gartner survey reveals a divide among supply chain professionals regarding increasing safety stock versus adhering to lean manufacturing principles. The automotive and high-tech industries lean towards boosting inventory, while sectors like industrial manufacturing show less interest. Companies must strike a balance to build a resilient supply chain, encompassing risk assessment, supply chain visibility, diversified sourcing, digital transformation, and strategic partnerships. This approach allows businesses to navigate disruptions effectively while maintaining operational efficiency and responsiveness to market demands.

Warehouses Adopt Yard and Dock Tech to Cut Costs Boost Efficiency

Warehouses Adopt Yard and Dock Tech to Cut Costs Boost Efficiency

Companies facing supply chain challenges find optimizing yard management and dock scheduling crucial. Best-in-class software provides real-time visibility, workflow automation, and reporting analytics, helping businesses reduce truck dwell time, optimize dock utilization, enhance supply chain transparency, and lower operational costs. This enables them to stay ahead of the competition by improving efficiency and streamlining logistics processes within the yard and at the docks, ultimately leading to a more resilient and cost-effective supply chain.

Retail Supply Chains Boost Profits with Speed Data

Retail Supply Chains Boost Profits with Speed Data

How can retailers boost profits through an efficient supply chain? The case of Pier 1 Imports demonstrates the critical importance of speed. Reducing time to market, minimizing product handling, and adapting flexibly to market changes are key elements in improving supply chain efficiency. Looking ahead, digitalization, intelligent automation, and collaboration will be the defining trends in supply chain development. By focusing on these areas, retailers can optimize their operations and achieve significant gains in both efficiency and profitability.

AI Reshapes Logistics Supply Chains Amid Talent Shortages

AI Reshapes Logistics Supply Chains Amid Talent Shortages

AI-powered digital freight platforms are reshaping logistics, making supply chain resilience paramount. Technological innovation enhances efficiency while addressing labor shortages and talent crises. Smart logistics solutions, coupled with robust supply chain strategies, are crucial for navigating disruptions. Investing in talent development and attracting skilled professionals is also vital for sustained growth and competitiveness in the evolving logistics landscape. These three pillars – smart logistics, supply chain resilience, and a strong talent strategy – are interconnected and essential for future success.

01/21/2026 Logistics
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Supply Chains Brace for Winter Weather Disruptions

Supply Chains Brace for Winter Weather Disruptions

Winter supply chain management faces significant challenges due to extreme weather. This paper delves into four key strategies for effective winter operations: proactive planning, interconnected processes, prioritizing safety, and risk management. These strategies empower businesses to maintain efficient operations during the cold season, ensure supply chain stability, and capitalize on opportunities amidst challenges, ultimately gaining a competitive edge. By focusing on preparedness and resilience, companies can navigate winter's hurdles and maintain a robust and responsive supply chain.

01/27/2026 Logistics
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E2open CEO Advocates Resilient Supply Chains Amid Global Logistics Shifts

E2open CEO Advocates Resilient Supply Chains Amid Global Logistics Shifts

E2open CEO Michael Farlekas analyzes the current state of the global freight economy, the impact of declining US port throughput, and the importance of supply chain diversification and resilience. He advises businesses to closely monitor market changes, diversify risks, and leverage technology to enhance supply chain resilience and operational efficiency. Focusing on these factors is crucial for navigating current challenges and building a more robust and adaptable supply chain in the face of ongoing disruptions and uncertainties.

Guide to Strengthening Supply Chains Through Supplier Risk Assessment

Guide to Strengthening Supply Chains Through Supplier Risk Assessment

This paper explores global supply chain risk management, emphasizing the utilization of risk assessment tools for evaluating suppliers. The aim is to construct a comprehensive risk assessment system to effectively address market challenges. By focusing on thorough supplier evaluation and proactive risk management strategies, organizations can better navigate the complexities of the global supply chain and mitigate potential disruptions. This approach allows for a more resilient and adaptable supply chain, ultimately contributing to improved operational efficiency and business continuity.

DHL Addresses Logistics Talent Shortage with Strategic Hiring

DHL Addresses Logistics Talent Shortage with Strategic Hiring

Facing the challenge of logistics talent scarcity, DHL Supply Chain adopts a long-term strategy to attract, retain, and develop top talent, ensuring smooth supply chain operations. This is achieved by providing career development opportunities, embracing innovative technologies, ensuring precise matching of people to roles, and focusing on improving the quality of life for drivers. This comprehensive approach allows DHL to effectively address the talent shortage and maintain a strong and capable workforce within its supply chain.

Redprairies Cloudbased WMSTMS Solution Transforms Supply Chains

Redprairies Cloudbased WMSTMS Solution Transforms Supply Chains

RedPrairie introduced its cloud supply chain services, integrating WMS and TMS functionalities for flexible and efficient operations in both single and multi-tenant environments. Strategic acquisitions enhanced their technological capabilities, reshaping the supply chain landscape. This move provides businesses with scalable and adaptable solutions to manage their logistics and warehousing needs in the cloud, offering improved visibility and control over their supply chain processes. RedPrairie's cloud offering aims to optimize performance and reduce operational costs for its clients.

01/29/2026 Logistics
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Global Supply Chains Struggle in Postpandemic Era

Global Supply Chains Struggle in Postpandemic Era

The post-pandemic era presents multiple challenges to the supply chain and logistics industry, including port congestion, capacity shortages, and e-commerce booms. Businesses need to strengthen risk management, embrace digital transformation, and build agile, flexible, and resilient supply chain systems to cope with future uncertainties. This includes adopting new technologies, diversifying sourcing, and improving visibility across the entire supply chain network to better respond to disruptions and ensure business continuity in a rapidly changing global landscape.