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.

Madecom Collapse Raises Concerns for Crossborder Ecommerce

Madecom Collapse Raises Concerns for Crossborder Ecommerce

Made.com's sale and layoffs just 15 months after its IPO highlight the challenges facing cross-border e-commerce. Macroeconomic factors, supply chain disruptions, and increased competition are key contributors. Companies need to focus on meticulous operations and diversify their markets to navigate these difficulties and achieve sustainable growth in the evolving global landscape.

Five Strategies to Increase Warehouse Profit Margins

Five Strategies to Increase Warehouse Profit Margins

This paper delves into five key strategies for boosting warehouse profitability: optimizing inventory management, improving picking efficiency, refining labor management, optimizing transportation management, and implementing automation technologies. By implementing these strategies, businesses can effectively address supply chain challenges, reduce operating costs, and improve overall efficiency, ultimately achieving significant growth in warehouse profits.

01/16/2026 Warehousing
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US Retail Imports Slow Holiday Sales Still Strong

US Retail Imports Slow Holiday Sales Still Strong

Despite headwinds like government shutdowns, U.S. retail container ports remain on a growth trajectory, albeit at a slower pace. The report forecasts holiday sales growth, but retailers should focus on consumer confidence and inventory management. Experts advise strengthening supply chain management, diversifying sourcing channels, and investing in technological innovation to navigate market changes. Proactive measures are crucial for retailers to optimize operations and maintain competitiveness in a dynamic environment.

01/22/2026 Logistics
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Syfan Logistics Enhances Allsource Supplys LTL Shipping Efficiency

Syfan Logistics Enhances Allsource Supplys LTL Shipping Efficiency

Syfan Logistics optimized Allsource Supply's Less-than-Truckload (LTL) shipping, reducing costs, improving efficiency, and enhancing competitiveness. This supply chain upgrade was achieved through data analysis, automation, and real-time tracking. The optimization aimed to streamline LTL operations, minimize delays, and provide greater visibility into the movement of goods, ultimately leading to a more resilient and cost-effective supply chain for Allsource Supply.

Kelloggs Strike Supply Issues Threaten Breakfast Food Supply

Kelloggs Strike Supply Issues Threaten Breakfast Food Supply

The Kellogg's strike has exacerbated existing supply chain strains, potentially leading to increased cereal prices or shortages. The strike stems from disagreements between labor and management regarding compensation and benefits, reflecting deeper conflicts between labor rights and the rise of automation. Companies are implementing measures like global inventory adjustments to mitigate the impact. Consumers should monitor the situation, be flexible in their choices, and practice rational consumption. The strike highlights the vulnerability of the food supply chain and the ongoing struggle for fair labor practices in a rapidly changing economic landscape.

Strategic 3PL Partnerships Boost Ecommerce Beyond Pricing

Strategic 3PL Partnerships Boost Ecommerce Beyond Pricing

Facing supply chain challenges, the traditional “lowest price wins” logistics procurement strategy is outdated. Companies should view 3PLs as strategic partners, building closer relationships through improved forecasting accuracy, technology enablement, and tiered management. This approach aims to create a more resilient supply chain, ultimately enhancing customer experience and corporate competitiveness. By moving beyond solely focusing on cost, businesses can foster stronger collaborations with 3PLs, leading to a more agile and responsive supply chain better equipped to navigate disruptions and meet evolving customer demands.

Guide to Resilient Supply Chains Via Strategic Rfps

Guide to Resilient Supply Chains Via Strategic Rfps

Traditional bidding processes are often insufficient to address modern supply chain risks. A value-driven RFP (Request for Proposal) strategy, however, places greater emphasis on service quality, risk management, and sustainability. This approach helps companies select reliable partners capable of navigating unforeseen events and ensuring a stable and efficient supply chain. By prioritizing value over solely focusing on price, organizations can mitigate potential disruptions and build more resilient networks, ultimately improving overall supply chain performance and minimizing vulnerability to risks.