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.

01/19/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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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.

01/19/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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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.

01/20/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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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.

01/28/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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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.

01/28/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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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.

01/27/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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US Manufacturing and Services Show Uneven Growth ISM

US Manufacturing and Services Show Uneven Growth ISM

The latest ISM report reveals inconsistent supply chain growth signals across manufacturing and service sectors, urging businesses to tailor strategies based on industry specifics. The report emphasizes the need to monitor evolving supply chain dynamics and adjust plans accordingly. It also provides valuable market trend insights for businesses, helping them navigate the current economic landscape and make informed decisions. Companies should pay close attention to these sector-specific variations to optimize their supply chain operations and mitigate potential risks.

01/28/2026 Logistics Industry Insights
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Spain Averts Port Strike As Labor Talks Continue

Spain Averts Port Strike As Labor Talks Continue

The Spanish port strike crisis is temporarily resolved, but labor negotiations have resumed, leaving supply chain risks lingering. This article analyzes the reform disputes, potential impacts, and coping strategies. It emphasizes that supply chain managers should closely monitor labor developments, assess risks, diversify procurement, strengthen communication and collaboration, and leverage technology to enhance supply chain resilience in the face of uncertainty. Proactive measures are crucial to mitigate disruptions and maintain operational efficiency amidst ongoing labor-related challenges.

01/28/2026 Logistics
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