Operations Management

  • A machine that processes cases at a Walmart facility.
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    Courtesy of Walmart
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    Manufacturers’ biggest challenge in adopting AI is preparing their systems for it, expert says

    Companies that can adapt their physical environment and workflows are set to benefit the most from the technology.

    By Nathan Owens • March 9, 2026
  • A U.S. Customs and Border Protection badge is displayed on a sleeve.
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    Joe Raedle via Getty Images
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    CBP says it can’t comply with court order for tariff refunds yet

    The agency is confident it can implement a process that streamlines returns for now-defunct Trump administration levies in 45 days, according to a court filing.

    By • Updated 3 hours ago
  • Shipping containers are stacked at the Port of Los Angeles on February 7, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. Explore the Trendline➔
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    Mario Tama via Getty Images
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    Trendline

    Top 5 stories from Supply Chain Dive

    Here’s how companies are navigating evolving global trade and tariff policies, rising costs and operational uncertainty across supply chain networks.

    By Supply Chain Dive staff
  • A United States flag flies in front of a manufacturing facility
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    Getty Images
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    Can reshoring and onshoring deliver manufacturing sustainability benefits?

    Manufacturers may be weighing tariff costs, but they’re also assessing whether domestic production investments can help achieve supply chain resilience, procurement and labor goals.

    By Keesa Schreane • March 6, 2026
  • Minnesota Attorney General Keith Ellison speaks into a microphone while testifying before Congress.
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    Anna Moneymaker via Getty Images
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    States sue Trump in bid to halt 10% global tariff

    A lawsuit from a cohort of over 20 states argues the president overstepped his authority by failing to meet a never-before-used statute's requirements.

    By • March 6, 2026
  • Containers of Nestle Coffee Mate coffee creamer are displayed on a shelf.
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    Justin Sullivan via Getty Images
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    Food, beverage companies lagging on addressing forced labor risks: report

    Top businesses in the sector rarely apply the transparency and tools that prevent forced labor in their supply chains, a new report finds.

    By Lauren Schenkman • March 5, 2026
  • Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent testifies before the Senate Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs on Feb. 5, 2026, in Washington, D.C.
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    Kevin Dietsch via Getty Images
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    US to hike global tariff to 15% ‘sometime this week,’ Bessent says

    The Treasury Secretary also said he expects tariff rates struck down by the Supreme Court to return within the next five months, following ongoing trade investigations.

    By • March 4, 2026
  • Brightpick robots standing in front of metal racks in a facility.
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    Courtesy of Brightpick
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    NAPA expands use of warehouse robots

    Following a pilot project last year, the auto parts retailer plans to roll out 100 robots from Brightpick at a new facility.

    By • March 3, 2026
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    Anna Moneymaker via Getty Images
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    DOL moves to loosen independent contractor regulations

    The proposed rule would replace a Biden-era framework used to determine if a worker is an independent contractor or an employee.

    By Caroline Colvin • March 3, 2026
  • A drone hovers nearby boxes on shelves
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    Permission granted by Corvus Robotics
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    Kroger taps inventory drones for cold chain distribution operations

    The system autonomously scans pallet locations across ambient and freezer zones, enabling weekly, facility-wide inventory visibility.

    By • March 3, 2026
  • Shipping containers of varying colors stacked on a ship.
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    Mario Tama via Getty Images
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    Prices surge to highest level since 2022 as Middle East conflict escalates: PMI

    U.S. manufacturing activity expanded for the second month in a row, driven by new orders and backlog growth, as tariffs and rising oil prices inject uncertainty.

    By Nathan Owens • March 2, 2026
  • Overhead view of white robotic arms on an assembly line
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    Getty Images
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    ‘It’s not just all the big companies’: Warehouse robotics use expands

    As-a-service models and success stories from peers are pushing SMEs to invest in automation technology within their supply chains alongside giants like Walmart and Amazon.

    By S.L. Fuller • March 2, 2026
  • A woman standing behind a podium with people holding up blue, white and red "Save our jobs" signs standing behind her.
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    Permission granted by International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers
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    Whirlpool to lay off over 300 at Iowa plant as Machinists try to save jobs

    The appliance manufacturer also plans to implement a second wave of job cuts at the Amana facility in the second quarter and move production to its operations in Mexico.

    By • March 2, 2026
  • Three construction workers in safety gear and helmets smile while looking at a tablet. They stand outside a lit modern building at night, exuding teamwork and positivity.
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    Jacob Wackerhausen via Getty Images
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    Sponsored by SAP Taulia

    Bridging the payment gap: Why suppliers are taking control

    The payment gap is widening, but suppliers are taking control with early payment and self-serve liquidity tools.

    March 2, 2026
  • Apple employees work at the company's Houston facility, where it assembles servers for data centers around the country.
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    Courtesy of Apple, Inc.
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    Apple to produce Mac mini computers in US for the first time

    The move would double the iPhone maker’s manufacturing footprint in Houston, where it also plans to expand production of its servers.

    By Nathan Owens • Feb. 27, 2026
  • People stand around Bobcat pallet jacks.
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    Permission granted by American Logistics Aid Network
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    ALAN leader: lessons learned from nearly 20 years of crisis response

    Kathy Fulton, who stepped into the role of executive director at American Logistics Aid Network after a tragedy, emphasizes the importance of embracing uncertainty.

    By • Feb. 26, 2026
  • Exterior of a Walgreens store.
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    Courtesy of Walgreens
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    Walgreens to close Texas distribution center in streamlining effort

    The Houston closure impacting 159 workers comes as the company looks to revamp its network and tap more into micro-fulfillment centers.

    By • Feb. 24, 2026
  • A machine that processes cases at a Walmart facility.
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    Courtesy of Walmart
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    Walmart: Supply chain spending set to ‘peak’ next 2 years, CEO says

    The retail giant is continuing to automate regional distribution centers throughout the U.S. and starting to deploy technological improvements internationally.

    By • Feb. 23, 2026
  • European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen speaks in front of a blue background.
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    Johannes Simon via Getty Images
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    ‘A deal is a deal’: EU halts US pact over Trump’s new global tariff

    The bloc said it needed “full clarity” on the United States’ tariff plans after a Supreme Court ruling last week struck down many levies.

    By • Feb. 23, 2026
  • President Donald Trump addresses reporters during a press conference at the White House on Feb. 20,2026, in Washington, D.C.
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    Kevin Dietsch via Getty Images
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    Trump tariffs

    Trump sets fresh 10% global tariff — and plans to increase further

    The new duties will go into effect Feb. 24, although the president has since signaled he will raise the rate to 15%.

    By , • Updated Feb. 21, 2026
  • President of Indonesia Prabowo Subianto sits down among other world leaders in front of a banner that reads "Donald J. Trump Institute of Peace Board of Peace."
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    Chip Somodevilla via Getty Images
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    US, Indonesia formalize reciprocal trade agreement

    The pact would cement 19% tariffs on goods from Indonesia, but a Supreme Court ruling Friday puts the deal and others like it into question.

    By • Feb. 20, 2026
  • Pallet structure inside of a warehouse
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    Courtesy of Southern Glazer’s Wine and Spirits
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    Southern Glazer’s opens South Carolina distribution center

    The 412,500-square-foot facility features multilevel pick modules and dedicated cold rooms to help strengthen the beverage distributor’s supply chain. 

    By • Feb. 20, 2026
  • A 2026 Ram 1500 Limited pickup truck driving on a road with green trees in the background.
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    Courtesy of Stellantis
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    Stellantis names former GM exec to lead purchasing and supplier quality for North America

    Marcelo Conti spent the past 11 years at General Motors, most recently as the automaker’s head of purchasing for interior, exterior and thermal products.

    By • Feb. 19, 2026
  • A person checks pockets of a stack of jeans in a room.
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    Takashi Aoyama via Getty Images
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    4 fashion supply chain trends to watch in 2026

    As trade uncertainty continues to strain sourcing, companies will lean on cost-management strategies and AI-fueled efficiencies.

    By • Feb. 19, 2026
  • A man speaks on a stage with a Dollar General bag in front of him. The word "Manifest" is displayed behind him.
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    Max Garland / Supply Chain Dive

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    Tech lifts supply chains of American Eagle, Dollar General

    Executives for the retailers touted inventory management and distribution benefits driven in part by AI during sessions at Manifest 2026.

    By • Feb. 19, 2026
  • Smithfield Foods Preliminary Sioux Falls Facility Design Concept
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    Courtesy of Smithfield Foods
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    Smithfield to build $1.3B pork processing plant

    The facility, which will also produce packaged meats, will replace a more than 100-year-old plant in South Dakota and provide “significant efficiency gains.”

    By Sarah Zimmerman • Feb. 18, 2026