Operations

Data sharing and analytics initiatives shine at financial risk conference

Sixty companies gathered at RapidRatings' client conference to discuss how to improve resiliency, communication and risk management within their supply chains.

By Kate Patrick • May 25, 2018
Neiman Marcus adopts SaaS platform to boost supplier collaboration

The retailer will now be able to share and receive product data from suppliers like Prada and Marc Jacobs, which are already using SKYPAD.

By Shefali Kapadia • May 24, 2018
As Intel tackles forced labor head on, violations fall 60%

Formerly a manager at an Intel supplier, Rich Weissman writes on the power a culture of action can have on supply chains.

By Rich Weissman • May 24, 2018
Kohl's boosts margins with 7% inventory reduction

The retailer's omnichannel strategy involves leveraging its stores as fulfillment centers, serving online orders while driving foot traffic to brick-and-mortar stores.

By Shefali Kapadia • May 23, 2018
Blockchain in Supply Chain Alliance will focus on procurement, warehousing

BiSCA could accelerate the technology's adoption, helping industries draw on one another to determine best use cases.

By Kate Patrick • May 23, 2018
High demand — and high pay — for supply chain managers focused on market intel

Professional specialization in demand forecasting, predictive analytics and meeting consumer demands "just in time" drives a premium for services.

By Kate Patrick • May 23, 2018
Only 30% of brand managers are measuring sustainability's ROI

More than half of respondents in Ethical Corporation's survey said sustainability goals are creating revenue growth and cost savings.

By Shefali Kapadia • May 22, 2018
Campbell Soup struggles with high supply chain costs

The company's fresh foods division posted an operating loss of $19 million amid rising logistics and materials costs.

By Shefali Kapadia • May 22, 2018
What you need to know about smart manufacturing

New technologies and connected networks affect supply chains both upstream and downstream, changing everything from sourcing to logistics.

By Shefali Kapadia • May 21, 2018
Deep Dive
Smart manufacturing challenges businesses to rethink sourcing

Buying sensors and software for Industry 4.0 requires a fundamental change in mindset and relationships with suppliers.

By Shefali Kapadia • May 21, 2018
What factors contribute to a climate ripe for smart manufacturing?

Smart manufacturing is a "leap forward from more traditional automation to a fully connected and flexible system," but transition barriers must be dealt with to realize value.

By Deborah Abrams Kaplan • May 21, 2018
11 technologies set to shape smart manufacturing

New tools like 3D printing and artificial intelligence have created a paradigm shift in technology and revealed a new world of supply chain efficiencies yet to be unlocked.

By Jordan Branch , Edwin Lopez • May 21, 2018
Home Depot returns to Gartner's Top 25 with focus on omnichannel

The retailer had fallen off the charts for three years, but bounced back strong with priorities on inventory and profits.

By Edwin Lopez • May 21, 2018
Most healthcare execs hope Amazon expands supply chain presence

A new survey shows industry leaders back Amazon jumping further into medical supplies to lower prices and quicken deliveries.

By Les Masterson • May 17, 2018
Retail supply chain investments revolve around the consumer

While retailers invest in visibility and new fulfillment models, a joint survey from JDA and KPMG said lack of management commitment is a top inhibitor.

By Shefali Kapadia • May 16, 2018
Treating supply chain as a cost center leaves value on the table

A survey from Accenture found the department is seldom involved in new technology investment decisions, which hinders strategic execution.

By Edwin Lopez • May 16, 2018
OEM-supplier relationships slump in 2018

If supplier relations aren't a priority, profit margins and competitiveness may decrease while supply chain risk increases.

By Kate Patrick • May 16, 2018
Walmart sourcing executive lands at Target

William Foudy has more than 25 years of experience in the sourcing industry and has led international teams for brands including Adidas and Nike.

By Daphne Howland • May 16, 2018
Warehouse robotics are catching on, but to a limited scale

Tough ROI calculations, cost and implementation barriers mean the top adapters of the new tech are logistics providers, while others lag behind.

By Edwin Lopez • May 15, 2018
Opinion
Tit-for-tat tariffs call for closer calculations

Should the worst happen, companies need to ensure global supply chains are prepared to handle disruption.

By Gary M. Barraco
Deep Dive
To survive the apocalypse, retailers must think of retail as a service

Adapting to consumer demands is the new focus of the retail supply chain, according to the D3 Retail Supply Chain Summit in New York.

By Kate Patrick • May 15, 2018
Deep Dive
Warehouse recruiters get creative as labor crunch tightens

Far more than a talent crisis, the U.S. is facing a labor shortage — and that's limiting supply chain productivity.

By Deborah Abrams Kaplan • May 15, 2018
Target tests more frequent, tailored deliveries to stores

The mass merchant's latest pilot aims to cut its replenishment cycle from days to hours while reducing inventory at stores, especially small-format ones.

By Corinne Ruff • May 14, 2018
Sears finds niche as brick-and-mortar resource for Amazon

The company's tire installation deal with Amazon mirrors its symbiotic relationship with other e-tailers looking for a brick-and-mortar presence.

By Rich Weissman • May 14, 2018
KFC recovers from DHL disruption, but at a cost

The supply disruption led to 2% lower same-store sales and cost 5% in operating profit in the first quarter.

By Edwin Lopez • May 11, 2018