When forecasts are misaligned

Coordinating plans across operations, procurement, logistics and finance can be a challenge, especially at large businesses. A central forecasting team can help. 

By Deborah Abrams Kaplan • Jan. 28, 2020

US expands tariffs to cover steel- and aluminum-based items

Businesses importing foreign-made steel and aluminum products as a mitigation tactic against tariffs on the raw materials will require reassessment of sourcing plans before the tariffs kick in on Feb. 8.

By Shefali Kapadia • Jan. 28, 2020

Explore the Trendline➔

Warehouse automation

Robotics and AI are two of the many tools warehouse operators are using to improve productivity.

By Supply Chain Dive staff

DHS targets warehouses to combat counterfeits

Facility owners would be responsible for proactively notifying CBP, if counterfeit or illicit goods are found in their facilities, and complying with agency orders.

By Morgan Forde • Jan. 27, 2020

Coca-Cola says it won't ban plastic bottles because consumers like them

Head of Sustainability Bea Perez said people like being able to reseal drinks in lightweight packaging, and alternatives could increase the company's carbon footprint and hurt sales.

By Lillianna Byington • Jan. 27, 2020

Whole Foods struggles with shortages amid supplier closure

Customers nationwide have reported bare shelves and limited inventory, which the retailer has said is a result of an unexpected supplier closure. 

By Jessica Dumont • Jan. 27, 2020

Trade war will lead to global recession: survey

The uncertainty surrounding a possible recession requires supply chain managers to tread cautiously and firm up risk management strategies.

By Shefali Kapadia • Jan. 23, 2020

Starbucks sets course for resource positive supply chain

The operational and procurement changes would touch every corner of the company's operation from food sourcing to building construction.

By Emma Cosgrove • Jan. 22, 2020

How wearables compare: Head-mounted, wrist worn or gloves?

Managers who use wearables in their operations say it helps employees do their jobs faster and with fewer errors, but benefits can depend significantly on the hardware.

By Matt Leonard • Jan. 21, 2020

Fighting warehouse worker fatigue with wearables

Wearables have emerged as a solution to monitor fatigue as it's happening, and to predict when it will happen in the future.

By Jen A. Miller • Jan. 21, 2020

3 retail supply chain fails of 2019 and how to avoid them in 2020

Supply chains struggled with technology integrations in 2019. Experts believe the ability to bounce back from a crisis will be essential for modern managers. 

By Emma Cosgrove • Jan. 21, 2020

Nestlé to invest up to $2B in sustainable packaging

The global company wants to lead the shift to food-grade recycled plastics and accelerate the development of more environmentally friendly solutions with a venture fund.

By Lillianna Byington • Jan. 17, 2020

4 e-commerce trends to watch in 2020

When competing with Amazon or Alibaba, it’s important to use trends as inspiration for innovation, writes Bernard Schreiner, co-founder of Paazl.

By Bernard Schreiner • Jan. 16, 2020

Belk harnesses AI to manage inventory

As the department store used analytics to square orders with demand, margins improved, Vice President Tim Carney said at the NRF's Big Show.

By Daphne Howland • Jan. 16, 2020

Supply chain certifications: What's new?

Just as the business world evolves, associations offering supply chain certifications are revamping them to include relevant content.

By Deborah Abrams Kaplan • Jan. 16, 2020

3D printing use for MRO will double: report

Respondents in a survey by Essentium, a 3D printing platform, named reduced lead times as a key benefit of the technology. 

By Shefali Kapadia • Jan. 16, 2020

Walmart opens new beef supply chain facility

The retailer first shared plans to create its own end-to-end beef supply chain last April, noting the importance of meeting customer demand for transparency and improved food quality. 

By Jessica Dumont • Jan. 15, 2020

The importance of S&OP in 2020

Trends in personalization and fast shipping will require planning that goes beyond supply and demand. 

By Craig Guillot • Jan. 14, 2020

Sustainable ocean freight gains momentum as Kuehne + Nagel, 7 others forgo Arctic shipping

Eight companies pledged not to use the Northern Sea Route, a pathway through the Arctic which cuts transit times but carries environmental consequences. 

By Morgan Forde • Jan. 14, 2020

H&M's AI operation helps make its supply chain more sustainable

With precisely honed demand forecasts, supply chains can use only the resources they need and no more.

By Emma Cosgrove • Jan. 14, 2020

The 3 most common forecasting errors retail CFOs make

Smart investment on the planning side can help retailers better align forecasts with actual sales.

By Robert Freedman • Jan. 14, 2020

Spending on robotics forecast to exceed $112B in 2020: IDC

These robotic systems increase efficiency, but tariffs could add to their cost — a factor businesses consider to be a challenge. 

By Matt Leonard • Jan. 13, 2020

Boeing supplier's 2.8K layoffs highlight scale of supply chain disruption

Spirit AeroSystems blamed the layoffs on Boeing's decision to stop 737 Max production and said it's not clear when manufacturing could begin again.

By Matt Leonard • Jan. 13, 2020

What are the top supply chain trends of 2020? 4 experts weigh in

2019 trends including automation, speedy operations and changing global supply chains will likely carry over and intensify this year.

By Shefali Kapadia • Jan. 13, 2020

Robotic micro-fulfillment startup Fabric wants to help NYC retailers compete with Amazon

Fabric’s service will enable retailers and brands to compete directly with Amazon Prime Now and Target's same-day service once it gets up to speed.

By Emma Cosgrove • Jan. 13, 2020

3 consumer retail megatrends in 2020 and beyond

No matter where you sit in any retail supply chain today, you have to pay attention to the end consumer more than ever.

Jan. 10, 2020