Operations: Page 2

'Shake up that carrier mix': Shippers need flexibility in logistics, fulfillment for peak-season prep

The pandemic introduced atypical market conditions and led some carriers to cap volume from retailers. 

By S.L. Fuller • June 17, 2020

Unilever to request suppliers' emissions data on invoices

The supplier accountability effort seeks to advance Unilever' sustainability goals, such as reaching net-zero emissions from products by 2039 and ridding its supply chain of deforestation by 2023.

By Emma Cosgrove • June 17, 2020

More automation means more reusable packaging: survey

Highly automated fulfillment environments rely on standardized, reusable packaging, but it's not a one-size-fits-all solution. 

By Matt Leonard • June 16, 2020

Lamb Weston furloughs 660, closes 2 plants as fry demand falls

The bullwhip effect is alive and well in the food industry — and french fry supply chains are feeling the sting from closed restaurants.

By Emma Cosgrove • June 16, 2020

Developing the coronavirus vaccine supply chain

Pharmas, nonprofit organizations and suppliers prepare to handle a high volume of vaccines, but component shortages and scaling up manufacturing present challenges.

By Deborah Abrams Kaplan • June 16, 2020

UNFI: Grocery supplier stockouts could last into the fall

Consistently high demand, combined with the spike of panic-buying in March, will keep some suppliers in catch-up mode for a few more months, CEO Steve Spinner said. 

By Emma Cosgrove • June 12, 2020

Opinion

It's time for a national hospital supply chain czar

If the current lack of supply chain coordination isn't resolved before the expected second surge in COVID-19 cases, the result will be a far worse crisis, writes Jody Hatcher, a healthcare supply chain expert.

By Jody Hatcher • June 11, 2020

SAP, IBM Food Trust, GS1 move toward food supply chain traceability with interoperability test

GS1, the not-for-profit issuer of UPCs and barcodes, hired a vice president of blockchain in January and is conducting a series of tests to advance the technology's use in food supply chains. 

By Emma Cosgrove • June 11, 2020

Strained supply chains, resource scarcity drive heightened focus on circularity amid pandemic

Supply chain disruptions in healthcare, packaging and other industries are seen as potential opportunities for new reuse and remanufacturing initiatives.

By Leslie Nemo • June 10, 2020

Inventory imbalances cost Chewy $20M amid pandemic 'demand shock'

The company's Q1 sales increased 46% year over year, prompting a ramp-up in fulfillment center hiring, operation speed and costs throughout its network.

By Emma Cosgrove • June 10, 2020

UPS expands healthcare footprint, shifting focus to vaccines

The carrier is working with many of the major players developing vaccines to protect against the new coronavirus and companies working toward treatments.

By Matt Leonard • June 10, 2020

Supply chain median salary 24% higher than national median, gender gap narrows

Supply chain professionals with a bachelor's degree have a median salary of $78,750 and 88% of respondents said they have a positive career outlook.

By Matt Leonard • June 10, 2020

Inventory management a top skill for 58% of supply chain pros: survey

Effective inventory management "is at the core of supply chain and that is making sure that you've got the right product at the right price with the right consumer at the right place," said ASCM CEO Abe Eshkenazi.

By Matt Leonard • June 09, 2020

Honda resumes most operations after cyberattack

The malware spread throughout the company's networks though it said no data was compromised.

By Samantha Ann Schwartz • June 09, 2020

Small meat suppliers tout supply chain transparency while pandemic challenges large producers

The four major meat companies have closed plants and warned of shortages. But local suppliers that offer a more transparent view of operations have seen business boom. 

By Lillianna Byington • June 09, 2020

COVID-19 spurs a leap to digital supply chains

Manufacturers who previously looked at data, analytics, IoT and robotics to drive efficiency now see them as tools to increase resiliency during uncertain times.

By Craig Guillot • June 09, 2020

CPGs stockpile inventory to guarantee supply for retail customers

Companies are using cash reserves to invest in the raw materials they need to avoid food shortages resulting from widespread panic buying.

By Jessi Devenyns • June 09, 2020

American Eagle fast-tracks fulfillment hubs to reduce shipping backlog

The peri-urban fulfillment hub is a fixture of Amazon's supply chain, but few pure-play apparel sellers have adopted the strategy. 

By Emma Cosgrove • June 08, 2020

Column

Patent Pending: Target's plan for a store-fulfillment manager

Supply chain innovators apply to patent what they see as important tools for the future. Sometimes they're brilliant. Sometimes they're funny.

By Matt Leonard • June 05, 2020

Calls to close Smithfield's Farmer John plant escalate amid outbreak

The United Food and Commercial Workers Local 770 said safety measures at the California facility are insufficient. At least 153 employees have tested positive for the coronavirus.  

By Lillianna Byington • June 02, 2020

Manufacturers tap into WMS, ERP for end-to-end data management

A so-called "digital thread" creates visibility throughout the supply chain and allows an organization to respond faster to potential disruptions.

By Matt Leonard • June 02, 2020

Coca-Cola, Mondelez trim SKUs as CPGs tackle pandemic stresses

Supply chains are reducing complexity to better operate in volatile market conditions.

By Emma Cosgrove • June 02, 2020

US manufacturing recovers slightly in May, demand challenges remain: ISM

The Institute for Supply Management projects an uphill battle to recovery in 2021 as new order numbers reached their second lowest level since 2008.

By Morgan Forde • June 01, 2020

Lineage Logistics pens deal with Henningsen Cold Storage, continuing acquisition spree

With its latest acquisition, Lineage Logistics' empire grows to 1.9 billion cubic feet of temperature-controlled capacity across 311 facilities in 11 countries.

By Matt Leonard • June 01, 2020

Nordstrom cuts inventory 26% in Q1 by cancelling orders, shipping from stores

CEO Erik Nordstrom called inventory the retailer's "biggest lever of flexibility," with sales down 40% year over year.

By Emma Cosgrove • June 01, 2020