Wayfair's logistics network is getting a workout due to the pandemic, but will it last?

Questions from analysts about the max capacity of Wayfair's network mark a reversal from just a few months ago when concern about the timeline for full network utilization was top of mind.

By Emma Cosgrove • Nov. 4, 2020

Sealed Air, packaging suppliers shift to serve e-commerce 'mega trend'

Businesses said they've seen increased e-commerce traffic as a result of the pandemic, and they expect some of that volume to stick.

By Matt Leonard • Nov. 4, 2020

Explore the Trendline➔

Inventory Management

Read how retailers and brand manufactures are rethinking inventory management as an effective strategy against tariffs.

By Supply Chain Dive staff

Automation upgrades warehouse execution systems to essential status

The technology creates a digital twin, providing inventory management traditionally found in a WMS while adding the ability to control automated infrastructure.

By Matt Leonard • Nov. 3, 2020

Inside Chewy's first automated fulfillment center

Priorities around worker safety, cost structure and warehouse efficiency guided how the pet e-tailer built its tech stack in Archbald, Pennsylvania.

By Emma Cosgrove • Nov. 3, 2020

Supplier deliveries slow as manufacturers await election results: ISM

Companies indicated their inventories were finally growing, though customer inventories are still too low.

By Matt Leonard • Nov. 3, 2020

Kraft Heinz boosts supply-chain-stressed SKU production 20%

The company adapted its product mix to the raw materials available in Q3, which U.S. Zone President Carlos Abrams-Rivera offered as evidence of Kraft Heinz's increased agility as it adopts a new operating model.

By Emma Cosgrove • Nov. 2, 2020

Meat processors expedite robotics plans as pandemic ups pressure

The future of meat manufacturing could include 3D scanners and automated cutting. Tyson, Smithfield, Cargill and JBS are looking to increase automation.

By Lillianna Byington • Nov. 2, 2020

How thinking outside the box could be the best way to deliver for your customers this holiday season

Projecting shipping volumes is different this year, as volume is already hitting all-time highs in virtually every market due to the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Nov. 2, 2020

FedEx readies for 'peak on top of peak' with 4 tech investments

The logistics company provided a look behind the curtain on Thursday during its Peak Innovation Showcase, highlighting sensors, data and automation that will help manage holiday parcel volumes.

By Matt Leonard • Oct. 30, 2020

Amazon shipping costs outpace sales growth as pandemic operating expenses soar

"It's going to be tight for everyone ... and it's advantageous to the customer, and probably to the companies, for people to order early this year," said Amazon CFO Brian Olsavsky.

By Emma Cosgrove • Oct. 30, 2020

Demand volatility is the supply chain disruptor of 2020

The pandemic is still the dominant force on global economies, but leaders say supply is no longer the top problem.

By Emma Cosgrove • Oct. 30, 2020

Walmart launches test stores to further blend tech and in-store ops

The prototype locations will allow the retailer to quickly experiment with ways to make fulfillment more efficient and move in-store inventory online.

By Ben Unglesbee • Oct. 29, 2020

How COVID-19 changed warehouse management and design

Warehouse managers are adjusting workflows to keep employees safe and distanced while also handling the new demand for e-commerce.

By Jen A. Miller • Oct. 27, 2020

Supply chain visibility is 'awfully low,' but improving it can aid operations goals

A recent survey found that 40% of supply chain leaders plan to increase their investment in real-time visibility, which one expert said could help with omnichannel and forecasting.

By Matt Leonard • Oct. 27, 2020

Mattel, Hasbro play catch-up after demand for board games, toys surges

Executives from the toy giants say retailers are keeping inventories tight for Q4, putting the onus to meet demand on suppliers.

By Emma Cosgrove • Oct. 27, 2020

Coca-Cola works with bottlers to convert operations as it cuts 200 product lines

A dedicated team has largely finished SKU-cut decisions, and changes at bottling plants will roll out over the next year.

By Emma Cosgrove • Oct. 26, 2020

Demand for temp workers to lose momentum for remainder of 2020, report finds

The pandemic created an initial demand for temp workers, but uncertainty is causing a slowdown in hiring, according to the Palmer Forecast. 

By Sheryl Estrada • Oct. 22, 2020

Retailers face operational, logistical hurdles in pandemic-driven switch to ship from store

Retailers scrambled to change their fulfillment operations as open stores figured out ways to get their inventory to online shoppers.

By Matt Leonard • Oct. 20, 2020

How Ferrero uses data to monitor stock, reduce food waste

The confectionery giant is working with software company Alloy to improve the efficiency of its operations by cutting down on overstock and out of stock items.

By Lillianna Byington • Oct. 20, 2020

FedEx, Happy Returns partner on 'return bars,' streamline reverse logistics

Happy Returns has quadrupled its number of drop off locations with the addition of more than 2,000 FedEx Office locations.

By A.B. Brown • Oct. 20, 2020

Nordstrom expands online order pickup to Rack stores

The retailer will offer fulfillment services at its off-price stores and hire 22,000 holiday staffers ahead of a season expected to be more online than ever.

By Tatiana Walk-Morris • Oct. 19, 2020

Biden and Trump envision similar supply chains — but different paths to get there

Both presidential candidates promote investment in domestic manufacturing and supply chains, but they diverge on how to handle global trade relations.

By Emma Cosgrove • Oct. 16, 2020

China's largest warehouse operator forms joint venture to build logistics infrastructure in Vietnam

Vietnam has become one of the countries that is often included in discussions as companies talk about sourcing from new suppliers outside of China.

By Matt Leonard • Oct. 16, 2020

NFI responds to logistics demand with plans to add 5,000 new hires

Carriers and 3PLs scramble to have consumer goods stocked as warehousing sets record employment levels.

By Jim Stinson • Oct. 15, 2020

Asos lays out 'flexible fulfillment' plan to bolster in-stock status

Varied levels of product flow and warehouse automation have created a different experience for Asos customers in the U.K. and the U.S. The new plan could change that. 

By Emma Cosgrove • Oct. 15, 2020