Robots, automation seen as solutions to social distancing hurdles in supply chain

The biggest benefit of automation during the pandemic has been the ability for companies to increase social distancing measures within their facilities, according to respondents to a survey from Honeywell and KRC Research. 

By Matt Leonard • July 14, 2020

How a small-batch distillery improvised a hand sanitizer supply chain in 72 hours

When hand sanitizer was in short supply, nontraditional producers retooled operations and worked with suppliers to fill the gap.

By S.L. Fuller • July 14, 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

CH Robinson, Microsoft partner on inventory visibility platform

The inventory data pairs with outside sources of information, including weather and traffic, and the platform will use predictive analytics in an attempt to anticipate supply chain disruptions.

By Matt Leonard • July 14, 2020

Amazon preps for peak with restrictions on 3rd-party seller warehouse space

"Amazon is preparing for the 'worst,' which in this case it could be the best holiday season in a generation," Rick Watson, CEO of RMW Commerce Consulting, told Supply Chain Dive.

By Emma Cosgrove • July 14, 2020

FDA releases food safety blueprint that uses tech to bolster visibility, recall tracking

Tech-enabled traceability, data tools, modernization and strengthening safety culture are ways the agency believes foodborne illnesses can be reduced.

By Jessi Devenyns • July 14, 2020

An insider's look at how GM, Ventec ramped up ventilator production amid COVID-19

The weight of the Defense Production Act was key in opening doors, said the CEO of the engineering firm contracted to test each of the 30,000 devices expected under the agreement.

By Greg Slabodkin • July 13, 2020

How an expanded US footprint would add resilience to TSMC's supply chain

TSMC's intent to build a factory in Arizona would bring it geographically closer to potential and existing buyers of semiconductor products.

By Matt Leonard • July 13, 2020

The 5 Ws of reshoring supply chains

The decision to reshore is a balance between price and risk and a trend that started long before the coronavirus pandemic. 

By Shefali Kapadia • July 13, 2020

Why reshoring the textile supply chain is easier said than done

U.S. textile production, and the apparel manufacturing that depends on it, cannot return to its former glory without multi-million dollar infusions into the industry.

By Emma Cosgrove • July 13, 2020

6 charts show global trade and supply chain nearshoring trends

Recent factors have eroded the cost competitiveness of production in China, and the appeal of globalization for many supply chains lessened.

By Supply Chain Dive • July 13, 2020

Unilever CSCO: Agility beats forecasting when the supply chain is stressed

Every dollar spent on agility has 10 times the ROI compared to forecasting spend, according to Chief Supply Chain Officer Marc Engel.

By Emma Cosgrove • July 13, 2020

Reshore, nearshore or offshore?

Moving supply chains is not an overnight decision or task. While risk from the COVID-19 pandemic has accelerated the trend for many industries, others lack the infrastructure and labor to go all in on "Made in USA."

Patent Pending: Can't sign for your package? Just let UPS track your phone's location

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 • July 10, 2020

XPO relies on data to prevent workplace coronavirus spread

The company's findings indicate technology is being used as fervently as soap and water, in efforts to prevent spread and avoid hot spots.

By Jim Stinson • July 10, 2020

Biden releases plan to strengthen domestic supply chains

The plan positions critical medical supply chains as a matter of national security and would compensate companies for maintaining excess production capacity and inventory. 

By Emma Cosgrove • July 8, 2020

Intel's automated inventory planning: How it swapped 'rule-of-thumb' for algorithms

The company generated millions in inventory cost savings from SKUs using the automated model and increased gross profits $1.3 billion from 2014 to 2017.

By Matt Leonard • July 7, 2020

3 applications for RFID in the fight against COVID-19

Microchips embedded in RFID tags can track and authenticate vaccines, test kits, medical equipment and PPE from manufacturing to clinic sites.

By Deborah Abrams Kaplan • July 7, 2020

Supply chain resilience plans start with mapping — but don't wait for disruption to test them

If investing in resilience seems too costly, there's always that other strategy: hoping nothing goes wrong, writes Anne van de Heetkamp, a VP at Descartes.

By Anne van de Heetkamp • July 7, 2020

The new data priorities of 2020

Firms will turn to data to improve e-commerce and strengthen supply chains, incorporating lessons learned from the pandemic.

By Roberto Torres • July 6, 2020

US government to crack down on supply chains linked to human rights abuses in Xinjiang

The Department of Homeland Security said it will take "increased enforcement action" against U.S. businesses contributing to forced labor and other human rights abuses in the region.

By Morgan Forde • July 2, 2020

Prologis reaches operational carbon neutrality, takes aim at indirect emissions

Indirect sources of carbon, such as purchased goods and services, travel and downstream leased assets, represent 99% of the firm's total emissions. 

By Emma Cosgrove • July 2, 2020

US manufacturing breaks growth records, pandemic unknowns temper July outlook

June's PMI figure does not capture the impact of a recent nationwide spike in coronavirus cases.

By Morgan Forde • July 2, 2020

Stop & Shop expands e-commerce operations as demand climbs

To better support online grocery demand, the retailer will add three warerooms and roll out pickup service to at least 50 more stores. It has also expanded its delivery partnership with Instacart.

By Jessica Dumont • July 2, 2020

MIT, Ava, Greater Boston Food Bank partner on COVID-fighting robot

The robot will use UV light to sanitize the food bank's shipping dock at night and is going through training to operate autonomously.

By Matt Leonard • July 1, 2020

USMCA takes effect. How does it affect supply chains?

Shippers are struggling to determine whether ramping up nearshoring efforts or absorbing tariff costs from overseas suppliers is the most cost-effective strategy under the new NAFTA.

By Morgan Forde • July 1, 2020