Procurement

Patterson's new supply chain initiatives could turn around lackluster sales

The dental company's new initiative aims to increase operational and supply chain efficiency but may have unintended consequences.

By Kate Patrick • July 17, 2018

ERPs a top challenge to growth of electronic payments

Electronic payments help lower costs and keep suppliers happy, but the technology's lack of interoperability with existing software is hindering adoption.

By Edwin Lopez • July 17, 2018

Supply chain woes leave Boeing, Airbus struggling to deliver

Booming demand in the airline industry is squeezing suppliers and creating shortages of crucial components such as engines and wing assemblies.

By Gary Wollenhaupt • July 17, 2018

Fish tales: Overfishing takes cod away from capes — and the world

Fishing reached record highs in 2016, but its unchecked growth may threaten long-term food security as fish stock declines or shifts to different waters. 

By Rich Weissman • July 16, 2018

Furniture retail starts to feel the 'Amazon effect'

While the industry has been slow to advance, increased demand and competition is driving innovation, keeping manufacturers on their toes.

By Barry Hochfelder • July 16, 2018

34% of companies can't determine country of origin for conflict minerals

Businesses have taken active steps to collect missing supply chain data, and suppliers are increasingly aware of 3TG minerals in products. 

By Shefali Kapadia • July 12, 2018

Automation puts supply chain workers at high risk for exploitation

For businesses, juggling efficient automated facilities with the livelihood of workers is a balancing act. 

By Shefali Kapadia • July 12, 2018

US announces tariffs on $200B more goods from China

China promised to take "firm and forceful measures" in response, but it's unclear exactly what those measures will be. 

By Shefali Kapadia • July 11, 2018

It's time to reboot S&OP

A dose of technology plus supply chain collaboration may be the awakening that is missing to achieve better forecasting.

By Rich Weissman • July 10, 2018

Despite post-election bump, reshoring declined in 2017

A.T. Kearney's Reshoring Index saw a 27 basis point decline in 2017 as manufacturers turned to offshore facilities for imports.

By Edwin Lopez • July 10, 2018

Walmart launches online showcase, highlighting diverse suppliers

While 2,600 diverse suppliers is a small fraction of the retailer's vendor base, it's a good start to help suppliers gain a foothold in the marketplace.

By Rich Weissman • July 09, 2018

Amazon's medical supply chain ambitions: 4 things to know

The e-commerce giant is counting on shifting healthcare bedrock to give it an edge as it grows.

By Rebecca Pifer • July 06, 2018

Palm oil group suspends Nestlé, but is the company guilty?

Nestlé failed to meet some certification requirements for the Roundtable on Sustainable Palm Oil, then wrote a letter raising questions over its value.

By Nicole Ault • July 05, 2018

It's becoming more expensive to be a Whole Foods supplier

In addition to merchandising fees and having to pay to run in-store demos, vendors are now being charged for the grocer's Prime member discounts.

By Jeff Wells • July 05, 2018

Tariffs sucker-punch high-debt companies like Harley-Davidson

While the motorcycle company retains good financial strength, significant risk and high debt have investors keeping close tabs on Harley. 

By Shefali Kapadia • July 05, 2018

Europe's largest supermarkets team up to cut better deals from suppliers

Carrefour and Tesco are joining forces to lower costs and better compete with German discount grocers and Amazon's growing presence in Europe.

By Kate Patrick • July 05, 2018

Before the boom: How $1.2B in fireworks get from China to the July 4 celebration

As the country's fireworks industry consolidates, supply chain managers are preparing to avert disruption.

By Craig Guillot • July 03, 2018

Tariffs drive price inflation, hitting metal buyers

One furniture company with a U.S.-based supply chain is expecting a $5 million increase to its cost of goods sold — just from steel.

By Edwin Lopez • July 03, 2018

65% of procurement professionals say regulations increase business risk

While the fundamentals of mitigating risk and reducing costs remain the same, the complexity of risk has increased with the regulatory landscape in flux. 

By Rich Weissman • July 02, 2018

Mattel may underperform in Q2 due to poor inventory management

The toy supplier's financial outlook is not optimistic for fiscal year 2018 based on its struggle to rebound from Toys R Us' liquidation.

By Kate Patrick • July 02, 2018

3 years after an outcry, Patagonia brings wool back to its supply chain

As the apparel brand investigated its wool sourcing, it encountered significant challenges with traceability and suppliers willing to change their practices. 

By Shefali Kapadia • June 28, 2018

Tim Hortons to build two new warehouses

The project aims to expand the distribution network in Canada but comes amid tensions between franchisees and the restaurant chain's parent company. 

By Shefali Kapadia • June 27, 2018

LaZBoy CEO: 'It's an uncertain time for cost inputs'

Tit-for-tat tariffs are creating a fickle environment for companies with all-import business models.

By Edwin Lopez • June 26, 2018

Target, CVS join Walmart in collecting emissions data from suppliers

Retailers are opening the door to collaboration with suppliers, creating opportunities to reduce environmental impact and improve the bottom line. 

By Shefali Kapadia • June 26, 2018

Digitization can help procurement be more purposeful

As consumers worry more about ethical sourcing, chief procurement officers can manipulate technology to elevate their procurement practices.

By Marcell Vollmer