Is supply chain management a 'big company' game?

This week's Influencers Roundtable debates whether smaller businesses can develop tech-savvy supply chains.

By Kate Patrick Macri • Oct. 23, 2017

Kobe Steel's quality scandal is an age-old supply chain tale

The pressure to reduce costs has sparked a race to the bottom, and we have no one to blame but ourselves.

By Rich Weissman • Oct. 20, 2017

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

6 supply chain levers can boost the bottom line

Once supply chain managers understand how their work affects EBITDA and net working capital, they can help a company free up millions in cash, Sandra Jessop told attendees at APICS 2017.

By Edwin Lopez • Oct. 18, 2017

Bon-Ton suppliers reportedly pulling back

Some of the struggling retailer's vendors are asking for better financial terms as they try to protect themselves from the possibility of bankruptcy.

By Ben Unglesbee • Oct. 17, 2017

Challenged by craft brewers, Heineken shifts S&OP strategy

The brewer will plan supply and demand needs at the country level, seeking greater flexibility and up to 15% lower inventory costs.

By Rich Weissman • Oct. 17, 2017

What drives supply chain innovation?

I recently heard "innovation" had lost its meaning from corporate overuse, but after hearing influencer feedback, it sounds like that's really because it's the new normal.

By Edwin Lopez • Oct. 16, 2017

Round 4: Will NAFTA talks end on time?

A two-day extension of the latest negotiating round leaves doubts as to whether the talks are on track.

By Edwin Lopez • Oct. 11, 2017

Cash reserves: A hedge against supply chain risk

Companies with ample cash reserves are better able to handle all kinds of disaster, including hurricanes.

By Rich Weissman • Oct. 11, 2017

Centralization as much a management issue as a financial one

Various brands are centralizing spend decisions as they seek to cut costs, but is that always the best strategy?

By Rich Weissman • Oct. 5, 2017

Cloud platforms offer ethics compliance analysis for third parties

As transparency maintenance along the supply chain becomes more essential, software providers are working to meet the need.

By Jennifer McKevitt • Oct. 4, 2017

Study: Whole Foods' price reductions poached shoppers from Walmart, Trader Joe's and Sprouts

According to shopper tracking firm Thasos Group, Walmart customers comprised 24% of first-time visitors to the natural retailer during its week-one price reductions under new owner Amazon.

By Jeff Wells • Oct. 3, 2017

Economics, not regulation, drives the green supply chain

While laws can help drive the debate in the green economy, ultimately supply chain managers must recognize the long-term benefits of sustainability.

By Rich Weissman • Oct. 2, 2017

Shortage of 'Romeo' facial recognition component could delay November iPhone X release

Delays were already expected, but a new snag after product announcement isn't good for Apple's image.

By Jennifer McKevitt • Sept. 29, 2017

Digital sourcing will revolutionize the apparel industry. In fact, it already has.

Yet, a new survey from McKinsey&Company reveals the industry is sluggishly adopting end-to-end process management tech, despite its clear benefits.

By Rich Weissman • Sept. 26, 2017

Kroger launches online portal for local product suppliers

The grocer’s move to source more emerging brands follows Whole Foods’ announcement that it will further centralize its purchasing.

By Jeff Wells • Sept. 25, 2017

How changes to NAFTA rules of origin could threaten supply chains

The growth of global sourcing since the deal was first signed complicates attempts to renegotiate some clauses.

By Rich Weissman • Sept. 25, 2017

ITC finds injury to US solar manufacturers, sending tariff decision to Trump

The ITC will submit formal recommendations to the White House by November, after which President Trump has two months to decide on a final policy.

By Krysti Shallenberger • Sept. 22, 2017

Round 3: NAFTA gets wonky

The last two rounds were easy compared to the challenges negotiators will face in Ottawa this weekend.

By Edwin Lopez • Sept. 22, 2017

Whole Foods to further centralize buying operations and bar brand reps from store

The Amazon-backed grocer aims to increase efficiency, but critics say these moves will shrink the marketing and availability of popular niche brands.

By Jeff Wells • Sept. 22, 2017

Big Pharma builds blockchain prototype to stop counterfeits

The MediLedger Project brings together the pharma supply chain stakeholders to build a system that could register and verify drugs, without compromising data.

By Edwin Lopez • Sept. 21, 2017

Toys R Us owes suppliers more than $200M, may not be able to repay

The toy retailer filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy yesterday, leaving suppliers in the lurch.

By Kate Patrick Macri • Sept. 20, 2017

Study: Hospitals can save $9.9M by improving their supply chains

Practitioners assume low product costs yield poor care, but a recent Navigant analysis of more than 2,000 hospital budgets suggests the opposite is true.

By Edwin Lopez , Jennifer McKevitt • Sept. 20, 2017

Toys R Us vendors reportedly pull back ahead of possible bankruptcy

Chatter around a possible bankruptcy filing from the toy retailer has intensified with reports of skittish vendors and news that Toys R Us is shopping a bankruptcy plan to lenders.

By Ben Unglesbee • Sept. 18, 2017

Demand for construction supplies soars after Hurricane Harvey

Thomas Index data provides a unique understanding of market mechanics after hurricanes, which was not available prior to the recent storms.

By Edwin Lopez • Sept. 18, 2017

Supply chains absorb significant friction costs, but is automation the answer?

More efficient payment and billing technology may help, but cost savings will only appear if all parties are on board.

By Rich Weissman • Sept. 15, 2017