High demand — and high pay — for supply chain managers focused on market intel

Professional specialization in demand forecasting, predictive analytics and meeting consumer demands "just in time" drives a premium for services. 

By Kate Patrick Macri • May 23, 2018

Smart manufacturing challenges businesses to rethink sourcing

Buying sensors and software for Industry 4.0 requires a fundamental change in mindset and relationships with suppliers. 

By Shefali Kapadia • May 21, 2018

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Top 5 stories from Supply Chain Dive

Here’s how companies are navigating evolving global trade and tariff policies, rising costs and operational uncertainty across supply chain networks.

By Supply Chain Dive staff

Home Depot returns to Gartner's Top 25 with focus on omnichannel

The retailer had fallen off the charts for three years, but bounced back strong with priorities on inventory and profits. 

By Edwin Lopez • May 21, 2018

With China tariffs in flux, supply chains set sights on Vietnam

Exports from Vietnam to the U.S. doubled in the last five years, but concerns plague supplier quality and visibility. 

By Shefali Kapadia • May 21, 2018

Burberry will acquire its supplier for 'greater control'

But buying a supplier may not be the best way to gain control over a company's supply chain. 

By Rich Weissman • May 18, 2018

Return on 'Integrity': The next performance metric?

Measuring the return on investment of intuitive decisions requires trusting the judgment of supply chain professionals. 

By Rich Weissman • May 17, 2018

OEM-supplier relationships slump in 2018

If supplier relations aren't a priority, profit margins and competitiveness may decrease while supply chain risk increases.

By Kate Patrick Macri • May 16, 2018

Walmart sourcing executive lands at Target

William Foudy has more than 25 years of experience in the sourcing industry and has led international teams for brands including Adidas and Nike.

By Daphne Howland • May 16, 2018

The world's most resilient countries rely on great infrastructure

How quickly countries can rebuild after a natural disaster is an important factor in sourcing decisions. 

By Shefali Kapadia • May 16, 2018

Supplier competition heats up as retailers focus on speed and precision

Suppliers and manufacturers must adopt retailer tactics to improve their own supply chains or else lose business.

By Kate Patrick Macri • May 15, 2018

Tech's benefits for procurement are endless, but useless without baseline data

Procurement leaders' frequent interactions with suppliers can help them gather external data needed for their companies to innovate.

By Shefali Kapadia • May 15, 2018

4 takeaways from ISM 2018

Technology and mitigating supply chain disruptions are top of mind for many procurement professionals.

By Shefali Kapadia • May 14, 2018

Wrangler invests in soil health to improve supply chain

Water availability constrains the world's cotton supply, so Wrangler is working with suppliers to use soil more efficiently.

By Edwin Lopez • May 14, 2018

Fire at Ford suppliers plant disrupts best-selling F-150, temporary layoffs expected

Supply chain risk is anything that disrupts continuity of supply, and a disruption in a tightly attuned chain can have massive ripple effects.

By Rich Weissman • May 10, 2018

EpiPen shortage tied to Pfizer manufacturing issues

Problems at a manufacturing facility led to defective devices of a critical emergency treatment for allergic reactions. 

By Lisa LaMotta • May 9, 2018

Payments through Outlook could revolutionize procurement

Automatic payments could help companies pay suppliers on time (and vice versa) and maintain a positive cash flow.

By Rich Weissman • May 9, 2018

Nestlé, Starbucks deal will shift the coffee supply chain

The marketing deal could redefine the two companies' distribution networks and the procurement process behind them.

By Rich Weissman • May 8, 2018

12 retailers at risk of bankruptcy in 2018

Six major retailers have already filed for bankruptcy in 2018, pointing to more struggles ahead. With data from CreditRiskMonitor, we looked at the companies that could be vulnerable in the next 12 months. 

By Ben Unglesbee • May 8, 2018

Round 9: The final NAFTA countdown

After a full month of talks, negotiators are racing to get a new deal up for votes during both the U.S. and Mexico's lame duck legislative sessions.

By Edwin Lopez • May 7, 2018

Crab industry labor shortage upsets supply chain

Agricultural businesses such as the crabbing industry that depend on seasonal labor to meet harvest targets have been feeling the pinch of labor shortage.

By Rich Weissman • May 7, 2018

Hotels swap tiny shampoo bottles for bulk dispensers to cut costs

While the move may cause some supply chain disruption, hotels are convinced the move will improve quality, customer service and cost savings.

By Rich Weissman • May 3, 2018

US delays steel, aluminum tariffs until June

President Trump announced negotiations would continue with Mexico, Canada and the EU but granted Brazil, Argentina and Australia permanent exemptions.

By Edwin Lopez • May 1, 2018

Bee population decline not so sweet for food supply chains

Pollinators act as suppliers performing a service in the value chain, and their loss hurts supply of raw materials. 

By Rich Weissman • April 30, 2018

Sustainable cocoa promises have been empty

A new report finds the cocoa industry's commitment to responsible sourcing has had little impact over the past decade.

By Caroline Macdonald • April 26, 2018

Dior and Nine West rank '0' on supply chain transparency index

Consumer interest in socially conscious movements is driving many companies to rethink their sourcing decisions. 

By Rich Weissman • April 26, 2018