How contracts help define supplier performance

Too often contracts are negotiated, signed, celebrated and then filed away — never to be seen again. But managing contracts well may help improve performance.

By Rich Weissman • July 11, 2017

Supplier financial risk lies at the core of disruptions, per procurement pros

A survey of executives at ProcureCon Indirect East revealed that more than half the respondents did not track supplier financial health after onboarding, but recent events suggest it is a good time to start.

By Rich Weissman • July 7, 2017

Explore the Trendline➔

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

GSK taps suppliers, Schneider to meet emission targets

The British drugmaker aims to be carbon neutral by 2050 and will need help from its hundreds of suppliers to help cut down on emissions.

By Edwin Lopez • July 6, 2017

Butter spot prices surge to new global high, brand buyers panic

What was previously a glut based on artificially low prices turns to a shortage and a spike in demand.

By Jennifer McKevitt • July 6, 2017

McCormick hopes to capitalize on good relationship with Amazon

The spice company knows that maintaining strong vendor-seller relationships can present new selling opportunities and purchasing options.

By Jennifer McKevitt • July 6, 2017

Logistics professionals must step up to help stem influx of opioid drugs

A united pharmaceutical effort is required to stem the flow of fentanyl and its imitators.

By Jennifer McKevitt • July 5, 2017

Report: Execs struggle to quantify Procurement's value

A new HBR report discusses the need for procurement professionals, and evaluates some of the challenges they face as supply chains continue to evolve.

By Rich Weissman • July 5, 2017

UN Women releases toolkit to help narrow gender gap for procurement professionals

The toolkit's research reveals that buying from women-owned suppliers brings procurement savings and a bigger customer base.

By Jennifer McKevitt • June 26, 2017

Research shows buyers, suppliers often struggle to collaborate

A negative power balance between buyers and suppliers inhibits growth and innovation.

By Jennifer McKevitt • June 23, 2017

Report: Procurement benefits from C-Suite buy-in, but struggles with outdated tech

The profession is suffering growing pains as it transitions to a technology-based way of doing business.

By Jennifer McKevitt • June 21, 2017

Japanese automakers brace for Takata bankruptcy

Honda, Toyota and their peers react by finding alternative suppliers and managing financial risk.

By Jennifer McKevitt • June 20, 2017

'Buy American' policies could disrupt supply chains, but compliance is critical

The Chamber of Commerce warned against the adoption of "Buy American" policies in NAFTA 2.0 earlier this week.

By Rich Weissman • June 16, 2017

HP to maximize sustainability efforts through 2025

The power of a big buyer can shape its suppliers' sustainability policies.

By Jennifer McKevitt • June 16, 2017

Gymboree said vendor issues hastened financial woes

Vendors began demanding tougher terms and sparked a vicious financial cycle. 

By Ben Unglesbee • June 15, 2017

Running in place: Retailers struggle to keep up with customer expectations

"Brick and mortar isn't going away — it's adjusting," says Radial's John Byrde. Part of that process means adjusting omnichannel strategies to lower costs.

By Jennifer McKevitt • June 15, 2017

Report: E-commerce disruption is coming for industrial distributors

Consumer trends and new technologies are facilitating direct purchase from manufacturer and may potentially disrupt traditional distributors.

By Jennifer McKevitt • June 14, 2017

Post-recession credit shortages slow productivity, strain relations

The effects of the 2008 global financial crisis are still being felt across the supply chain.

By Edwin Lopez , Jennifer McKevitt • June 14, 2017

SAP Ariba, Samasource partner to end poverty with procurement information

The partnership continues a trend of supply chain partners bringing buyers more information to make purchasing decisions.

By Jennifer McKevitt • June 13, 2017

Kuehne+Nagel adds emission figures to invoices

How many GHGs did your latest ocean shipment come with?

By Jennifer McKevitt • June 9, 2017

Jabil commits to Apple's push for 100% renewable energy

Sustainability is a "challenge that never ends," Apple writes in its 2017 Supplier Responsibility report, but partnering with like-minded suppliers can make a world of a difference.

By Edwin Lopez , Jennifer McKevitt • June 9, 2017

Suppliers say a lack of incentives hampers innovation

A recent survey found supply-side innovation tops procurement wish lists, but encouraging suppliers to innovate requires a strong sense of partnership.

By Jennifer McKevitt • June 9, 2017

Maersk Line offers direct financing to US partners in need of cash

The trade financing option is now available to credit worthy partners in six U.S. states, and advances the line's push to become a supply chain solutions provider.

By Jennifer McKevitt • June 8, 2017

Jaggaer, Pool4Tool merge to help direct spend solutions cross the pond

The new company gains access to both direct and indirect spend tools, and a footprint on both sides of the Atlantic. But a crowded e-procurement market may temper dreams of expansion.

By Rich Weissman • June 7, 2017

Nintendo faces stark S&OP choices in bid to mitigate Switch shortage

Nintendo's short production of the gaming console may be caused by its supplier's priorities and production capacity, any change to which would spike costs.

By Jennifer McKevitt • June 1, 2017

BMW halts production as Bosch fails to meet supply needs

Even the largest companies are not immune from supply shortages, but dealing with a production halt is a manager's worst nightmare.

By Edwin Lopez , Jennifer McKevitt • June 1, 2017