Why indirect spend is the next frontier for supply chain cost savings

Direct stakeholder involvement is a hurdle in managing complex supplier relationships

By Rich Weissman • Nov. 22, 2016

DOL investigation reveals how retailers hide labor abuses within supply chains

Lacking enforceable anti-slavery regulations, companies require active leadership and transparency policies to root out modern slavery.

By Jennifer McKevitt • Nov. 21, 2016

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

Analyst: 3 priorities to consider before digitizing

Adopting cloud technology without first thinking of the talent and infrastructure required to operate can cause inefficiencies derived from the change.

By Jennifer McKevitt • Nov. 18, 2016

Human rights violations revealed in Australian fruit supply chains

Sourcing from developed countries does not guarantee ethical supply chains when auditors veil the truth in reports.

By Jennifer McKevitt • Nov. 17, 2016

How dependence on ERP providers may be stifling innovation

Technology is changing so fast, there are now triple the number of laggard companies than there were 10 years ago.

By Jennifer McKevitt • Nov. 16, 2016

Should supply chains worry about a potential UPS air worker strike?

The vote to strike is a routine show of solidarity among unions, according to UPS.

By Jennifer McKevitt • Nov. 16, 2016

Survey: 40% of shippers now negotiate freight rates monthly

Great shifts in the shipping industry over recent months may indicate it's time for a renewed conversation over contract rates.

By Jennifer McKevitt • Nov. 16, 2016

Time for a procurement strategy reboot

Reducing transaction costs is a boon for buyers and sellers alike.

By Rich Weissman • Nov. 8, 2016

Business ethics affect 58% of buying choices in advanced economies

Consumers' access to technology is making business connectivity both an asset and liability as B2C relationships grow in importance.

By Jennifer McKevitt • Nov. 8, 2016

Survey: Most shippers do not trust their hazmat carriers

Establishing chains of responsibility and breaking silos can help shippers avoid a hefty $75,000 violation.

By Jennifer McKevitt • Nov. 3, 2016

Legislators urge ILWU, PMA to renew contract early

The congressmen note constituents are still facing repercussions from last year's failed contract negotiations and hope this week's talks yield an optimistic outlook. 

By Edwin Lopez • Nov. 2, 2016

Ford's upgrade of BlackBerry to Tier 1 anticipates role of IoT in auto industry

The rise of the self-driving car will make "connected car" capabilities essential to competitiveness.

By Jennifer McKevitt • Nov. 2, 2016

Gambling with the supply chain: Why some Cubs gear retailers win big while others close shop

Sports championships are sure to bring demand surges for participating teams' gear, but what if the team does not qualify?

By Jennifer McKevitt • Nov. 1, 2016

Night sweats and zombie suppliers

Have a supplier horror story that will give us goose bumps? Here are a few of our best.

By Rich Weissman • Oct. 28, 2016

Wal-Mart aims to drive consumer recycling habits through packaging

The retail giant will include How2Recycle instructions on its products while optimizing design and demanding use of sustainable materials from suppliers.

By Jennifer McKevitt • Oct. 27, 2016

Northeastern University tops list of online supply chain management MBA programs

Arizona State, the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, Lehigh and North Carolina State complete the top five.

By Jarrett Carter • Oct. 26, 2016

Recruiter tips: Social media, certifications can help ease the talent shortage

Recruitment is a two-way street: As supply chain executives improve their talent acquisition strategies, aspiring professionals must hone their skills to match companies' needs.

By Rich Weissman • Oct. 25, 2016

Data systems can help expose $1.5 trillion worth of concealed inventory

Lean inventory cushions, decreased product outages, and better product planning will illuminate hidden data in untapped channels.  

By Jennifer McKevitt • Oct. 25, 2016

UPS workers leverage strike threat ahead of peak season

The workers pledged to fulfill their obligations until the end of peak shipping season, however, and a strike is far from guaranteed.

By Jennifer McKevitt • Oct. 25, 2016

Report: E-commerce lessons also apply for procurement

Digital platforms for B2B transaction and procurement are worth between $600 billion and $1 trillion, and growing quickly. 

By Jennifer McKevitt • Oct. 24, 2016

Despite benefits, managers slow to roll out sustainable supply chains

Although 36% of managers said they intend to incorporate sustainability into operations, only 22% plan to do so quickly.

By Jennifer McKevitt • Oct. 21, 2016

Pepsi pushes suppliers to meet higher environmental, waste and health standards

The company's sustainability plan directly responds to international regulations on sugar intake and environmental footprint.

By Jennifer McKevitt • Oct. 19, 2016

Happy New Year: Prices are going up

The annual battle over price increases is one of the more tawdry fundamentals of the buyer and seller relationship. 

By Rich Weissman • Oct. 18, 2016

Courts to decide if GM's price bargains led CCM to bankruptcy

Large companies often have undue influence over their suppliers' production. Leveraging this too much could lead partners into financial straits.

By Jennifer McKevitt • Oct. 13, 2016

Tiers, not tears: Avoiding surprises in the downstream supply chain

Multi-level supplier relationships can help identify threats lurking in the supply chain.

By Rich Weissman • Oct. 12, 2016