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

Explore the Trendline➔

Inventory Management

Read how retailers and brand manufactures are rethinking inventory management.

By Supply Chain Dive staff

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

Unilever, McDonald's top Gartner's 2017 supply chain rankings

Shifting political and economic landscapes reveal which companies are best suited to be disruptors, or to become disrupted themselves.

By Jennifer McKevitt • May 26, 2017

Drug supply shortage forces upheaval, care dilemmas on US hospitals

In seeking lower supply prices, group purchasing organizations decreased their ability to mitigate risk as drug manufacturers consolidated operations.

By Jennifer McKevitt • May 25, 2017

Lists of procurement providers to know, watch highlight emerging trends

Spend Matters' lists of 50 providers reveal a trend of customization in the procurement vendor space, while recognizing success stories.

By Rich Weissman • May 24, 2017

IBM's Blockchain Founder Accelerator to assist adoption for businesses

Blockchain is targeted to industries with many players and components, and Big Blue is ready to lend a hand.

By Edwin Lopez , Jennifer McKevitt • May 23, 2017

Qualcomm, Apple dispute extends to supply chain

In a testament to the interconnectedness of supply chains, Qualcomm is now suing four Apple suppliers as an extension of its battle over intellectual property.

By Edwin Lopez • May 19, 2017

SAP debuts new 'Leonardo' Blockchain as a Service

The cloud-based service will be integrated into one ecosystem that works alongside other emerging tech, such as IoT.

By Andy Burt • May 19, 2017

GM moves toward sustainable tire sourcing

Recognizing rubber as a difficult-to-renew commodity, the company is seeking to ensure it has access to supply in the long term by sourcing responsibly today.

By Jennifer McKevitt • May 19, 2017

Sears CEO publicly shames supplier for wanting out over bankruptcy fears

Craftsman tools maker One World threatened to file a lawsuit and exit its contract after Sears rejected tougher terms, a move the CEO criticized in a blog post.

By Jennifer McKevitt • May 17, 2017

Auto suppliers rank major buyers, show cost-cutting initiatives do not always hinder relations

Toyota and Honda lead the pack, while GM shows how improved relations grow out of communication, leadership and collaboration. 

By Jennifer McKevitt • May 16, 2017

UK, European suppliers consider cutting ties due to Brexit

A CIPS survey reveals supply chain professionals in the EU are seeking to reduce supply chain costs before Brexit happens, which includes finding new suppliers and reshoring production.

By Jennifer McKevitt • May 16, 2017

SAP Ariba, Thomson Reuters add tax solution to global procurement platform

As cross-border commerce rises, technology improves and tax rules shift, the two companies see an opportunity to ease procurement's global tax reconciliation process by helping get it right with the first invoice.

By Edwin Lopez • May 15, 2017

Westinghouse, Toshiba fallout spreads to supplier community

It's a far too familiar story: Buyer bankruptcies causes suppliers to suffer as creditors take priority in payment hierarchies.

By Edwin Lopez , Jennifer McKevitt • May 11, 2017

Report: 72% of companies will automate processes by 2019

Robots are spreading throughout the supply chain, but some of the greatest benefits are being seen in white-collar tasks like invoicing and collection.

By Jennifer McKevitt • May 11, 2017

4 years after Rana Plaza, 141 Bangladeshi factories have been 'remediated'

Retail alliances pushing safety compliance are succeeding in improving supplier standards, but more than 2,000 associated factories remain unimproved, or are doing so slowly.

By Edwin Lopez , Jennifer McKevitt • May 10, 2017

TPP 11 talks may lead to $3 billion export loss for US, study says

New negotiations for a Trans-Pacific Partnership without the U.S. may lead to gains for every country except the one that left the deal.

By Edwin Lopez • May 10, 2017

Resilience index ranks the world by supply chain, economic and quality risk factors

Companies, primarily located in the interior of the US are most resilient due to low natural hazard exposure and strong fire controls, but Europe leads the pack in supply chain visibility.

By Edwin Lopez • May 10, 2017

Survey: Procurement pay gap widens for women

Except at the very top, an increasing pay gap discourages the influx of new talent within the department.

By Jennifer McKevitt • May 9, 2017

When disaster strikes: A procurement toolkit to mitigate supply chain disruptions

Purchasing professionals are often the first responders when it comes to supply interruptions, so must react with agility and attention to detail.

By Rich Weissman • May 9, 2017

Supplier demands drive Central Grocers bankruptcy

The wholesaler owes $20 million in unsecured payments to over 20 suppliers, leading current partners to toughen terms of payment to secure business.

By Jennifer McKevitt • May 8, 2017

Intelligent sourcing is key to retail supply chain success

To adapt to an ever-changing retail landscape, companies and suppliers must collaborate more closely than ever before.

By Pete Zaballos • May 3, 2017