Automation opportunities in procurement still fly under the radar

A survey by the Institute for Supply Management asked a simple question: "Have you heard of RPA?" More than 60% of the 432 respondents did not know it stood for robotic process automation. 

By Matt Leonard • April 9, 2019

US proposes tariffs on $11B of EU imports

The announcement from the Office of the United States Trade Representative creates further turmoil for businesses trying to navigate trade policy, adjust their supply chains and mitigate tariff cost. 

By Shefali Kapadia • April 9, 2019

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

Boeing cuts MAX 8 production by 19%

Before the two crashes, Boeing was about to up production of the MAX 8 to 57 planes per month, and suppliers were likely gearing up. But at least one Boeing supplier is ostensibly unphased by the slowdown. 

By Emma Cosgrove • April 9, 2019

8 strategies GE is using to mitigate tariff cost

GE was hit hard by tariffs, missing its operations targets by tens of millions of dollars after they went into place. This is how it's dealt with the new reality.

By Matt Leonard • April 8, 2019

New partnership establishes the blockchain of taste

High tech tracking company Ripe.io and real-time rating app FlavorWiki join forces so buyers and suppliers can understand the taste profile of produce as it moves through the supply chain.

By Megan Poinski • April 8, 2019

SAP Ariba, American Express partner to bring visibility to payments

The automation of payment reconciliation could provide increased transparency and strengthen buyer-supplier relationships. 

By Matt Leonard • April 5, 2019

Trump calls for new tactics to fight counterfeits

White House National Trade Council Peter Navarro reportedly called the memorandum a "warning shot" for e-commerce marketplaces like eBay, Amazon and Alibaba. 

By Emma Cosgrove • April 4, 2019

Adidas' 'supply chain shortages' offer a cautionary tale

While it's not clear exactly what internal dynamics caused the shortage, experts agree agility and data management can help supply chains avoid the same fate as Adidas. 

By Emma Cosgrove • April 3, 2019

IMO 2020 could cause M&A uptick among carriers

Drewry posits carriers may seek to consolidate to achieve greater price stability, especially as scrubber cost and fuel markets make for much more unpredictable waters in the months and even years to come.

By Emma Cosgrove • April 3, 2019

Chemical company revives 'stale' operations with SAP implementation

Old World Industries recently transitioned from a manual procurement and fulfillment processes to a more digitized operation.

By Samantha Schwartz • April 3, 2019

Protesters call for Wendy's to end use of unnecessary antibiotics in beef supply chain

U.S. PIRG said the restaurant chain has a chance to differentiate itself, but Wendy's will likely not be alone for long in efforts to remove medically unnecessary antibiotics from its beef supply.

By Emma Cosgrove • April 1, 2019

H&M pledges 100% sustainable cotton by 2020

The commitment to recycled or sustainably-produced cotton is part of a larger plan to convert to recycled or sustainable materials exclusively by 2030. 

By Emma Cosgrove • April 1, 2019

Target includes supplier emissions in new climate goals

This marks the first time Target has taken its entire supply chain, which represents 96% of Target's total emissions, into account when calculating total greenhouse gas emissions.

By Emma Cosgrove • March 28, 2019

Fuel prices may rise amid crop loss from Midwest flooding

Nebraska is the third-largest producer of corn in the country and second in ethanol production. An estimated 13% of U.S. ethanol supply is affected by flooding. 

By Emma Cosgrove • March 28, 2019

Mars discloses tier 2 cocoa suppliers in step toward supply chain transparency

Publicizing suppliers, along with other recent moves, backs up Mars' Cocoa for Generations plan, which has the aim of attaining a deforestation-free cocoa supply chain by 2025. 

By Emma Cosgrove • Updated Nov. 12, 2020

Procurement, seeking respect, may be looking for a seat at the wrong table

Respect from senior management is critical, but it may be unhelpful when dealing with suppliers.

By Rich Weissman • March 25, 2019

Slow progress prompts new thinking around deforestation in palm oil supply chains

Companies with expressed goals for ridding their palm oil supply chains of deforestation are learning that quick fixes aren't going to cut it. 

By Emma Cosgrove • March 22, 2019

Alibaba platform adds procurement, fulfillment services

The new initiatives, coupled with recent logistics acquisitions, offer an advantage to international brands that see potential in the Chinese market but are unsure how best to target consumers. 

By Shefali Kapadia • March 22, 2019

Williams-Sonoma shifts sourcing to plan for 25% tariffs

The question remains what impact planning for a tariff increase will have on the balance sheet this time next year.

By Emma Cosgrove • March 22, 2019

Starbucks teases coffee traceability app feature, compostable cup trial

The innovation will allow customers to scan their packaged coffee with their phones to learn about its origin and journey to store, a move that could brighten the chain's brand halo. 

By Emma Liem Beckett • March 21, 2019

Flooding halts railroads, cripples agriculture along Missouri River

After a harsh winter, this disaster is essentially adding up to an entire first quarter deflated by supply chain disruptions for the area. 

By Emma Cosgrove • March 21, 2019

Digital transformation behind in procurement

The rise of analytics has affected every link of the supply chain, but procurement is late to the party. And even with gains in analytics and digital transformation, the discipline still is lagging in other areas.

By Barry Hochfelder • March 21, 2019

H&M to phase out cashmere amid sustainability push

The fast-fashion retailer is dropping the luxe fabric until its supply chain meets the company's environmental and animal welfare standards. 

By Kaarin Moore • March 20, 2019

Counterfeit goods total $509B, 3.3% of global trade and growing

The e-commerce boom has created a greater circulation of small parcels — a "growing conduit for counterfeit goods," according to the OECD. 

By Shefali Kapadia • March 19, 2019

Yum Brands works on science-based carbon emissions reduction targets

If Yum makes a commitment and sets emissions reduction targets in the Science-Based Targets Initiative standards, it would become the second restaurant group do so.

By Emma Cosgrove • March 19, 2019