Risk/Resilience: Page 2

Strained supply chains, resource scarcity drive heightened focus on circularity amid pandemic

Supply chain disruptions in healthcare, packaging and other industries are seen as potential opportunities for new reuse and remanufacturing initiatives.

By Leslie Nemo • June 10, 2020

Honda resumes most operations after cyberattack

The malware spread throughout the company's networks though it said no data was compromised.

By Samantha Ann Schwartz • June 09, 2020

Small meat suppliers tout supply chain transparency while pandemic challenges large producers

The four major meat companies have closed plants and warned of shortages. But local suppliers that offer a more transparent view of operations have seen business boom. 

By Lillianna Byington • June 09, 2020

COVID-19 spurs a leap to digital supply chains

Manufacturers who previously looked at data, analytics, IoT and robotics to drive efficiency now see them as tools to increase resiliency during uncertain times.

By Craig Guillot • June 09, 2020

CPGs stockpile inventory to guarantee supply for retail customers

Companies are using cash reserves to invest in the raw materials they need to avoid food shortages resulting from widespread panic buying.

By Jessi Devenyns • June 09, 2020

Walmart commits to sustainably sourced canned tuna

The retailer will ensure its Great Value private label tuna meets the goal by July, with all canned tuna products to follow by 2025. 

By Jessica Dumont • June 08, 2020

FedEx Ground restores partial service in downtown Chicago

The carrier resumed partial service six days after suspending delivery in 16 ZIP codes.

By Emma Cosgrove • UPDATED: June 10, 2020 at 4:56 p.m.

Airfreight capacity falls 42%, 'damaging' global supply chains

The drop has resulted in longer shipping times and higher costs for companies moving cargo by air.

By Matt Leonard • June 05, 2020

Governors call for better centralized procurement of COVID-19 testing supplies

"When we expect 180,000 diverse swabs and get 180,000 foam swabs, we're grateful for the foam swabs. But that means we can't do all those other types of tests," Michigan Gov. Gretchen Whitmer said.​

By Rebecca Pifer • June 04, 2020

Opinion

An unexpected risk of COVID-19: Canceled supplier audits

While it’s hard to fault a company for canceling audits during a pandemic, it’s important to understand what’s at stake, and have a plan in place to mitigate new risks, writes Sylvain Guyoton, SVP of research at EcoVadis.

By Sylvain Guyoton • June 04, 2020

Coca-Cola, Mondelez trim SKUs as CPGs tackle pandemic stresses

Supply chains are reducing complexity to better operate in volatile market conditions.

By Emma Cosgrove • June 02, 2020

US manufacturing recovers slightly in May, demand challenges remain: ISM

The Institute for Supply Management projects an uphill battle to recovery in 2021 as new order numbers reached their second lowest level since 2008.

By Morgan Forde • June 01, 2020

Cross-border postal exchanges fall 21% through pandemic

As the pandemic sparks an economic crisis, the world's postal services will also, to varying degrees, struggle financially.

By Matt Leonard • May 29, 2020

Deep Dive

How tariffs ravaged the COVID-19 medical supply chain

Months into the pandemic, the U.S. faces an ongoing shortage of PPE and some of it is still subject to tariffs.

By Deborah Abrams Kaplan • May 27, 2020

AutoZone rethinks supplier diversity after coronavirus disrupts parts supply chain

The company has already begun searching for new sourcing countries, but expanding the geographic diversity of its supply chain will be a long game, according to CEO William Rhodes. 

By Emma Cosgrove • May 27, 2020

Rail companies cut capacity as volume slides 20%

Rail volume is expected to increase in the coming weeks as auto plants reopen across the country.

By Matt Leonard • May 27, 2020

Deep Dive

Canceled orders, delayed payments: How supplier collaboration could reverse apparel's nose dive

Stakeholders envision a future where demand, not merchandisers, drive fashion supply chains, and buyers bring vendors into the planning process.

By Emma Cosgrove • May 21, 2020

2 Ford facilities reopen for second time in a week

The auto industry has been open about its hurdles during the pandemic, as positive coronavirus tests can halt production at multiple stages in the supply chain.

By Matt Leonard • May 21, 2020

Research conflicts on drone delivery costs, efficiency as parcel carriers scale operations

While Gartner estimates drone fleets could reduce operations costs by 70%, some research indicates drone operations, at scale, could be up to 10 times less energy efficient than vans.

By Morgan Forde • May 21, 2020

Experts: 3 ways coronavirus has shifted supply chains' focus

Practitioners from across the industry came together at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce to discuss how the pandemic is affecting their operations. 

By Matt Leonard • May 20, 2020

Coronavirus adds to complications heading into hurricane season

Analysts anticipate risk to manufacturing and expect reduced trucking hours at ports to have a knock-on effect on cargo movement. 

By Matt Leonard • UPDATED: May 21, 2020 at 11:35 a.m.

Column

COVID-19 may put industrial distribution back in the game

Manufacturers may look to their industrial distribution network as an opportunity to satisfy more customers and rebuild their market share.

By Rich Weissman • May 19, 2020

Daimler temporarily suspends production in Alabama over supplier issues

The Mexican automotive supplier base has been a big question mark when it comes to the sector's ability to restart operations in the coming days.

By Matt Leonard • May 18, 2020

China waives retaliatory tariffs on 79 US import categories

The imports eligible for waivers include semiconductor parts, medical disinfectants, rare earth metals and chemical products.

By Morgan Forde • May 13, 2020

Your business is essential. How do you protect workers during a pandemic?

Cleaning should be much more regular, gloves don't do much to fight coronavirus and other tips from health experts. 

By Matt Leonard • May 12, 2020