Risk/Resilience: Page 2

Stocked out: Why cleaning product supply chains struggle to meet demand

The disinfectant and cleaning product supply chain relies on a just-in-time approach, making it difficult to radically move the output meter in a short timeframe.

By Deborah Abrams Kaplan • Aug. 20, 2020

Deep Dive

What's at stake for supply chains if postal service slows down?

Postmaster General Louis DeJoy says his intention is not to slow down the mail. But postal workers, shippers and small parcel experts contend that's exactly what his policies will do.

By Emma Cosgrove • Aug. 19, 2020

Explore the Trendline➔

Trendline

Resilient and sustainable supply chains

Supply chains with resiliency strategies in place before the pandemic were able to adjust operations quickly to find alternative supply sources and recalibrate production with demand. 

By Supply Chain Dive staff

Symrise, Kellogg achieve 2020 goal of 100% responsibly sourced vanilla

Suppliers must adhere to a code of conduct, which includes standards for human rights, health and environmental sustainability, Symrise said.

By Morgan Forde • Aug. 19, 2020

USPS will raise commercial parcel rates for peak season

The temporary rate hikes will take effect Oct. 18 and be removed Dec. 27. 

By Shefali Kapadia • Aug. 14, 2020

'Made in China' order changes Hong Kong product labels, not tariffs

The labeling switch does not impact a product's tariff designation, but analysts said the "Made in China" label could have a negative effect on brand perception.

By Morgan Forde • Aug. 13, 2020

Q&A

How can managers make their supply chains more agile? 4 experts weigh in.

The ability to remain nimble and react to unforeseen changes across the value chain has proven more beneficial than scenario planning or forecasting for many businesses.

By Shefali Kapadia • Aug. 13, 2020

Stores went dark. Online orders tripled. How Joann used its OMS to cope.

The retailer de-stressed its technology, and employees, as online traffic tripled typical holiday volumes. 

By Jen A. Miller • Aug. 11, 2020

Why cold chain tracking and IoT sensors are vital to the success of a COVID-19 vaccine

Technology-enabled tracking and monitoring sensors provide real-time visibility into a vaccine shipment's condition — and an opportunity to intervene before damage is done.

By Deborah Abrams Kaplan • Aug. 11, 2020

Strike ends at Port of Montreal, operations resume

During the 11-day strike, container terminals closed their gates to trucks as port workers protested overtime cuts and changes to premium pay for nights and weekends.

By Jim Stinson • UPDATED: Aug. 24, 2020 at 9:40 a.m.

US reverses decision to reimpose aluminum tariffs on Canadian imports

The initial announcement to reinstate the 10% duties came as manufacturers faced a shortage of aluminum cans.

By Shefali Kapadia • UPDATED: Sept. 16, 2020 at 11:10 a.m.

US orders government to prioritize domestic drug supply chain

A directive announced by the president Thursday would require government agencies to buy certain "essential" drugs from factories in the U.S.

By Ben Fidler • Aug. 06, 2020

EcoVadis: Procurement's sustainability track record getting worse

The pandemic disrupted progress on supplier visibility as it stopped operations and prevented travel and in-person audits — casting doubt on potential improvement in 2020.

By Morgan Forde • Aug. 06, 2020

Column

Dear valued supplier: Don't take advantage of the pandemic to raise prices

Nearly every cycle, some business condition creates cost challenges, with many price increases valid but others not. The goal is to separate fact from fiction.

By Rich Weissman • Aug. 06, 2020

CMA CGM, Hapag-Lloyd, Maersk and MSC resume operations at Port of Beirut

The port resumed operations on Monday afternoon, according to a notice from Maersk which reported the container terminal saw only minor damage. 

By Emma Cosgrove • UPDATED: Aug. 12, 2020 at 3:33 p.m.

Deep Dive

Food distributors, restaurants reinvent business models in a scramble to survive

From wine bar to mini grocery store, from restaurant distribution to direct to consumer — food sector firms are pivoting operations to keep business flowing.

By Gary Wollenhaupt • Aug. 06, 2020

Fashion industry says purchase order cancellations will endure in Q3 and beyond

Despite reduced optimism about the industry's future, 90% of survey respondents plan to increase hiring over the next five years, particularly in production and supply chain roles.

By Morgan Forde • Aug. 05, 2020

Beyond Meat incurs $6M in repacking expense to handle pandemic demand shift

With restaurants, schools and offices closed, the plant-based supplier switched food service production lines over to retail products, which resulted in a mix of 88% retail and 12% food service.

By Shefali Kapadia • Aug. 05, 2020

Tropical Storm Isaias heads up East Coast threatening road, sea freight movement

The storm's winds could overturn truck trailers along the busy 1-95 corridor and increase the risk for downed trees on railroad tracks. 

By Emma Cosgrove • Aug. 04, 2020

ISM: Manufacturing growth indicates 'we're coming out of recession'

The PMI climbed to 54.2% in July, with employees returning to work and growing consumer demand contributing to a healthy reading.

By Morgan Forde • Aug. 03, 2020

Demand for partitions and face shields is booming. How a plastic fabricator is adapting its supply chain

Imaginative Materials leaned on supplier relationships and started buying larger sheets of material as customer calls for partitions rolled in. 

By Jen A. Miller • July 30, 2020

Residual effects of Hurricane Hanna to slow cross-border freight for days

Any closure of the major roads between Saltillo and Monterrey in Mexico can result in concentrated traffic and delays at the World Trade Bridge in Laredo, Texas.

By Emma Cosgrove • July 28, 2020

Apple's 2030 roadmap to carbon neutrality focuses on product design, supplier base

The company plans to invest in emissions reduction technologies and carbon removal projects to achieve net-zero emissions across its operations, manufacturing, supplier base and product life cycles.

By Morgan Forde • July 23, 2020

Coca-Cola expands 'ruthless' SKU rationalization strategy to cut entire product lines

The beverage giant is in the process of discontinuing the Odwalla juice brand — a decision stemming from the SKU rationalization work the company has undertaken due to pandemic-related supply chain disruptions. 

By Emma Cosgrove • July 22, 2020

Stonyfield saves on cost and carbon by reducing waste, tracking KPIs

Companies are identifying waste streams with economic value and sending those materials to recycling facilities, realizing financial and reputational benefits. 

By Deborah Abrams Kaplan • July 21, 2020

Maersk, Microsoft, Nike, Unilever, others form net-zero emissions initiative citing 'climate emergency'

Member companies have committed to sharing best practices across their value chains.

By Morgan Forde • July 21, 2020