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 4, 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 2, 2020

Explore the Trendline➔

Top 5 stories from Supply Chain Dive

Here’s how companies are navigating rising costs, network changes and logistics disruptions across global supply chain networks.

By Supply Chain Dive staff

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 1, 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

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

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

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

PwC: Automation is key to supply chain agility post pandemic

Thirty-four percent of financial leaders surveyed plan to leverage automation to improve the speed and accuracy of decision-making within their supply chains.

By Emma Cosgrove • May 12, 2020

COVID-19 changed the stakes for e-commerce. Do fulfillment networks need to change too?

A global pandemic that drove consumers into their homes, cratered demand for discretionary goods and upped screen time has changed the risk calculus for e-commerce fulfillment.

By Emma Cosgrove • May 12, 2020

45% of apparel buyers working with suppliers to cut costs: McKinsey

A survey of 116 apparel sourcing executives found one-fifth are paying for 75% or more of their orders as originally agreed, while 18% are paying no vendors as agreed.

By Emma Cosgrove • May 7, 2020

The 5 calling cards of a strong supplier relationship

A crisis, such as the COVID-19 pandemic, is possibly the best time to work on building stronger relationships with new and pre-existing suppliers, writes Neils Bray, an account manager at LINTEC Automotive.

By Neils Bray • May 7, 2020

Coronavirus hit XPO revenue in Q1 despite demand surge from some shippers

The company's revenue fell in its transportation and logistics segment, but it did see some customers looking for capacity to cover a surge in demand.

By Matt Leonard • May 5, 2020

Wearables could be key for worker safety as warehouses, manufacturers eager to reopen

Wristbands connected to the Internet of Things present a possible safety solution, as well as privacy concerns.​

By Jen A. Miller • May 5, 2020

USDA to purchase $470M in surplus meat, dairy and produce

After facing criticism that the government's efforts have been slow to help producers during the pandemic, the department said this will allow food to be distributed to communities nationwide.

By Lillianna Byington • May 5, 2020

Quarterly inventories fall for first time since 2018

Depleted inventories in the first quarter were largely the result of supply issues, but this will transition to a demand-driven reduction moving forward, experts suggest.

By Matt Leonard • May 4, 2020

7 states form regional supply chain to buy $5B in medical equipment to fight coronavirus

Connecticut, Delaware, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania and Rhode Island want to use their combined purchasing power to drive down prices for in-demand items like ventilators and personal protective equipment.

By Rebecca Pifer • May 4, 2020