Kearney: Coronavirus disruption will force even diversified supply chains to 'rethink' sourcing

Kearney predicts supply chains will begin prioritizing resilience over cost to ensure profitability in the future.

By Morgan Forde • April 8, 2020

NRF: March import volume expected to hit 5-year low

The Port of Long Beach, one of the only ports to have already reported its March numbers, saw a 5% decline in volume that it blamed on 19 blank sailings during the first quarter of 2020.

By Matt Leonard • April 8, 2020

Explore the Trendline➔

Risk Management

Risk takes many forms in the supply chain: severe weather, geopolitical uncertainty and labor tensions. Explore the tactics supply chain managers use to prepare for disruptions.

By Supply Chain Dive staff

Levi's ramps up ship-from-store to move inventory trapped in dark stores

The transition will help move inventory trapped in closed stores and hedge against any changes in local regulations that could shut down fulfillment centers not shipping essential goods.

By Emma Cosgrove • April 8, 2020

As coronavirus spread through Asia, Atlantic Natural Foods prepared for US impact

With a facility in Thailand, the company had foresight about how the pandemic could sweep across the world and affect the food industry.

By Lillianna Byington • April 7, 2020

Transportation bottlenecks snarl inputs to food supply chains

Global agricultural commodity prices are jumping as pandemic mitigation efforts constrict logistics and trade.

By Emma Cosgrove • April 7, 2020

Why supply chain data is king in the coronavirus pandemic

Healthcare systems, distributors and purchasing organizations rely on real-time data to manage supplies and model their equipment and staffing needs.

By Deborah Abrams Kaplan • April 7, 2020

Blank sailings, idle automotive manufacturing hit March rail volume

Recent SEC filings from Norfolk Southern, Union Pacific and CSX suggest the pandemic's effect on rail operations and financial performance "could be material." 

By Matt Leonard • April 7, 2020

Supply chains will survive the pandemic, but revised strategies may take hold

Experts anticipate an increased focus on risk assessment and scenario planning beyond COVID-19. 

By Rich Weissman • April 2, 2020

How can supply chains manage COVID-19 risk? 4 experts weigh in

The short term need is to keep employees safe and healthy. Longer term thinking should focus on resilience and strengthening supply chain partnerships.

By Shefali Kapadia • April 2, 2020

How the CARES Act will affect supply chains

The law offers financial relief to businesses weathering COVID-19 disruption and attempts to keep freight and last-mile cargo moving.

By Morgan Forde • April 1, 2020

UPS, FedEx suspend service guarantees citing coronavirus impact

UPS declined to "speculate about future policies" when asked if it is considering a force majeure declaration and if the service guarantee will return after the COVID-19 crisis resolves.

By Emma Cosgrove • April 1, 2020

Planning should replace forecasting as coronavirus uncertainty clouds outlook

“What you need to be thinking about is how you can now start positioning to come out of the tunnel sprinting – not crawling, but sprinting,” one private equity professional said.

By Jen A. Miller • March 31, 2020

From Section 301 to COVID-19: How a volatile China changed supply chains

An ongoing trade war, and now a global pandemic, pushed U.S. businesses to diversify and raised the question: Are we too dependent on China?

By Shefali Kapadia • March 31, 2020

2M Alliance announces blank sailings on 21% on Asia-Europe trade

MSC will create a seasonal blank sailing program to match shrinking market demand due to the coronavirus. 

By Matt Leonard • March 30, 2020

Lululemon leverages RFID, supplier relationships to manage inventory amid coronavirus demand drop

On top of advantageous technology investments, Lululemon has several inherent qualities that give it a somewhat easier path through the COVID-19 crisis most non-essential retailers are facing, executives described. 

By Emma Cosgrove • March 30, 2020

As coronavirus spreads, reliance on foreign sourcing strains pharma supply chains

With India on lockdown and China still ramping back up production, experts worry about the pipeline for importing critical drugs into the U.S.

By Deborah Abrams Kaplan • March 27, 2020

Ceva Logistics declares force majeure, citing possible rate changes and surcharges

Just three weeks ago, CMA CGM touted Ceva as an important tool in bolstering service continuity in light of the COVID-19 disruption. 

By Emma Cosgrove • March 27, 2020

Survey: 59% of US companies would have 2 weeks of stock after halting production

The key is not only surviving the COVID-19 pandemic, but preparing for a "double wave" of significant demand shifts once production resumes, Rapid Ratings CEO James Gellert said.

By Morgan Forde • March 27, 2020

Ocean carriers blank sailings on Transpacific, European routes as importer demand drops

Maersk announced three new blank sailings this week that would have served trade on European, Mediterranean and Transpacific routes.

By Matt Leonard • March 27, 2020

Digital procurement marketplace connects hospitals responding to coronavirus outbreak

The Exchange tosses out standard allocation models in favor of connecting procurement professionals through a global network.

By S.L. Fuller • March 26, 2020

What procurement managers should expect from a 'bullwhip on crack'

Slight variations in demand at the retail level grow larger until they reach the manufacturer. This bullwhip effect is playing out in real-time in the COVID-19 pandemic.

By Matt Leonard • March 26, 2020

CSX says leaner operations, more tech will help reduce emissions 37% by 2030

The railroad seeks to meet this target by employing technology and operational strategies to increase fuel efficiency. 

By Emma Cosgrove • March 26, 2020

India, Bangladesh extend lockdowns, factories remain closed

The Indian government extended its lockdown order Tuesday, which was initially followed by multiple factories announcing closures. Factories in Bangladesh face a cascade of canceled orders.

By Matt Leonard • Updated April 14, 2020

How health systems are responding as COVID-19 squeezes the medical supply chain

Procurement of supplies will become more difficult if cases surge and federal stockpiles don't trickle down to the state level quickly enough.

By Deborah Abrams Kaplan • March 25, 2020

IHS Markit: March Flash PMI posts steepest decline since 2009

Manufacturers reported the first contraction in new business and orders in over a decade amid sharp declines in supplier capacity and customer demand due to the COVID-19 outbreak.

By Morgan Forde • March 25, 2020