Returns grow with e-commerce, reach 10% of sales

The returned merchandise is challenging retailers to refine their reverse logistics and detect fraudulent returns. 

By Matt Leonard • May 7, 2019

Supply chains struggle to find talent to fill digital skills gap

65% of respondents say they struggle with hiring top talent at their company, a figure that has shown little change over the last four years.

By Matt Leonard • April 30, 2019

Autonomous vehicles, drones still face supply chain skeptics

Fourteen percent of respondents now say they use these technologies today, but another 32% say they are unlikely to adopt.

By Matt Leonard • April 23, 2019

Predictive analytics for operations grows 76% in 2 years

The data from MHI's annual report shows interest is growing in predictive technology. Now it's just about finding the talent necessary to implement it.

By Matt Leonard • April 16, 2019

A majority of retailers struggle with inventory forecasting

A survey by Wakefield Research and Bossa Nova Robotics found 87% of respondents believe inaccurate inventory contributes more to revenue loss than theft.

By Matt Leonard • April 9, 2019

Track-and-trace, supply chain expected to lead IoT spending growth

Total global spending on Internet of Things technology is projected to increase from $186 billion in 2017 to $435 billion in 2023, according to the Forrester forecast. 

By Matt Leonard • April 2, 2019

Packaging makes up nearly half of plastic waste

Companies that look to implement more sustainable practices in their packaging could face lower business risk in the long run. 

By Matt Leonard • March 26, 2019

Amid companies' renewed energy focus, warehouse efficiencies unchanged

From 2003 to 2012, data from the Energy Information Administration revealed no significant drop in energy intensity, a measure of efficiency. 

By Matt Leonard • March 19, 2019

Retailers look to direct operations and supply chains to reduce emissions

Even as sales grow, emissions don't have to, and many top retailers have plans to reduce their carbon footprint through lower energy use and more efficient transportation methods. 

By Matt Leonard • March 12, 2019

Retailers take aim at packaging waste

The amount of packaging waste generated in the U.S. has increased by 185% between 1960 and 2016. Retailers are looking for a more sustainable way forward. 

By Matt Leonard • March 5, 2019

Inventory levels trend down amid supply chain efficiencies

As technology has improved over the years, so have supply chains, allowing retailers to keep less inventory on hand.

By Matt Leonard • Feb. 26, 2019

The over-under on inventory buying

Advanced analytics offer a cure for inventory challenges, and companies recognize the benefit. But getting it right remains a challenge.

By Matt Leonard • Feb. 19, 2019

Warehouse supply rises but still can't match urban demand

Consumer e-commerce habits are driving up demand while a multitude of factors are keeping supply lower than some would like, an analyst told Supply Chain Dive. 

By Matt Leonard • Feb. 12, 2019

Report: Sensors can reduce food waste by 7%

According to the World Economic Forum, more technology in the food supply chain can help improve traceability and identify where losses may occur.

By Matt Leonard • Jan. 29, 2019

2019 could be a big year for robotic process automation

Companies specializing in RPA were able to raise millions of dollars last year, and the market is still heating up.

By Matt Leonard • Jan. 22, 2019

Automation could boost revenue growth 10% each year: survey

Retailers have a clear incentive to adopt automation that breaks down data silos, from managing inventory to improving omnichannel fulfillment. 

By Emma Cosgrove • Jan. 15, 2019

Intermodal rail growth drives warehouse construction near hubs

As intermodal rail volumes grow, inland hubs are gaining significance in the supply chain, and developers are responding.

By Emma Cosgrove • Jan. 8, 2019

How the world's 'most sustainable' denim producer saves $400K per year

The supplier's CEO said sustainably must be part of the fundamental strategy of a company in order to come up with solutions that are both sustainable and make business sense.

By Emma Cosgrove • Dec. 18, 2018

In-store tech can help after operations mishaps, survey says

Shoppers cited out of stock inventory and long checkout lines as the top reasons for abandoning their in-store shopping journey.

By Emma Cosgrove • Dec. 11, 2018

A tale of 2 peak season inventory strategies

Based on the steps taken for peak season preparation described by Target and Kohl's, fulfillment strategy doesn't necessarily match inventory strategy. 

By Emma Cosgrove • Dec. 4, 2018

Third-party sellers from China dominate Amazon's apparel offerings

Amazon's exploding apparel category presents a global fulfillment challenge that isn't getting any easier. 

By Emma Cosgrove • Nov. 27, 2018

'Economic nationalism' is a growing challenge for manufacturers, survey says

The Brexit vote in the UK and the 'US administration’s policies reflecting a shift towards nationalism' are ranked right alongside natural disasters as supply chain disruptor in a new study. 

By Emma Cosgrove • Nov. 13, 2018

Baltimore warehouse tragedy draws attention to Amazon's safety record

The National Council for Occupational Safety and Health earlier this year put Amazon at the top of its "Dirty Dozen" list of companies that "put workers and communities at risk due to unsafe practices." 

By Emma Cosgrove • Nov. 6, 2018

Which apparel players have the fastest lead times?

Speeding up and segmenting development processes so teams are working on fewer collections at once is just one way to generate faster results, according to an executive survey. 

By Emma Cosgrove • Oct. 29, 2018

Walmart finds ops savings in floor wax, light bulbs

Small changes to retailer's mammoth operation add up to big bucks, setting it up for a growth stage focused on technology.

By Emma Cosgrove • Oct. 23, 2018