Technology

4 strategies suppliers are using to handle reverse logistics

New policies, strategies and data processes are emerging to handle the mass volumes of returns now arriving at facilities.

By Craig Guillot • July 17, 2018

Supply chain inefficiencies cost nearly $2B in the UK

Employees waste more than 100 million hours of time on phone calls and emails to process individual shipments, but need they?

By Edwin Lopez • July 17, 2018

UPS commits to 950 electric vehicles from Workhorse

The purchase is still contingent on the success of the first 50 vehicles UPS bought in February, but signals a shift to an electricity-based "fleet of the future."

By Edwin Lopez • July 15, 2018

6 questions and 1 answer about blockchain in logistics

The benefits of blockchain are clear, but supply chains are grappling with the best ways to implement the new technologies.

By Deborah Abrams Kaplan • July 12, 2018

Automation puts supply chain workers at high risk for exploitation

For businesses, juggling efficient automated facilities with the livelihood of workers is a balancing act. 

By Shefali Kapadia • July 12, 2018

It's time to reboot S&OP

A dose of technology plus supply chain collaboration may be the awakening that is missing to achieve better forecasting.

By Rich Weissman • July 10, 2018

Swimming in data? 3 types of analytics can help

Knowing when to use descriptive, preventative and predictive can make a huge difference in your day to day supply chain operations.

By Hoyoung Pak

Under new contract, UPS must give Teamsters notice — but not veto power — for new tech

The national agreement, if approved, would require UPS to give the union six months notice before implementing emerging technology like drones.

By Edwin Lopez • July 10, 2018

Column

Chain Reaction: EU considers lifting auto tariffs on US imports

No one wants a trade war, and the EU may be the first to cave to some U.S. demands.

By Kate Patrick • July 09, 2018

US, China hit each other with $34 billion in tariffs

China's Commerce Ministry accused the U.S. of "igniting the largest trade war in economic history." 

By Shefali Kapadia • July 06, 2018

GE files patent to trace 3D printed parts with blockchain

3D printing is nothing new for GE, but finding a practical use case for blockchain holds steep supply chain implications.

By Kate Patrick • July 06, 2018

Truck fleets turn to solar panels, boost retention

Though not a great boon for fuel efficiency, solar technology may attract drivers and fend off the need for road-side assistance.

By Nicole Ault • July 03, 2018

BMW is scaling in-house battery operations for mass production in 2020

BMW is following Tesla's lead, but can the German automaker ramp up EV production that quickly?

By Kate Patrick • July 03, 2018

Xeneta launches transparent freight rate platform

The platform could accelerate growth for shippers and carriers alike after several years of industry upheaval.

By Kate Patrick • July 02, 2018

Column

Chain Reaction: Foxconn's new plant tests Trump's America First policy

The Foxconn project in Wisconsin is a perfect example of foreign investment and jobs coming back to the U.S., but not all U.S. companies may be up for bringing their global supply chains home.

By Kate Patrick • June 29, 2018

Volvo, FedEx test truck platoons in North Carolina

The test marks the first public display of platooning in the state and a potential breakthrough for bringing it to market.

By Edwin Lopez • June 28, 2018

Fill limits aren't the only way to control opioid supplies

As opioid supplies decrease, shortages indicate that government-mandated fill limits aren't always the best solution.

By Nicole Ault • June 28, 2018

Hamburg, Rotterdam ports adopt a single data interface to ease flow of ships

The joint project is seen as a pilot for a Europe-wide network of digitally connected facilities.

By Edwin Lopez • June 27, 2018

XPO launches AR tool to help retailers increase cost savings

The new tool will preempt returns of goods bought online and help retailers better meet consumer demands.

By Kate Patrick • June 27, 2018

New tech, low costs create 'utopia' for robotics growth within facilities

Investors are pouring millions into robotics startups that are developing technology to improve supply chain and manufacturing efficiencies. 

By Shefali Kapadia • June 26, 2018

Digitization can help procurement be more purposeful

As consumers worry more about ethical sourcing, chief procurement officers can manipulate technology to elevate their procurement practices.

By Marcell Vollmer

'EU Blockathon' hopes to find a solution to eliminate counterfeits

The worldwide blockchain competition, hosted by the European Union Intellectual Property Office, is the first step in protecting supply chains and e-commerce sites from fakes.

By Kate Patrick • June 25, 2018

Column

Chain Reaction: 9 automakers join data sharing platform — but will they share data?

The platform could help OEMs and suppliers address inefficiencies in the auto supply chain. But global supply chains beware — there are more tariffs coming.

By Kate Patrick • June 22, 2018

In 'perfect storm' of logistics costs, shippers face the toughest crunch

A growing economy compounded by a capacity crunch will raise logistics costs to new heights, according to CSCMP's latest report.

By Nicole Ault • June 22, 2018