Cluster analysis can help determine where to store inventory, reduce split shipments

A recent paper looked at using a clustering algorithm with product categories to decrease the number of warehouses needed to fill each order.

By Matt Leonard • June 15, 2021

It's time to use a wealth of available data to push sustainability forward

The data from digitization efforts can be used to find opportunities to accelerate progress on key sustainability targets.

By Lisa Wee • June 15, 2021

Explore the Trendline➔

Retail Supply Chains

Retailers are making operational investments and adjustments to maintain supply chain resilience. Here’s how.

By Supply Chain Dive staff

Robotics efforts from Amazon, Alibaba highlight e-commerce's automated future

Amazon's new robots increase automation within fulfillment centers while Alibaba is focused on last-mile delivery as they look to optimize operations.

By Edwin Lopez • June 14, 2021

UPS adds dynamic routing to ORION, saving 2-4 miles per driver

The upgrade is already being used by 97% of the van fleet that uses ORION, with the remainder expected to be deployed by July.

By Matt Leonard • June 11, 2021

Are Zoom negotiations here to stay? Here's 3 tips to prepare.

The power of in-person visits cannot be understated, but buyers can use many of the same tactics to negotiate effectively over Zoom.

By Rich Weissman • June 10, 2021

Circle K invests in 100 Geek+ robots to speed store replenishment

The robots will help a Hong Kong distribution center handle deliveries to more than 300 Circle K locations that serve more than 600,000 customers every day.

By Matt Leonard • June 8, 2021

As offices consider hybrid work, can warehouses operate remotely too?

Technologies such as RFID let managers glean insights off-site, while operators steer and monitor forklifts from afar.

By Jen A. Miller • June 8, 2021

Albertsons jumps on early payment trend to boost supplier diversity

Early payments give suppliers access to capital and the ability to scale, the company said.

By Edwin Lopez • June 3, 2021

HP, Dell adjust supply chains as shortages linger

Dell is prioritizing "more valuable places for" components and HP is building its inventory levels.

By Matt Leonard • June 3, 2021

'No longer a test': Locus Robotics to deploy 2K robots at DHL warehouses

DHL expects to have robots in "more than 20" facilities by the end of 2021 and plans to expand to more locations in 2022.

By Matt Leonard • June 2, 2021

Data vs. instinct: How autonomous trucks operate in stormy conditions

Radar, lidar and cameras substitute for — and even exceed — a human driver's senses.

By Heather Larson • June 1, 2021

Flytrex expands drone deliveries for Walmart, local retailers in North Carolina

An FAA permit allows the drones to carry deliveries up to a mile away from retailers. 

By Matt Leonard • May 26, 2021

Meet 4 startups automating warehouse picking

Automated technology is improving, and supply chains see picking, packing and sorting as top use cases for robotics.

By Jen A. Miller • May 25, 2021

Target taps into tech acquisitions as it expands supply chain network

The retailer will rely on software from Grand Junction and Deliv to pick carriers and create routes from its distribution and sortation centers.

By Matt Leonard • May 20, 2021

Most organizations are planning — and failing at — ERP modernization

The lack of understanding around total cost of ownership is the top reason for project failure, according to a Boomi survey.

By Katie Malone • May 20, 2021

Pandemic drives interest in automation, robot orders tick up

Industrial robot orders in North America grew 20% YoY, according to A3, as automation technology advances and manufacturing faces labor shortages.

By Matt Leonard • May 18, 2021

Inventory accuracy is a must-have to cut waste in supply chains

The hard cost of wasted inventory in the grocery industry — known as shrink — is critical in addressing today's weighty climate change and food insecurity issues, the author writes. 

By Stefan Kalb • May 18, 2021

Retailers double tech investments to make supply chains faster: report

The enhancement of supply chain and omnichannel capabilities continues to drive funding as retailers approach a post-pandemic world, according to CB Insights.

By Maria Monteros • May 13, 2021

Partnership gives grocers on-demand access to order picking workforce

The partnership combines Stor.ai’s picking technology and online platform with Trax’s labor pool of more than 1.4 million workers.

By Catherine Douglas Moran , Jeff Wells • May 10, 2021

3 ways to approach data and analytics to change outcomes

Even if business units don't realize they need data, it can be applied to solve problems across procurement, logistics and more.

By Katie Malone • May 7, 2021

RFID's e-commerce growth spurt

The need for visibility drove companies to invest in solutions for their complete supply chain while Adidas is using the technology to verify provenance.

By Deborah Abrams Kaplan • May 4, 2021

XPO Logistics: Companies demand outsourcing, warehouse automation as e-commerce surges

The company's contract logistics segment won several large contracts recently, including a direct-to-consumer fulfillment center deal with Apple.

By S.L. Fuller • May 4, 2021

Kroger pilots drones for last-mile grocery delivery

The grocer, along with partner Drone Express, will begin making deliveries this spring in Ohio and then expand to California in the summer.

By Jeff Wells • May 4, 2021

TMS integrations with digital freight brokers are gaining momentum

The partnerships meld capacity, loads, real-time rates and booking into an all-in-one platform for shippers.

By Katie Pyzyk • May 4, 2021

Talent, skills gap among top barriers to growing digital business

Supply chains adopting automation and robotics require a labor force to operate and oversee emerging technologies. 

By Roberto Torres • May 3, 2021