Coyote launches AI dynamic routing tool promising consistent miles and reduced deadheading

Coyote said the software has helped fleets uphold commitments made prior to COVID-19, while helping maintain regular shipping routes even with demand changes.

By Jim Stinson • July 16, 2020

26% of transformation budgets grew 'dramatically' as pandemic speeds up digital

Pushed forward by disruption, business leaders cast aside the traditional hurdles that stifled innovation, according to a study from Twilio.

By Roberto Torres • July 15, 2020

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

Robots, automation seen as solutions to social distancing hurdles in supply chain

The biggest benefit of automation during the pandemic has been the ability for companies to increase social distancing measures within their facilities, according to respondents to a survey from Honeywell and KRC Research. 

By Matt Leonard • July 14, 2020

CH Robinson, Microsoft partner on inventory visibility platform

The inventory data pairs with outside sources of information, including weather and traffic, and the platform will use predictive analytics in an attempt to anticipate supply chain disruptions.

By Matt Leonard • July 14, 2020

FDA releases food safety blueprint that uses tech to bolster visibility, recall tracking

Tech-enabled traceability, data tools, modernization and strengthening safety culture are ways the agency believes foodborne illnesses can be reduced.

By Jessi Devenyns • July 14, 2020

Unilever CSCO: Agility beats forecasting when the supply chain is stressed

Every dollar spent on agility has 10 times the ROI compared to forecasting spend, according to Chief Supply Chain Officer Marc Engel.

By Emma Cosgrove • July 13, 2020

Patent Pending: Can't sign for your package? Just let UPS track your phone's location

Supply chain innovators apply to patent what they see as important tools for the future. Sometimes they're brilliant. Sometimes they're funny.

By Matt Leonard • July 10, 2020

Uber Freight partners with Blue Yonder on API for real-time quotes, booking

The API will integrate into Blue Yonder's digital fulfillment platform, giving shippers access to "automated execution, dynamic routing guides" and Uber Freight's carrier network.

By Morgan Forde • July 9, 2020

Rouses Market will pilot drone delivery this fall in Alabama

The grocer has partnered with Deuce Drone to launch the program from a store in Mobile, Alabama.

By Krishna Thakker • July 9, 2020

Convoy, KeepTruckin partner on freight visibility API

Carriers in Convoy's network that use KeepTruckin's ELDs can opt into sharing location data with Convoy's platform to improve shipment tracking and eliminate the need for driver check-in calls.

By Morgan Forde • July 8, 2020

Standards from DCSA enable automated sharing of vessel schedules

The effort aims to allow ship schedules to be shared automatically with partners who subscribe to a particular carrier's information.

By Matt Leonard • July 8, 2020

Intel's automated inventory planning: How it swapped 'rule-of-thumb' for algorithms

The company generated millions in inventory cost savings from SKUs using the automated model and increased gross profits $1.3 billion from 2014 to 2017.

By Matt Leonard • July 7, 2020

3 applications for RFID in the fight against COVID-19

Microchips embedded in RFID tags can track and authenticate vaccines, test kits, medical equipment and PPE from manufacturing to clinic sites.

By Deborah Abrams Kaplan • July 7, 2020

MIT, Ava, Greater Boston Food Bank partner on COVID-fighting robot

The robot will use UV light to sanitize the food bank's shipping dock at night and is going through training to operate autonomously.

By Matt Leonard • July 1, 2020

MSC adds instant quotes to website

The instant quote option will only be available on trade lanes from North America to Europe and from Asia to Europe, but the carrier plans to expand the offering throughout the year.

By Matt Leonard • July 1, 2020

Consumer demand: The big supply chain question mark

Statistical models work best when making predictions in a consistent environment. The coronavirus pandemic is a sharp turn off the consistent course of demand for many products. 

By Matt Leonard • June 30, 2020

With stores closed, retailers supercharged omnichannel adoption

Curbside pickup and ship-from-store capabilities have become essential skills in the time of the coronavirus, leading retailers to launch new services at record pace.

By Emma Cosgrove • June 30, 2020

23 CPG companies form contactless delivery task force

The Consumer Brands Association task force members are working with Accenture, Coyote Logistics and Vector, a transportation digitization company, to develop and scale electronic bills of lading across CPG supply chains.

By Morgan Forde • June 30, 2020

Chipotle launches virtual farmers market for suppliers

The program isn't a new revenue stream for the brand. It's a strategic play to stabilize its valuable supply chain network and deepen loyalty with its suppliers.

By Emma Liem Beckett • June 30, 2020

Amazon partners with nonprofit to upskill fulfillment associates for tech jobs

An analysis by the National Skills Coalition found that American workers in essential industries will require upskilling to meet the needs of digital disruption.

By Sheryl Estrada • June 26, 2020

Nike increases digital fulfillment capacity 3x due to pandemic

The retailer adjusted its inventory buying plans, canceled roughly 30% of pre-pandemic factory purchase orders and is highlighting its investment in demand sensing technology.

By Matt Leonard • June 26, 2020

DHL, Blue Yonder, Microsoft partner on warehouse robotics platform to speed deployment

The platform will allow customers to standardize onboarding and operations management for various types of warehouse robotics and helped to cut down integration time by 60% in a pilot.

By Morgan Forde • June 25, 2020

How to prep reverse logistics for an upcoming 'flood of returns'

Technology and warehouse worker safety are critical as state reopenings could prompt an uptick in retail returns.

By Jen A. Miller • June 23, 2020

Shippers should embed carrier financial health into resilience plans as pandemic upends logistics

As supply chain leaders shift their focus to increasing resilience, they will need to consider multi-modal, multi-carrier logistics plans, according to CSCMP's State of Logistics Report.

By Matt Leonard • June 23, 2020

Kroger's omnichannel investments pay off in Q1

The grocer credited tech investments for its ability to handle demand for delivery and pickup services.

By Jeff Wells • June 19, 2020