3 retail supply chain fails of 2019 and how to avoid them in 2020

Supply chains struggled with technology integrations in 2019. Experts believe the ability to bounce back from a crisis will be essential for modern managers. 

By Emma Cosgrove • Jan. 21, 2020

4 e-commerce trends to watch in 2020

When competing with Amazon or Alibaba, it’s important to use trends as inspiration for innovation, writes Bernard Schreiner, co-founder of Paazl.

By Bernard Schreiner • Jan. 16, 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

Belk harnesses AI to manage inventory

As the department store used analytics to square orders with demand, margins improved, Vice President Tim Carney said at the NRF's Big Show.

By Daphne Howland • Jan. 16, 2020

3D printing use for MRO will double: report

Respondents in a survey by Essentium, a 3D printing platform, named reduced lead times as a key benefit of the technology. 

By Shefali Kapadia • Jan. 16, 2020

The importance of S&OP in 2020

Trends in personalization and fast shipping will require planning that goes beyond supply and demand. 

By Craig Guillot • Jan. 14, 2020

Amazon, FedEx, UPS join CBP e-commerce data pilot

The pilot will test whether shippers providing cargo information to the agency upfront will streamline screening processes as e-commerce parcel volumes approach 1.8 million per day.

By Morgan Forde • Jan. 14, 2020

H&M's AI operation helps make its supply chain more sustainable

With precisely honed demand forecasts, supply chains can use only the resources they need and no more.

By Emma Cosgrove • Jan. 14, 2020

What are the top supply chain trends of 2020? 4 experts weigh in

2019 trends including automation, speedy operations and changing global supply chains will likely carry over and intensify this year.

By Shefali Kapadia • Jan. 13, 2020

Robotic micro-fulfillment startup Fabric wants to help NYC retailers compete with Amazon

Fabric’s service will enable retailers and brands to compete directly with Amazon Prime Now and Target's same-day service once it gets up to speed.

By Emma Cosgrove • Jan. 13, 2020

TradeLens blockchain platform awaits antitrust clearance by FMC

The agreement allows sharing of data related to the physical movement of goods, but prohibits discussion of rates or terms between carriers and customers.

By Emma Cosgrove • Jan. 10, 2020

Coupa acquires travel startup Yapta to boost spend management platform

Software vendors use acquisitions to make their suites more comprehensive and encompass numerous procurement functions.

By Shefali Kapadia • Jan. 9, 2020

Manufacturing, supply chain see greatest cost savings from AI: McKinsey

Cost reductions from the use of artificial intelligence are typically the result of better forecasting and analytics, not headcount reduction.

By Matt Leonard • Jan. 7, 2020

How artificial intelligence is disrupting manufacturing

For traditional manufacturers, integrating AI across day-to-day processes and equipment is no small task. Firms can keep up or risk becoming obsolete, writes 3D Hubs Co-founder and CCO Filemon Schoffer.

By Filemon Schöffer • Jan. 7, 2020

Drop trailers: What's old is new again — for now

Technology increases transparency and holds promise for enhanced efficiency, but with enough advanced technology, drop trailers could become obsolete.

By Barry Hochfelder • Jan. 7, 2020

Blockchain-backed app puts coffee supply chain map in consumer hands

The plan is to use farmer IDs to track growing conditions, record transactions and follow yields and sales prices. 

By Cathy Siegner • Jan. 6, 2020

Turn less into more by automating HS code classification

You increase efficiency for your customers. Automation can increase efficiency for you.

Jan. 6, 2020

Patent Pending: Is warehousing Alphabet's next moonshot?

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 • Jan. 3, 2020

Target leans on data science to increase fulfillment speed, reduce stock-outs

A year after the retailer began testing algorithms to increase fulfillment velocity, out-of-stock levels decreased 40%.

By Roberto Torres • Dec. 18, 2019

ONE joins digital exchange network NYSHEX

The organization touts its role as an unbiased arbiter of contract violations or defaults, and the associated penalties, with creating increased reliability for shippers and carriers.

By Morgan Forde • Dec. 13, 2019

SAP partners with project44 to wrangle, clean shippers' data

By combining SAP's existing logistics offerings with project44's data collection and cleaning ability, SAP envisions "real-time shipment visibility and business process collaboration from contracting to settlement."

By Morgan Forde • Dec. 12, 2019

What does the future hold for ELDs?

The widespread use of ELDs marks the first time shippers and brokers have a line of sight into the supply side of their business — that’s nothing short of powerful, writes Oren Zaslansky, CEO of Flock Freight.

By Oren Zaslansky • Dec. 11, 2019

Ahold Delhaize to invest $480M in US supply chain integration

The move toward self-distribution will encompass warehousing, transportation and procurement, resulting in $100 million in annual savings and better product availability for customers, Ahold Delhaize USA CEO Kevin Holt said.

By Emma Cosgrove • Dec. 11, 2019

How RFID can enable omnichannel

The technology provides better visibility into a retailer's inventory, which is vital as companies expand into omnichannel offerings.

By Matt Leonard • Dec. 10, 2019

Plus.ai autonomous truck completes coast-to-coast delivery in 3 days

The vehicle completed the 2,800 mile journey carrying a truckload of Land O' Lakes butter from California to Pennsylvania, though a licensed driver and safety engineer went along for the ride just in case. 

By Morgan Forde • Dec. 10, 2019

Walmart launches autonomous delivery in Houston

Through a partnership with Nuro, the retailer will deliver groceries to a select group of shoppers in the coming months before expanding to the public. 

By Krishna Thakker • Dec. 10, 2019