Walmart to open an in-store AI lab

The retail giant is exploring several applications for artificial intelligence, including the ability to track and replenish low supplies of inventory.

By Dan O'Shea • Nov. 12, 2018

Alibaba rings up $31B on 10th Singles Day

The Chinese e-commerce giant broke another record during the 24-hour sale holiday, fulfilling more than one billion orders. 

By Daphne Howland • Nov. 12, 2018

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

Port Optimizer gives cargo owners 2 weeks more notice, Long Beach pilot finds

GE is positioning the platform as the home base for dispatchers, drayage and equipment providers, terminal operators and shippers alike.

By Edwin Lopez • Nov. 9, 2018

Cargill expands blockchain for turkeys ahead of Thanksgiving

Farmers have expressed "overwhelming interest" in participating in the company's blockchain program for turkey traceability. 

By Emma Cosgrove • Nov. 8, 2018

9 ocean carriers, terminal operators join new blockchain initiative to rival TradeLens

It is abundantly clear that the ocean shipping industry is getting on board with blockchain — but which one? 

By Emma Cosgrove • Nov. 7, 2018

Robots and software are improving warehouse ROI

This year, companies budgeted more for capital spending on materials handling. How did they spend it?

By Deborah Abrams Kaplan • Nov. 6, 2018

Procurement and IT band together as digital initiatives grow

The two departments are increasingly sharing the task of sourcing new technology and adding touch points, according to a new survey.

By Edwin Lopez • Nov. 6, 2018

Amazon expands free holiday shipping to non-Prime members

The e-commerce giant may be feeling pressure from brick-and-mortar rivals like Target and Walmart, which have launched free shipping deals for the holidays.

By Daphne Howland • Nov. 5, 2018

Lowe's fills vacant CIO role with retail tech veteran

Seemantini Godbole fills the CIO role after the home improvement company quietly announced its vacancy in its Q2 FY18 earnings call.

By Samantha Schwartz • Nov. 5, 2018

Maersk Line now allows instant booking

The carrier said 15% of its customer service calls were spent responding to follow-up calls about vessel space or equipment availability, an issue it hopes to solve with the new system.

By Edwin Lopez • Nov. 2, 2018

US elections: Just another flawed supply chain?

If your supply chain ran an election, would everyone get to vote?

By Emma Cosgrove • Nov. 2, 2018

Package delivery robots coming to the Bay Area

Starship Technologies provides users with a custom address to use for online orders, receives packages and arranges a time for drop-off via robot. 

By Emma Cosgrove • Nov. 1, 2018

In latest bid to counter China, US blocks sales

The U.S. Commerce Department on Monday blocked U.S. companies from selling to Fujian Jinhua Integrated Circuit in an effort to counter intellectual property theft.

By Rich Weissman • Oct. 31, 2018

Albertsons announces plans for automated e-commerce fulfillment

The grocer will build a 10,000-square-foot micro-fulfillment center inside one of its stores early next year.

By Jeff Wells • Oct. 31, 2018

Hershey's new supply chain recipe

A modern Hershey is an expensive Hershey, but as long as sales are growing execs still say things are sweet.

By Emma Cosgrove • Oct. 30, 2018

Uber for empty containers could solve repositioning challenges

Relocating empty containers to where they need to be for the next load is a $20 billion inefficiency for supply chains.

By Gary Wollenhaupt • Oct. 30, 2018

World's largest grain traders partner to digitize transactions

It's not often these competitors work together but, after past failures to innovate alone, collaboration is the order of the day. 

By Emma Cosgrove • Oct. 30, 2018

Schnucks to expand use of in-store inventory robots

The Midwestern retailer said it would put the aisle-scanning Tally in 15 stores following a successful pilot last summer. 

By Jeff Wells • Oct. 30, 2018

Autonomous delivery and e-commerce keep Kroger 'relevant'

In a keynote session at Groceryshop in Las Vegas, Yael Cosset said the retailer's collaboration and investments are all aimed at becoming the "most relevant" offer for shoppers.

By Krishna Thakker • Oct. 29, 2018

5 ways to reduce energy costs in refrigerated warehouses

Strategies and intelligent technology that add efficiency and flexibility to cold storage facilities.

Oct. 26, 2018

UPS doubles down on automation ahead of peak season

The logistics provider is adding 400,000 pieces per hour of additional sort capacity to handle an anticipated 800 million packages this peak season.

By Shefali Kapadia • Oct. 25, 2018

Target hits the bullseye with agile tech and operations

The retailer has had to rise to the demand of the 21st century — a blend of "digital, home and store."

By Samantha Schwartz • Oct. 25, 2018

TMS startup launches free digital freight booking platform

Haven is opening up a tool already available to its customers to help shippers cut down on shipment management time and streamline communications with artificial intelligence. 

By Emma Cosgrove • Oct. 24, 2018

Planning paves the way to a truly automated supply chain

Automation itself may not be enough to create a truly touchless supply chain without central planning. 

By Craig Guillot • Oct. 23, 2018

Port of Rotterdam tests blockchain to link container logistics and payments

Freight tracking and transacting should be no harder than "ordering a book online," said the Rotterdam port authority's CFO. 

By Emma Cosgrove • Oct. 23, 2018