Most everyone in manufacturing is aware that today, supply chain is, more or less, "king" of the manufacturing lifecycle. With more globalized supply chains and the trend of working with more and more third parties, it's critical that manufacturers keep a strong hold on the flow of materials from one location to the next.
The long-term infrastructure developments unveiled by Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong at a recent National Day Rally include plans to expand Changi Airport and relocate the country's seaport.
Generally speaking, there is no argument that Africa needs industrialization to provide jobs, reduce poverty and improve economies. Also, that it needs overseas investment for this to happen, and that China is in a good position to provide it.
President Dilma Rousseff of Brazil plans to build 11,000 kilometers (6,835 miles) of rail and grant wider access to existing privately operated lines to cut shipping costs by as much as 30 percent in the country. The auction of a concession to build and manage the first of a dozen railways costing a total $42bn will take place as early as October.
Douglas Kent, global vice president with Avnet Velocity, talks about why there has been renewed interest in supply-chain risk management at the highest level of company operations.
Packaging and paper products manufacturer Boise has cut CO2 emissions by 60 percent by switching from road to rail and packing its products more efficiently in rail containers, says a case study from Environmental Defense Fund.
Old Dominion Freight Line Inc. has developed a new mobile app, designed to allow customers to more easily follow their shipments and connect with the company.