Logistics

Lean on Automation, Mazda's Spare Parts Center Covers Europe

March 1, 1999

The Japanese car maker, which once held almost eight months' worth of aftermarket parts at its Belgian logistics center, is well on its way to keeping only a little more than two months' of spares on hand. In doing so, it has relied on surprisingly little in the way of information technology.

Elizabeth Arden's Supply Chain Gets Dramatic Facelift

February 1, 1999

Kurt C. Hoffman

The cosmetics and fragrances manufacturer significantly reduced order-cycle times by assigning production and logistics operations to the same manager, and by implementing ISM's SPEX export documentation system.

Frans Maas Keeps Parts Flowing to AutoEuropa

November 1, 1998

A thriving logistics partnership between Dutch frieght forwarder Frans Maas and a Portuguese auto plant is giving new meaning to the term "just in time."

Mikasa Redesigns Distribution To Match Retail Demands

September 1, 1998

Kurt C. Hoffman

To meet changing retailer requirements and sales growth demands, tableware designer Mikasa built a new, highly automated distribution center in Charleston, S.C., adopting an unusual design that conserves both energy and space.

LEGO's Logistics Blocks Include 'Combi' Transport, Recyclable Packaging

April 1, 1998

Global Logistics & Supply Chain Strategies

Denmark-based LEGO Group keeps its brightly-colored blocks flowing to consumers in 150 countries by incorporating logistics as an important adjunct to both manufacturing and sales.

Audiovox Uses Public Warehouses, FTZs to Quiet Supply-chain Static

March 1, 1998

Kurt C. Hoffman

Consolidation of North American distribution points, a major shift from company-owned and -operated facilities to public warehousing, and economies from a little-known program with U.S. Customs helped slash inventory and associated costs for the Audiovox Corp., a consumer electronics company in Hauppauge, N.Y.

Gymboree Finds a European Launching Pad in Ireland

February 1, 1998

Grant Park

The Shannon Free Zone's irresistible tax benefits and other advantages helped it win the business of Gymboree and of many other companies looking for a European launch pad.

Following McDonald's to China Was Not As Easy as Pie

February 1, 1998

Karen E. Thuermer

When Bama Companies, a Tulsa, Okla.-based pie maker, found it too costly to continue exporting to China to supply McDonald's, its biggest customer, Bama officials decided to set up operations there. Implementing that decision involved numerous challenges.

Target Stores Relies on GENCO to Manage Its Returns Program

October 1, 1997

Kurt C. Hoffman

Target Stores saved money and improved store efficiency when it decided to centralize its returns program and outsource returns-center management to third-party provider GENCO.

Harley-Davidson's Road Trip to Kansas City

April 1, 1997

Paul Conley

When once-ailing American icon Harley-Davidson decided it had to build a new plant to meet increasing demand, many locales wanted the nod. In the final round, Kansas City's air links to Harley headquarters and its "common culture" theme carried the day.

Logistics

The latest news, analysis, services and systems regarding logistics and freight and their impact on global supply chains. Today’s companies are transporting and delivering perishables and manufactured goods in a more timely and efficient manner than ever before through logistics solutions. New technologies that provide information during local and global shipments are transforming the way companies do business - and allowing them to stay ahead of the competition in their industries. As transportation and distribution services continue to evolve, businesses are discovering new ways to increase efficiency and cut costs. Learn how companies are using logistics and cargo solutions to power their supply chains.