Analyst Insight: Facility location planning is a six-dimensional balancing act encompassing long-term facility commitments with need for agility, predictable demand patterns with seasonal and spiky demand surprises, material handling investments with facility flexibility, return on investment with immediate operations effectiveness, cutting-edge technology with common sense, and operational efficiency and cost reduction with technology investment. Consequently, the best FLP results are those that design in the most needed capabilities, leaving space to accommodate the flexibility that drives location success. - Robert Sabath, Principal Essentialist SCM, TRISSENTIAL
Analyst Insight: The supply chain has traditionally been managed from a holistic, top-down perspective. As such, events have historically been treated as occurring outside of the supply chain cycle. - Jorge Garcia, Senior Analyst, Technology Evaluation Centers
Distribution center design has always been a key aspect of supply-chain management. Now it's becoming a "science." Russ Meller, vice president of research and development with Fortna, explains what that means.
Results published by the Canadian General Freight Index (CGFI) indicate that the total cost of ground transportation for Canadian shippers increased by 1.6 percent in December when compared with November results.
Dematic, a supplier of logistics systems for factories, warehouses and distribution centers, has introduced an order-fulfillment tool for piece-picking applications.
Data warehousing is ready for the cloud, say Tom French, founder and chief executive officer, and Sam Smith, client technology solutions, with Supply Chain Coach. They show how the technology can aid in the use of analytics for maintaining a multi-client, multi-year data warehouse.
Companies that successfully rode out the recession are now looking for better times ahead, but they should be cautious, says a report from Jones Lang LaSalle, which identified five operational issues that companies should remain focused on as the economy continues to strengthen.
The latest news, analysis, services and systems regarding logistics outsourcing and its 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 using third party logistics providers (3PLs). New technologies that provide information during shipments are transforming the way companies work with these providers - and allowing them to stay ahead of the competition in their industries. As 3PL services continue to evolve, businesses are discovering new ways to increase efficiency and cut costs. Learn how companies are using logistics outsourcing solutions to power their supply chains.
Subscribe to our Daily Newsletter!
Timely, incisive articles delivered directly to your inbox.