While IBP is not new, many organizations have not made it an ongoing part of their strategic processes.

Determining the right HTS code for a given product used to be done manually. Today, by necessity, it draws on the power of artificial intelligence.

M&A activity is not roaring back, but it is clearly on the uptick, with buyers allocating capital to acquisitions in a discerning yet deliberate way. 

Supply chains need to integrate and collaborate with end-to-end partners and vendors in a more efficient, orchestrated, always-on model.  

Nick Glynne, CEO and founder of Buy It Direct which owns Appliances Direct, said that he expects to get rid of 500 of the company’s current 800 workers.

Freight booking and payment platform says forwarders can now manage both air and ocean in a single, connected system, saving time and syncing modes as trade patterns shift. 

Together, an electrical distributor and a tech company harnessed the power of artificial intelligence to address the persistent challenge of lead time variability.

Beyond hunkering down in firefighting mode, it’s just as important that companies take a longer view of things.

Despite the availability of eBLs, many shippers, carriers, banks and freight forwarders continue to rely on paper rather than juggle multiple systems, interfaces and contracts.

AI-driven automation can power every step of the PO process, from order initiation and vendor communication to approvals and status updates.