The right packaging can have a big impact on supply chain operations and costs, but it has been an often overlooked competency. Today's focus on sustainability is changing that.
As a major source of energy consumption and carbon emissions, the supply chain is one of the first areas companies look to for savings when they initiate a "green" strategy. The good news is that supply chain efficiency and carbon efficiency often go hand in hand.
A conversation with Robert Lieb, professor of supply chain management at Northeastern University's College of Business Administration, and Vince Hartnett, president of Penske Logistics. Since 1994, Lieb has conducted an annual survey of the CEOs of major third-party logistics providers. In 2007 three separate surveys were conducted covering the major geographical regions of North America, Europe and Asia-Pacific. Forty CEOs were involved in the surveys, whose companies collectively generated more than $60bn in revenue during 2006. Penske Logistics underwrote this year's research.
No one likes products coming back, but companies are learning they can relieve the pain and even realize some rewards by focusing more attention and technology on this area.
A conversation with Roy Gallagher, director of business systems for Petmate Inc., a leading producer and marketer of pet products, based in Arlington, Texas.
In addition to servicing the West Coast, the new facility in Las Vegas can carry the load for the original distribution center in Chicago when inclement winter weather becomes problematic.