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Enterprise Resource Planning: Definition, Benefits, and Challenges
Struggling with managing your business operations efficiently? You’re not alone – about 25% of organizations implement Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) to increase their efficiency. This article will guide you through the myriad facets of ERP, its benefits, vulnerabilities, applications, ERP meaning, and much more. It will also show you how to define ERP and highlight […]
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Backorder: Meaning, Causes, and How to Limit Them
Understanding what backorders mean, their causes, and how to limit them is essential for businesses and logistics professionals. As supply chain disruptions become more common in today’s global economy, managing backorders effectively can make or break a company’s success. In this article, we explore the ins and outs of back-ordered items to equip businesses with […]
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Process Manufacturing vs Discrete Manufacturing: Definitions and Differences
Manufacturing is the large-scale process of converting raw materials into finished products, utilizing factors of production, including human labor and machinery. Depending on the product requirements, you can use various manufacturing processes to get the desired output. Discrete manufacturing and process manufacturing are the most common production methods. In this article, we explore the two […]
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Vertical Integration: Definition, Examples, and Advantages
Companies can choose many business strategies to meet their supply chain and logistics needs. Each approach has advantages and disadvantages. The best method depends on a company’s specific needs, goals, and circumstances. Vertically integrated corporations, like those in the booming field of vertical aerospace, are giants with a grip on multiple stages of their production […]
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Supply Chain Visibility: What It Is, Importance, and Types
Supply chain visibility is a process that provides customers with information regarding a product or service they ordered. By informing customers of the timeframe and details about a specific product they ordered from a business, the corporation can monitor orders, increase its daily operation efficiency, and avoid customer dissatisfaction. That is just one value of […]
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Container Freight Station: Definition, Purpose, and Benefits
In the past, items from the smaller shipments would be loaded and sorted during onboarding. But today, Container Freight Station (CFS) has changed the transportation system for smaller and larger shipments. In this article, we’ll highlight the meaning of a CFS, its purpose, and its benefits. What Is a Container Freight Station? A CFS is […]
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Delivered Duty Paid: Meaning, Importance, and Process
The international shipping process is made up of multiple methods, including order placement and fulfillment, shipment, export, import, order notification, and delivery or return. Incoterms are rules that govern the shipment of goods between countries. This allows people to ship and receive items worldwide while still meeting local and federal shipment requirements. Buyers and sellers […]
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Bullwhip Effect: Example, Causes, and Impact on Supply Chain
The supply chain ensures that raw materials, parts, and finished products are delivered to customers promptly and efficiently. However, the supply chain is a complex system that various major factors, such as changes in demand, production delays, or supply chain disruptions, can easily disrupt. The bullwhip effect is one of supply chain management’s most significant […]
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Expedited Shipping: Meaning, Pros, and Options
In today’s fast-paced e-commerce landscape, expedited shipping (sometimes referred to as expedite shipping) is increasingly important. Customers’ desire for quick, reliable delivery of their purchases has led businesses to seek out faster, more efficient shipping options—which has driven a surge in expedited services and international expedited shipping. This article delves into the meaning, benefits, and […]
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Smart Warehouse: Definition, Benefits, and Challenges
A smart warehouse represents the next stage of evolution in warehouse management, where cutting-edge technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence (AI), automated storage and retrieval systems, and autonomous mobile robots come together. A smart warehouse system enhances traditional warehousing processes by automating tasks, streamlining operations, and providing critical data to ensure […]
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Value Chain vs. Supply Chain: Key Similarities and Differences
In business management, understanding the concepts of value chain and supply chain, as well as their similarities and differences, is crucial for optimizing operations and achieving a competitive advantage. Both these terms are often used interchangeably, but they represent distinct aspects of operational management. We’ll explore why organizations must focus on value chain analysis and […]
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Freight Broker vs. Freight Forwarder: Definition, Benefits, and Differences
There are many options and terms to know when it comes to shipping international and domestic freight. You may come across two standard terms: “freight broker” and “freight forwarder.” Though both facilitate and optimize shipping, there are critical differences between the two services in the freight industry. A freight broker acts as a middleman between […]
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Order Processing: Meaning, Importance, and Steps
The number of consumers who order products and services online has been steadily increasing in recent years. This increase has led to rapid growth in orders processed by the different parties involved, from businesses to delivery companies. Order processing is essential in any business’ marketing and distribution strategy to save money on production costs and […]
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What Is Dunnage? Definition, Uses, and Types
Dunnage is a type of material used to fill empty spaces on ships, trucks, and other vehicles. Dunnage trucking helps to prevent shifting and damage during transport. Common materials used for dunnage include wood, metal, and plastic. This article will look at the definition of dunnage, its uses, and the available types. It will also […]
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11 Types of Warehouses: A Complete Guide to Their Uses
Warehouses are essential to the supply chain and logistics industry. They provide storage facilities for a company’s upstream and downstream supply chain inventory until it is distributed to its final destination. These storage facilities ensure the smooth flow of goods through the supply chain from the manufacturer to the customer. However, not all warehouses are […]
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Process Manufacturing: Definition, Benefits, and Industries
Manufacturing is the process of creating a finished product from raw materials or ingredients. This action is accomplished by using machinery, human labor, and other tools, with some manufacturing requiring chemical processes. There are various methods of manufacturing systems linked with producing final goods. Process is one of the main manufacturing methods. Modern manufacturing processes, […]
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Commercial Invoice: Definition and Terms
A commercial invoice is a customs-required document for any internationally sold shipment of goods. As a legal document, a commercial invoice plays an important role in facilitating the processing of products and owed taxes or duties. The following summary covers all you need to know about a commercial invoice and its role in international trade. […]
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The Ultimate Guide to Perpetual Inventory Systems: Benefits, Implementation, and Best Practices
In this guide, we’ll explore how a perpetual inventory system can revolutionize your business’ inventory management process and compare it to periodic inventory count systems. Throughout this guide, you’ll learn about the key differences between a perpetual system and periodic inventory systems. We’ll also discuss the pros and cons of using a perpetual inventory system […]
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Neo Bulk Cargo: Meaning, Types, and Examples
The shipping industry, the cornerstone of global trade, has witnessed the rising popularity of a distinct cargo category called neo bulk cargo. This innovative cargo type transforms the traditional bulk cargo model by integrating specialized equipment and practices for shipping various goods. In this article, we’ll delve into neo bulk cargo, its various types, and […]
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Supply Chain Control Tower: Definition, Types, and Implementation
In today’s global economy, effective supply chain management is increasingly complex. Companies face the challenge of ensuring timely product delivery, cost minimization, and consistent quality within a fragmented supply chain landscape. One solution gaining traction is the supply chain control tower (SCCT) model—a centralized hub for monitoring, managing, and optimizing all aspects of a supply […]
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