Articles
How-To
Minimizing Supply Chain Risk
Lean concepts such as just-in-time, virtual inventory, supplier rationalization, and fewer distribution facilities reduce total supply chain costs. They also increase supply chain risk. Chris Cameron, solution architect at Exton, Pa.-based supply chain solutions provider Elemica, offers these tips for preventing supply chain disruptions. 1. Identify and assess current risk. Quantify and prioritize risk, then […]
Read MorePreparing Your Supply Chain For Seasonal Peaks
Failing to secure efficient labor, sufficient warehouse space, and reliable carriers for seasonal peaks can wreak havoc on your supply chain. Kyle Oslos, director of logistics for APL Logistics, offers the following advice to help you prepare for peak season. 1. Verify and clarify your relationships with staffing providers. Whether you use one temporary staffing […]
Read MoreCrafting Logistics Provider Contracts That Cover All the Bases
Before committing to a logistics service provider partnership, logistics managers must ensure they understand all the contract’s parameters. One way to accomplish this is by outlining the terms of the agreement before signing the contract. George Muha, regional director of third-party logistics service and solutions provider Transportation Insight, offers this advice on key factors to […]
Read MoreImproving Supplier Compliance
Developing an effective supplier compliance program requires a well-defined plan. To achieve success quickly, it is crucial to initiate the plan with the right suppliers. Peter Wharton, IBM’s team lead for commercial product marketing, offers this advice for ensuring supplier compliance. 1. Define a successful supplier compliance strategy. Clearly define the stakes and risks, and […]
Read MoreCutting LTL Costs
Saving money on less-than-truckload (LTL) procurement is a laudable goal—except when operational problems eclipse savings gains. Shippers who prioritize securing the lowest price from carriers may actually end up paying more because of costs embedded in carrier expenses—resulting in problems such as service degradation and supply chain disruption. Danny Slaton, executive vice president of supply […]
Read MoreTransloading to Maximize Cost Savings
Transloading offers a cost-effective way to bring ocean containers inland to distribution centers. By transferring cargo without sorting the contents for shipment to a single destination, transloading services can reduce total landed costs, and—when combined with value-added services such as palletizing and shrink-wrapping—reduce handling at the destination. Jeff McCorstin, senior vice president of air and […]
Read MoreComplying with Export Regulations and Requirements
Companies seeking to expand their markets by selling products overseas can easily become confused and overwhelmed by export regulations and filing requirements. Scott Byrnes, vice president of marketing for East Rutherford, N.J.-based global trade management solutions provider Amber Road, offers these tips for managing export compliance. 1. Gain support from the top. An organization must […]
Read MoreControlling Transportation Insurance Costs
Developing rates for cargo in-transit insurance coverage is as much an art as a science. Underwriters consider the products shipped; susceptibility to loss and damage; number of shipments; trade lanes travelled; and transportation methods and modes. But insurance premiums are also driven by a firm’s loss history. While some of these variables may be out […]
Read MoreEnsuring Routing Guide Compliance
When vendors fail to comply with shippers’ routing guide instructions, all parties involved experience frustration. To improve compliance, shippers must provide clear and concise instructions about how they want their freight to move. Here is advice on ensuring routing guide compliance from Harold B. Friedman, senior vice president of global corporate development at freight payment […]
Read MoreDetermining If AS/RS Fits Your Facility
Most businesses that incorporate large-load automated storage and retrieval systems (AS/RS) store and handle full pallet loads moving at high volumes in and out of a distribution center or manufacturing plant. But other business types may also benefit from the solution. Norm Saenz, senior vice president and principal, TranSystems Corporation, offers these tips on deciding […]
Read MoreKeeping Shipping Costs in Check
With fuel costs continually rising, and consumers demanding faster delivery—preferably for free—it is more important than ever for companies to control their shipping costs. John Haber, founder and CEO of consulting firm Spend Management Experts, offers these tips for managing freight costs. 1. Carefully analyze your current carrier base. Be sure to take into account […]
Read MoreBecoming a Transportation Industry Advocate
Legislators are currently considering and implementing laws and regulations many transportation experts fear will significantly erode trucking productivity and increase the delivered cost of goods. There’s no time like the present to begin advocating your company’s interests. Brian Everett, ABC, executive director for the National Shipper’s Strategic Transportation Council (NASSTRAC), outlines how business leaders can […]
Read MoreAchieving LEED Certification
Many manufacturing and distribution facility owners consider the U.S. Green Building Council’s Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification the ultimate sustainability prize. Thomas Taylor, general manager for St. Louis-based sustainability consultant firm Vertegy, offers tips for earning LEED certification. 1. In warm-climate regions, install a white roof. A white or light-colored roof may […]
Read MoreGaining More From 3PL Relationships
Whether your third-party logistics (3PL) service provider is a niche player or a global behemoth, you can take steps to draw more value from the partnership. Valerie Bonebrake, senior vice president at supply chain consulting firm Tompkins International, offers the following tips for getting your 3PL to do more for you. 1. Become an expert […]
Read MoreImproving the Order-to-Cash Cycle
When pursuing order-to-cash improvements, many companies try to speed receivables. Instead, they should focus on setting long-term goals and improving customer relationships. Scott Pezza, research analyst, the Aberdeen Group, offers the following tips for improving order-to-cash effectiveness. 1. Stay ahead of the game with pre-sales credit analysis. Identify potential problems early so you can either […]
Read MoreEnsuring a Worry-Free ERP Implementation
The complaints most often associated with implementing an enterprise resource planning system (ERP) focus on flexibility, scalability, and upgrade and maintenance costs. To avoid snafus, do your homework before making a purchase. David F. Ross, senior manager, professional department, at APICS, The Association for Operations Management, offers this advice to guide your selection. 1. Consider […]
Read MoreBoosting Supply Chain Sustainability
Sustainable business practices and supply chains reduce waste, cut costs, and improve profit margins. Alan Amling, director of global logistics and distribution marketing at UPS, offers the following tips to help businesses improve supply chain sustainability. 1. Avoid reinventing the wheel. Minimizing waste is the first step in sustainability. Before investing in your own supply […]
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Increasing Warehouse Productivity
Warehouse efficiency promotes productivity, which is essential to customer satisfaction. Jason Minghini, senior director, best practices, at Chattanooga, Tenn.-based third-party logistics provider Kenco Logistic Services offers the following tips for creating more efficient, productive warehouse operations. 1. Communicate effectively. Clearly communicating to workers your organizational goals and the processes to achieve them is one key […]
Read MoreProtecting Your Supply Chain Against Disruption
Most companies know supply chain vulnerability poses a threat to their operations, yet few perform analysis or plan strategies to minimize risk to the bottom line. Businesses can protect against disruptions by adding supply chain redundancy, says Dr. Jeff Karrenbauer, president of supply chain solutions provider INSIGHT. Here is his advice for strengthening your logistics […]
Read MoreBuilding Efficiency Into Your Supply Chain
When it comes to supply chain efficiency, information is king. The more you know, the better you can manage the process and engineer improvements. Ellen Fontaine, general manager, strategic planning and business development, at Georgetown, Ky.-based third-party logistics provider VASCOR Ltd. offers this advice for boosting supply chain efficiency. 1. Seek opportunities to optimize. Optimization […]
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