Articles
Supply Chain Management
Horizontal vs. Vertical Integration: Their Key Differences
Understanding the differences between horizontal and vertical integration is key to selecting the right strategy for your business. Each approach offers unique benefits and challenges, and the choice depends on your specific business goals, industry context, and resources.
Read MoreHorizontal Integration: Definition, Examples and Strategy
Understanding the nuances, potential drawbacks, and potential benefits of horizontal integration versus other growth strategies, like vertical integration, will enable you to make decisions that align with your company’s needs and aspirations.
Read MoreSupply Chain Planning: What It Is, Importance, and Examples
Effective supply chain planning is essential for running a successful business and staying ahead in today’s fast-moving market.
Read MoreHow the 2024 Presidential Election Could Impact Supply Chains
The importance of efficient and resilient supply chains cannot be overstated, and with the 2024 presidential election rapidly approaching, supply chain organizations are starting to feel the weight of political uncertainty.
Read MoreValue Stream Mapping: Definition, Benefits, and Implementation
Value stream mapping (VSM) is a powerful tool in logistics and supply chain management. It allows you to visualize material and information flows, helping you identify waste and find opportunities for improvement. In supply chain management, value stream mapping is essential. You can understand how raw materials and information move through your processes. This includes […]
Read More2024 Elections Could Shake Up the Global Supply Chain—Here’s Your Voter’s Guide
With elections in roughly 50 countries worldwide and U.S. voting day right around the corner, supply chain executives must understand how major shifts in trade policies could impact their operations. Here are some tactics for using supply chain design to prepare for election outcomes.
Read MoreWhat Song or Lyric Best Describes Your Supply Chain Experience or Approach?
From Beatles classics to pop hits, here are the tracks that capture supply chain professionals’ experience and work approach. Tune in:
Read MoreAlternative Routing: Go Another Way
In the face of constant supply chain disruptions and unexpected events, shippers must be ready to reroute at a moment’s notice. Finding the road—or waterway— less traveled can sometimes make all the difference for transportation success.
Read MoreDemand-Driven Supply Chain: Definition, Benefits, and Implementation
A demand-driven supply chain offers significant strategic advantages in today’s competitive market. By focusing on customer demand and leveraging real-time data, businesses can achieve increased customer satisfaction, reduce lead times, and optimize operations planning.
Read MoreHow Does Integrated Business Planning (IBP) Drive Supply Chain Efficiency?
6 ways that Integrated Business Planning (IBP) improves supply chain efficiency.
Read MoreBe Prepared, Post-Pandemic
The events of 2020 pulled back the curtain on procurement and supply chains. Despite lessons learned, are organizations and procurement teams any better equipped to handle another ‘black swan’ event?
Read MoreSupply Chain Metrics: Definition, Types, and Importance
Supply chain metrics critically enhance logistics and shipping operations by providing precise, actionable data to streamline processes and optimize efficiency. These key metrics, from inventory turnover to freight cost analysis, empower businesses to make informed decisions that improve overall supply chain performance.
Read MoreWhat Supply Chain Practice or Belief Would You Declare Dead ?
Is just-in-time no more? Time to put globalization norms to rest? Our readers share the supply chain practices that should be deemed defunct and the strategies that are approaching obsolescence.
Read MoreSynching Up for Demand-Driven Supply Chains
A demand-driven supply chain can help organizations glide through the choppy waters of today’s business challenges. It takes close collaboration and teamwork across the entire value chain to get there.
Read MoreTop 10 3PLs: Readers’ Choice Excellence Awards
The votes are in. It’s no stretch to say these third-party logistics providers rule when it comes to customer service and responsiveness.
Read MoreSecuring an Unmatched, Fully Streamlined Solution
A private equity firm engaged Hub Group to evaluate its supply chain network and improve operational efficiencies for one of its prominent CPG companies. Hub Group delivered an end-to-end solution.
Read MoreAre Supply Chain Managers Running the Company?
Supply chain managers are playing a greater role in directing company operations and creating shared enterprise value as silos between suppliers and customers start to come down. Technology plays a part in opening those pathways because it cuts across company barriers. Third-party logistics (3PL) providers promise to do the same by cutting across inter-company barriers […]
Read MoreFriendshoring: Definition, Benefits, and Challenges
Friendshoring is shaping international trade by reinforcing supply chains and fostering economic ties. It boosts supply chain resilience and strengthens diplomatic relations, helping businesses manage global market complexities. However, challenges like higher costs and limited country choices require careful consideration.
Read MoreAdvance Shipping Notice: Definition, Role in Supply Chain Management, and Benefits
Efficient communication and documentation are the backbone of successful shipping and logistics operations. Staying ahead in today’s fast-paced commercial environment requires adopting advanced tools and strategies. One such tool is the Advance Shipping Notice (ASN), which is important in modern supply chain management. This comprehensive guide will explore ASNs, their significance, benefits, and impact on […]
Read MoreFour Profitable Strategies in the New Supply Chain Landscape
The realm of supply chain management stands at a crossroads, challenged by recent global disruptions that exposed vulnerabilities.
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