Current Issue: Quarter 1 2019
Technology
Big data's growing pains
Big data analytics implementations are up, but satisfaction with those implementations is down, according to a recent survey. Why are companies frustrated with their attempts to harness the power of large sets of supply chain data?
Smart packaging: challenges and opportunities in the supply chain
New packaging technologies have the ability to monitor a product and its environment and act on any changes in the two. These innovations have the potential to dramatically improve supply chain operations, but companies must first overcome some significant challenges.
Strategy
The customer's warrior
Dave Bozeman, vice president of Amazon Transportation Services, says he wakes up every day ready to "go to war for the customer." And he wouldn't have it any other way.
Why additive manufacturing needs blockchain
While additive manufacturing (or 3D printing) has the potential to greatly reduce shipping costs and make operations more efficient, it can also make the supply chain more vulnerable to cyberattacks and counterfeiting. Blockchain technology may hold the answer for increasing security.
Legally sound procurement: how to add legal value to the purchase of goods and services
A simple but revolutionary change in the process of negotiating procurement contracts can dramatically improve a buyer's position. Getting legal experts involved right from the beginning saves time, allows for a better assessment of proposals, and may lead to more favorable contract terms. Above all, it ensures fully informed decisions.
The Age of Autonomy, Part 2: How vehicle ecosystems will create new business and job opportunities
In a future where autonomous vehicles will be in wide use, an array of complementary services and technologies—autonomy "ecosystems"—will be needed to support them. Supply chain leaders should start thinking now about how their companies and employees can participate in these revolutionary new opportunities.
Columns
Perspective
The future may be here now
The technologies that could shape tomorrow's supply chains might already be available—if only we knew how to apply them.
Direct Connection
Building a stronger community
CSCMP aims to strengthen the relationship between shippers and carriers with its newest initiative, NASSTRAC's Strategic Shipper Program.
Afterword
Robots won't put you in the unemployment line
Robots will soon transform the workplace in amazing ways, but they will not throw you out of work.
Reflections
Develop a war plan for supply chain disruptions
When it comes to handling supply chain disruptions, commercial organizations should steal a page or two from the military's playbook.
Forward Thinking
Artificial intelligence will trigger a new reality for logistics
Companies that don't adapt before their peers will get run over by this "technology train," GT Nexus exec tells 3PL conference.
Gartner flags 10 strategic tech trends for 2019
Convergence of emerging technologies will create disruption and spawn new business models, firm says.
Study describes eight best practices for supply chain integration under a single executive
Practice presents unique challenges, Univ. of Tennessee whitepaper says.
Companies report double-digit growth in industrial IoT usage
Industrial firms are getting more sophisticated in their use of IoT for asset management, customer services, IFS survey shows.
Shoppers value communication over convenience in the returns process, study shows
Transparent policies and proactive updates positively influence consumer perception and brand loyalty, according to Narvar study of 1,300 online shoppers.
KPMG predicts revolution in last-mile logistics
Use of autonomous delivery vehicles will drastically change consumer e-commerce environment by 2040, research study says.
Slowing economy spells pause for industrial real estate market
But savvy developers will pursue inland port opportunities and growing demand for urban fulfillment centers, new research shows.
Study: e-commerce trends are shrinking average length of truck trips
ATRI report finds growth of urban last-mile delivery has prompted shift of jobs from department stores to courier services and fulfillment centers.
Retailers slow to automate supply chain processes
Supply chain digitization is crucial to creating seamless omnichannel experiences, but few retailers have taken the plunge, survey says.
Departments
CSCMP Notebook
CSCMP European Conference registration is open
The two-day conference in Warsaw, Poland, will focus on real-world strategies companies can implement to maximize and transform their supply chains.
CSCMP Notebook
Hot Topic: Using Data to Improve Supply Chain Operations
CSCMP publication offers key steps companies can take to get the most out their data.
CSCMP Notebook
On the air with CSCMP ...
The Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals has launched a new podcast series, "Supply Chain Conversation." Now members have the chance to participate.
Research for the Real World
Can your supply chain relationships affect your company's credit rating?
Authors of a selected Journal of Business Logistics (JBL) article explain the real-world implications of their academic research.
Industry Press Room
Read the latest industry news from Alteris Group, East Coast Warehouse & Distribution, Scout RFP, Uproar PR for A. Duie Pyle, Patina Solutions Supply Chain Webinar, and more »Most Read Articles
News from our sister publication
Latest Video
Lessons learned from trucking's perfect storm
Mike Regan, co-founder and chief of relationship development at TranzAct Technologies, discusses the trends in freight markets, and how companies can better improve their approach to managing freight costs.
Forward Thinking
Lessons learned from trucking's perfect storm
Mike Regan, co-founder and chief of relationship development at TranzAct Technologies, discusses the trends in freight markets, and how companies can better improve their approach to managing freight costs.
Supply chain employment of women sees slow, steady rise
Dachser reports that women fill more than half its jobs, topping industry average.
Forward Thinking
Partnering with third-party vendors opens door to business risks, KPMG says
Study lists top five dangers often posed by outside providers and contractors.
Forward Thinking
Trade experts counsel measured response to China tariffs
Warning there may be more pain ahead, speakers at an international trade conference offered do's and don'ts for mitigating the impact of higher tariffs on Chinese goods.
Forward Thinking
Trucking business conditions continue to tumble, FTR index shows
Monthly measure for February hits lowest mark since August 2017, as industry retreats from record high demand of 2018.
Forward Thinking
Study measures pain points of digital transformation
Firms report disruption as they adopt upgrades such as collocated data centers, cloud computing, and third-party security, Avant says.
Forward Thinking
CBRE: Warehouse supply and demand in line
The industrial real estate availability rate barely moved in the first quarter, balancing the market, commercial real estate firm says.
Forward Thinking
Rhenus acquires Freight Logistics
Global logistics provider expands in the Americas with purchase of Miami-based freight forwarder.
Forward Thinking
Warehouse robotics on the rise
Study shows an 18 percent increase in testing of warehouse robotics in 2019.
Forward Thinking
Investment in supply chain technology and automation to rise 95 percent
MHI Annual Industry Report predicts dramatic increase in investment in supply chain technologies in 2019 as the labor market continues to tighten.
Forward Thinking
Rising above the froth: ProMat keynote focuses on practical realities of blockchain
Panel of experts provides use cases, implementation tips for the distributed ledger technology.
CSCMP Notebook
CSCMP's annual conference is looking toward the future
CSCMP EDGE Conference and Exhibition will be held in Anaheim, California September 15 - 18.
How customer experience is driving supply chain innovation
CSCMP's Hot Topic publication explores why innovation and customer experience are key factors for all businesses.
On the air with CSCMP ...
The Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals has launched a new podcast series, "Supply Chain Conversation." Now members have the chance to participate.
CSCMP European Conference registration is open
The two-day conference in Warsaw, Poland, will focus on real-world strategies companies can implement to maximize and transform their supply chains.
Hot Topic: Using Data to Improve Supply Chain Operations
CSCMP publication offers key steps companies can take to get the most out their data.
