Supply chain and manufacturing
Learn how technology can optimize your supply chain, logistics and manufacturing processes. Explore how the internet of things, AI and blockchain are bringing new efficiencies and how ERP software can help with supply chain operations and improve product delivery. Here you'll also find overviews on important supply chain management concepts.
Top Stories
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Tip
15 Nov 2024
10 advantages, disadvantages of using AI in supply chain
The disadvantages of using AI for the supply chain are the costs of the tech and employee training, difficult integrations, security risks and overreliance on the tech. Continue Reading
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Tip
05 Nov 2024
6 benefits of production planning
Production planning's benefits are helping manufacturers improve productivity, customer service, product quality, employee morale, disruption responsiveness and company expenses. Continue Reading
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News
26 Oct 2022
Business sustainability projects require savvy data analysis
In this Q&A, Stephen Keys of IFS discusses why sustainability projects for organizations are complex undertakings, but the data needed to drive projects already exists. Continue Reading
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Feature
25 Oct 2022
New ways of upcycling CO2, decarbonizing steel and cement
The industrial sector has a massive carbon footprint. That's why some companies are working to clean up steel and cement and find new uses for carbon. Continue Reading
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Definition
17 Oct 2022
just-in-time manufacturing (JIT manufacturing)
Just-in-time manufacturing (JIT manufacturing) is a production model in which items are created to meet demand, not created in surplus or in advance of need. Continue Reading
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Feature
30 Sep 2022
Fair Repair Act could help spur circular economy model
New regulations including the Fair Repair Act coupled with factors like consumer demand for sustainability are motivating manufacturers to consider a circular economy model. Continue Reading
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Tip
29 Sep 2022
RFID vs. IoT: What are the differences?
Users often combine RFID and IoT, but the two technologies are different in some important ways. Learn more about RFID vs. IoT and the uses for each in the supply chain. Continue Reading
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Definition
29 Sep 2022
distributor
A distributor is an intermediary entity between a producer of a product, or manufacturer, and a downstream entity in the distribution channel or supply chain. Continue Reading
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Tip
23 Sep 2022
7 benefits of RFID in supply chain management and logistics
RFID can help companies in their supply chain operations by assisting with product tracking and potentially improving product availability. Learn some of RFID's other benefits. Continue Reading
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Definition
22 Sep 2022
electric field strength
Electric field strength is a quantitative expression of the intensity of an electric field at a particular location. Continue Reading
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Definition
22 Sep 2022
permittivity (electric permittivity)
Permittivity (electric permittivity) is defined as the ratio of electric displacement to the electric field intensity. Continue Reading
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Tip
31 Aug 2022
RFID vs. barcodes in supply chain: Which should you choose?
Both RFID and barcodes are valuable in the supply chain, but each is more useful for particular scenarios. Learn what to consider when deciding between RFID vs. barcodes. Continue Reading
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News
22 Aug 2022
Kinaxis RapidResponse gets multiparty orchestration with MPO
Supply chain planning and order execution will integrate as Kinaxis acquires MPO, which might help customers get real-time visibility and deal with supply chain disruptions. Continue Reading
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News
16 Aug 2022
CHIPS Act should simplify semiconductor supply chains
The CHIPS Act is a good first step in reviving U.S. semiconductor production, but experts caution that benefits won't be realized soon, due to issues like complex supply chains. Continue Reading
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Tip
08 Aug 2022
RFID vs. NFC: Learn the pros and cons of each
While NFC is a subset of RFID technology, the two have some key differences, including cost and security. Learn more about RFID vs. NFC and which works best for your organization. Continue Reading
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Feature
04 Aug 2022
The future of the food industry: Food tech explained
Food tech shows how technology can improve the way the world grows, produces, distributes and supplies food by using technology such as AI and automation. Continue Reading
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Tip
27 Jul 2022
5 ways to use social media in supply chain management
Amid a supply chain crisis, customers often turn to social media to voice frustration. Organizations need honesty, empathy and informative content to help disgruntled customers. Continue Reading
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Podcast
26 Jul 2022
Digital freight broker cuts food waste, carbon footprints
Hwy Haul CEO Syed Aman explains how connecting shippers with truckers online and using data science to optimize loads and routes makes the produce supply chain more sustainable. Continue Reading
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Tip
15 Jul 2022
The role of customer service in the supply chain
Amid a supply chain crisis, delays can cause customer satisfaction to plummet. Organizations must use transparency, personalization and empathy to enhance customer service efforts. Continue Reading
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News
08 Jul 2022
Growing number of risks tests supply chain continuity
In this Q&A, supply chain expert Zachary Collier looks at some ways supply chains are threatened today and how companies need to avoid a single point of failure in supply chains. Continue Reading
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Podcast
30 Jun 2022
Digital Twin Consortium strives to organize a chaotic market
Digital Twin Consortium CTO Dan Isaacs explains the organization's work and assesses the progress made in digital twin technology, standards and best practices. Continue Reading
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Feature
27 Jun 2022
Supply chain technology critical for dealing with issues
As supply chains face new and unprecedented pressures on a number of fronts, companies look to emerging technologies to automate tasks, get intelligence and become more resilient. Continue Reading
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Definition
24 Jun 2022
bill of materials (BOM)
A bill of materials (BOM) is a comprehensive inventory of the raw materials, assemblies, subassemblies, parts and components, as well as the quantities of each, needed to manufacture a product. Continue Reading
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News
13 Jun 2022
Alternative data, multimodal AI tech produce new insights
AI fuels the delivery of new sources of investment and corporate information, such as satellite imagery, contact center audio logs, employee sentiment and social media data. Continue Reading
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Answer
09 Jun 2022
What's the difference between SCM and CRM?
CRM platforms track customer interactions, whereas SCM platforms track materials and product shipments. Tech buyers should know how these platforms differ before making a purchase. Continue Reading
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Feature
09 Jun 2022
How supply chain issues affect data storage and what IT can do
Supply chain issues challenge IT teams and data storage administrators. It's important to be as proactive as possible when managing storage in an era of such uncertainty. Continue Reading
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Definition
01 Jun 2022
dielectric material
A dielectric material is a poor conductor of electricity but an efficient supporter of electrostatic fields. Continue Reading
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Definition
17 May 2022
replenishment
Replenishment is the controlled and regular movement of inventory from an upstream point on the supply chain to a downstream location that requires sufficient stock to cover demand. Continue Reading
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Feature
13 May 2022
How COVID-19 has affected just-in-time supply chains
Industry leaders long held up the just-in-time supply chain model as ideal, but the COVID-19 pandemic has revealed its weaknesses. Learn whether just-in-time is over for good. Continue Reading
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Feature
09 May 2022
How MSPs can help in building resilience in supply chains
Channel partners have stepped in to try to address supply chain disruptions, but not all vendors feel MSPs, consultants and other partners have the solutions manufacturers need. Continue Reading
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News
06 May 2022
Business conditions upend digital supply chain investments
A new PwC survey of supply chain leaders indicates that most companies are not yet seeing results from investments in advanced supply chain technologies. Continue Reading
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Definition
02 May 2022
hydraulics
Hydraulics is a mechanical function that operates through the force of liquid pressure. Continue Reading
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Definition
29 Apr 2022
net price
The net price is the value at which a product or service is sold after all taxes and other costs are added and all discounts subtracted. Continue Reading
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News
29 Apr 2022
Kinaxis, TraceLink partner on supply chain planning
Supply chain planning and collaboration come together in a new integration of Kinaxis RapidResponse and TraceLink's healthcare and pharmaceutical industry supply chain network. Continue Reading
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Feature
28 Apr 2022
5 best practices for creating a data-driven supply chain
Turning to data and analytics to manage supply chain disruption only helps if leaders use good practices for extracting insights. Here are five that can help. Continue Reading
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News
30 Mar 2022
Unilever pursues supply chain sustainability with blockchain
Unilever deploys blockchain-enabled GreenToken by SAP to help ensure the palm oil used in its products comes from responsible sources and doesn't contribute to rainforest loss. Continue Reading
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Definition
30 Mar 2022
Fast Guide to acronyms used in manufacturing
The following glossary or acronyms are those most used in internal communications within the manufacturing industry. Continue Reading
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News
18 Mar 2022
Ukraine war, sanctions will extend supply chain disruption
Supply chains have been hit hard in the past two years, and the challenges do not get easier with the Ukraine war, which will affect industries for years to come. Continue Reading
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Feature
18 Mar 2022
Does concurrent planning in the supply chain work?
Does concurrent planning in the supply chain work to address disruption? Some experts say the promise doesn't yet match reality during major crises. Continue Reading
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Definition
16 Mar 2022
supply chain visibility (SCV)
Supply chain visibility (SCV) is the ability of parts, components or products in transit to be tracked from manufacturer to final destination. Continue Reading
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News
15 Mar 2022
Ongoing disruptions force supply chain strategies to evolve
In this Q&A, IDC's Simon Ellis explains why companies need to implement more resilient supply chains in an environment of greater constraint caused by continual disruption. Continue Reading
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Definition
15 Mar 2022
demand signal repository (DSR)
A demand signal repository (DSR) is a database that aggregates sales and demand data at the merchant's point of sale (POS). Continue Reading
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Feature
14 Mar 2022
VC investment fuels supply chain innovation
Venture capital funds are now flowing into startups that are working on technologies and platforms to tackle longstanding supply chain issues. Continue Reading
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Podcast
28 Feb 2022
Is ERP good for sustainability -- or part of the problem?
ERP vendors tout new tools for improving environmental sustainability. TechTarget editors discuss these and other ways IT both helps and hurts the environment. Continue Reading
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Feature
04 Feb 2022
ERP critical to achieving sustainability goals in 2022
Sustainability is a major priority for businesses in 2022, driven by internal goals, customer demand and regulations. ERP systems are at the center of sustainability projects. Continue Reading
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Feature
19 Jan 2022
Why asset management software is more important than ever
Doing more with less has long been important -- but in the last couple of years, the idea has taken on new relevance. Learn how asset management software can help. Continue Reading
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Feature
18 Jan 2022
6 benefits of asset performance management
Asset performance management can help improve a company's bottom line by reducing costs and making devices more reliable. Learn more benefits of asset performance management. Continue Reading
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Feature
23 Dec 2021
Supply chain disruption will persist in 2022, but tech may help
The supply chain problems of the last two years will persist into 2022, but companies can use the opportunity to redesign processes and update technology to solve long-term issues. Continue Reading
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Feature
24 Nov 2021
Vendors position ERP as heart of circular economy model
ERP vendors SAP and IFS are positioning themselves at the forefront of enterprise sustainability efforts just as businesses focus on reducing waste and prepare for new regulations. Continue Reading
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News
12 Nov 2021
White House unveils supply chain dashboard, but who is it for?
A new supply chain dashboard from the White House promises to provide valuable data on supply chain disruption, but it may not be adequate to resolve the complex issues. Continue Reading
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News
08 Nov 2021
Agility a key quality to surviving supply chain issues
In this Q&A, IDC's Simon Ellis discusses the ongoing disruption to global supply chains and how enterprise apps can help improve processes, mitigate problems and introduce agility. Continue Reading
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Feature
04 Nov 2021
Managing supply chain risk requires new priorities, tools
Understanding that cost may not be the top driver in supply chain risk management is critical in the new normal. Learn why and what technologies can help. Continue Reading
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News
03 Nov 2021
Infor adds MES to ERP with Lighthouse Systems acquisition
ERP vendor Infor acquired Lighthouse Systems, a provider of MES software that enables manufacturers to run operations 24/7. The deal makes sense, but integration won't be easy. Continue Reading
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Feature
01 Nov 2021
Supply chain disruption to affect holidays, but analytics can help
Real-time analytics can be used in demand forecasting and flexibility for long-term supply chain issues but won't provide an easy path out of the current disruption. Continue Reading
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Feature
27 Oct 2021
How procurement's little-known importance helps supply chain
The procurement department's importance is likely little-known within their own company. But procurement can contribute more than cost analysis to the supply chain. Continue Reading
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Feature
22 Oct 2021
5 key benefits of enterprise asset management software
Asset-intensive organizations benefit from enterprise asset management software because it helps them support their industrial infrastructure. Here's how EAM software makes that easier. Continue Reading
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News
11 Oct 2021
More urgency needed for supply chain security during holidays
In this Q&A, Kyle Rice, CTO at SAP NS2, explains the delicacy of increasingly complex supply chains and why IT needs to be proactive in finding their weakest links. Continue Reading
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News
30 Sep 2021
B2B network broadens partnership potential but requires trust
B2B networks increasingly offer smaller companies opportunities to collaborate and conduct business with multiple parties, but the networks have to be easy to use and trusted. Continue Reading
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News
13 Sep 2021
ECI Software Solutions adds process ERP firm Deacom to roster
ECI Software Solutions expands its ERP product roster with the acquisition of Deacom, which produces ERP applications for process and batch manufacturers. Continue Reading
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Feature
27 Aug 2021
5 skills supply chain professionals need
As with any job, there are various skills supply chain professionals need to succeed in their chosen field. Here are the five each leader must possess. Continue Reading
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Feature
19 Aug 2021
What's next for the supply chain? An expert's take
'Supply Chain Management Best Practices' author David Blanchard discusses pandemic lessons, how the SCOR model can help and why sustainability is so complex. Continue Reading
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Feature
17 Aug 2021
Hidden issues complicate sustainability in IT manufacturing
Clare Hobby of TCO Development discusses how difficult it is to rate IT products' sustainability. But corporate buyers and consumers have the power to demand something different. Continue Reading
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Feature
13 Aug 2021
10 strategies for more sustainable last-mile delivery
Creating eco-friendly last-mile delivery strategies is an important business and societal challenge. Here are some options supply chain leaders can explore. Continue Reading
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Feature
02 Aug 2021
ERP goes green, ahead of customer sustainability initiatives
As sustainability becomes a more key topic for businesses, enterprise applications vendors are touting programs to support efforts like carbon reduction and the circular economy. Continue Reading
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Feature
14 Jul 2021
Supply chain AI adoption happening too fast
AI's future in the supply chain seems assured as the pandemic accelerates AI adoption in various industries. Here's why some business leaders think it's happening too fast. Continue Reading
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Feature
13 Jul 2021
The environmental challenges of last-mile delivery
Current last-mile delivery practices are contributing to climate change, and companies need to address these ill effects. Understand how to start taking action. Continue Reading
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News
12 Jul 2021
Infor spins off EAM business to Hexagon but retains a stake
Rather than making the investments, Infor decided that the best way to advance its Infor EAM platform was to sell it, a move one analyst described as 'shortsighted.' Continue Reading
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News
16 Jun 2021
Infor CloudSuite ERP zeros in on industry specificity
In this Q&A, Infor CEO Kevin Samuelson and CTO Soma Somasundaram discuss the company's approach to cloud ERP, which focuses on multi-tenancy and deep industry specificity. Continue Reading
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Podcast
14 Jun 2021
The SAP Business Network effect: Putting it all together
At Sapphire Now 2021, SAP took pains to plot a way forward after COVID-19, mapping out a future of improved sustainability for itself, its customers and their global partners. Continue Reading
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Feature
11 Jun 2021
How 4 companies are improving last-mile delivery sustainability
Companies such as L'Occitane en Provence and Walmart are trying out different strategies to improve their last-mile delivery sustainability. Here's how they're doing it. Continue Reading
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Feature
09 Jun 2021
Top 7 ways to improve last-mile delivery
Failed deliveries have a powerful effect on customer experience. Here's how to improve last-mile delivery and increase overall customer satisfaction. Continue Reading
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Feature
03 Jun 2021
The importance of last-mile delivery to logistics
Last-mile delivery is the key to customer satisfaction. Here are four reasons your supply chain management strategy needs to focus on this critical stage of logistics. Continue Reading
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Feature
17 May 2021
ERP plays vital role in sustainability trend
In this Q&A, IFS CEO Darren Roos discusses how enterprise systems like ERP can enable companies to develop and manage more effective sustainability initiatives. Continue Reading
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Definition
13 May 2021
Kaizen (continuous improvement)
Kaizen is an approach to creating continuous improvement based on the idea that small, ongoing positive changes can reap significant improvements. Continue Reading
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Feature
10 May 2021
Top 5 last-mile delivery challenges
Last-mile delivery challenges can lead to reduced revenue. Here are some of the most common last-mile delivery problems your company is likely facing and why they occur. Continue Reading
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Definition
30 Apr 2021
supply chain security
Supply chain security is the part of supply chain management that focuses on the risk management of external suppliers, vendors, logistics and transportation. Continue Reading
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Feature
15 Apr 2021
Top 8 warehouse management systems to research
Efficient warehouses are key to customer satisfaction. Learn about some of the top warehouse management systems, including some of their benefits and drawbacks. Continue Reading
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Feature
14 Apr 2021
Overview of 4 types of warehouse management systems
Modern companies need to create efficient warehouses, and understanding which type of warehouse system to choose is key to that. Here's a look at four types and how they can help. Continue Reading
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News
09 Apr 2021
Supply chain disruptions force companies to rethink strategy
Supply chain disruptions from COVID-19 and other longstanding issues cost businesses trillions in revenue, leading to shifts in supply chain strategy, a new report said. Continue Reading
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Feature
05 Apr 2021
Top challenges of supplier relationship management
Supplier relationship management challenges are even more likely to occur during challenging times. Here are a few problems your company might encounter and how to solve them. Continue Reading
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Feature
05 Apr 2021
Biden supply chain EO makes resilience a priority
Supply chain experts weigh in on the Biden administration's push to help address vulnerabilities like parts shortages that have slowed production and put national security at risk. Continue Reading
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Feature
31 Mar 2021
Circular economy model enables sustainability and resilience
In this Q&A, IFS' Colin Elkins discusses the circular economy and how it can improve sustainability, enable business models like servitization and become a competitive advantage. Continue Reading
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Feature
29 Mar 2021
10 best practices for managing strategic supplier partnerships
Managing strategic supplier partnerships is essential for good supply chain management. Learn which practices can help strengthen them. Continue Reading
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Feature
19 Mar 2021
A real-life example of the self-distribution supply chain model
A self-distribution approach to supply chain management can help a company lower the risk of disruption. Learn how Ahold Delhaize USA is doing just that. Continue Reading
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Feature
15 Mar 2021
5 COVID-19 vaccine rollout lessons for supply chain leaders
The effort and coordination required to deliver COVID-19 vaccines to people across the globe provides powerful lessons. Here are five. Continue Reading
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News
02 Mar 2021
Review of global supply chains a delicate undertaking
A federal review of vital global supply chains such as semiconductors will likely produce a 'carrot/stick approach' to change, according to Gartner's Kamala Raman. Continue Reading
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News
26 Feb 2021
Call to review critical supply chains praised, questioned
The Biden administration is requiring federal agencies to conduct a review of critical supply chains, dividing analysts on what they see as the potential long-term effects. Continue Reading
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Feature
19 Feb 2021
8 benefits of a warehouse management system
A warehouse management system has the potential to save your company money and help improve warehouse efficiency. Learn how a WMS can benefit your company. Continue Reading
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Feature
19 Feb 2021
Supplier segmentation lessons in the wake of COVID-19
Supplier segmentation is more necessary than ever for businesses during COVID-19. Here's how to start the process and why it matters for your business. Continue Reading
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Feature
18 Feb 2021
Manufacturing outlook for 2021 focuses on resilience
As midmarket manufacturers focus on recovery from the pandemic, many will take advantage of the opportunity to accelerate Industry 4.0 projects, according to BDO USA. Continue Reading
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Feature
18 Feb 2021
Fueled by new technologies, the future of supply chains is here
An army of digital technologies like AI, IoT, bots and blockchain will reshape supply chains and add resiliency and transparency in the wake of the pandemic. Learn how. Continue Reading
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Feature
12 Feb 2021
Digitizing the supply chain requires standards to succeed
In this Q&A, Vector's Brian Belcher discusses why interest in digitizing the supply chain has soared recently and why standards are needed for wider use of digital technologies. Continue Reading
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Feature
10 Feb 2021
Kinaxis fuels Technicolor's supply chain digital transformation
Technicolor Connected Home digitally transformed its manual supply chain operations with the Kinaxis supply chain platform, resulting in improved forecasting ability. Continue Reading
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Feature
05 Feb 2021
Vaccine supply chain needs Starbucks -- not stadium -- model
In this Q&A, Sylvie Thompson makes the case for small, localized distribution at places like Starbucks for COVID-19 vaccine distribution. Continue Reading
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Feature
05 Feb 2021
Top 5 warehouse technology trends for 2021
Effective warehouse management has become even more critical. Learn which technologies are most important to creating efficiency and gaining a competitive edge. Continue Reading
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Tip
03 Feb 2021
5 supply chain management tips for 2021
Understanding recent forecasts and events -- such as difficulties in the COVID-19 vaccine supply chain -- can help you create more effective supply chain management in 2021. Continue Reading
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Feature
29 Jan 2021
8 key supplier relationship management strategies
Treating suppliers like partners and planning for disruption are two components of a successful supplier relationship management strategy. Here's what to keep in mind. Continue Reading
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Feature
25 Jan 2021
Supply chain trends for 2021 include reshoring, digitization
The diversifying of manufacturing, including reshoring to the U.S. and the adoption of new technologies, will be top supply chain trends in 2021, according to industry experts. Continue Reading
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Feature
22 Jan 2021
9 supplier relationship management benefits COVID-19 emphasized
The benefits of effective supplier management include less price volatility for businesses and the possibility of future collaboration. Learn about others and why they matter. Continue Reading
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Feature
13 Jan 2021
IFS Field Service Management software: Overview, pros, cons
IFS FSM software is meant to manage field staff and assets. Learn about its advantages and disadvantages and whether your company should put it on a vendor shortlist. Continue Reading
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News
21 Dec 2020
Supply chain faces greatest challenge with COVID-19 vaccine
Developing a COVID-19 vaccine was only the first step in beating the pandemic. Now the supply chain must manage the challenges and complexities of getting those vaccines delivered. Continue Reading
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Feature
18 Dec 2020
4 supply chain finance benefits and why they matter now
Liquidity in the supply chain for buyers and suppliers is just one of the benefits supply chain finance can offer companies. Learn about some others. Continue Reading