In my last post, I likened sourcing complex categories to solving a Rubik’s Cube, making the case that not all sourcing events are alike and that only by first understanding the unique starting point, i.e., the problem to be solved, can companies learn to collaborate with suppliers for the best possible solution. Logistics represents a [...]
A 2009 report from Health and Human Services found that 59 percent of the North American food facilities surveyed did not meet the FDA’s requirements to maintain records about their sources, recipients and transporters. On the heels of the largest recall of eggs in FDA history this month and pending legislation in the Senate, food [...]
Much of the evolution of modern outsourcing can be tied to the study of economics. In fact, economic research stretching for more than 80 years is woven into the fabric of modern outsourcing. Economic thinkers have focused on growth theory, transaction costs, game theory, property rights, deregulation and the nature of the firm. At least [...]
This week, I will raise my glass to toast Barbie. Barbie, you might say? Yes, this year, my early childhood friend is 50. I am DEFINITELY telling my age when I share that she consumed the first 10 years of my life. I am also telling my age when I share that Supply Chain Management [...]
Four Soft (4S), a global leader offering software solutions for Logistics and Transportation industry is pleased to announce that it has won a new deal from Alba Wheels Up® International, Inc., one of the premier Customshouse broker and industry leading Freight Forwarders, to implement its Order Management system 4S Visilog, Global Freight forwarding application 4S [...]
The Institute for Defense and Government Advancement (IDGA) announces its eighth annual Military Logistics Summit scheduled for September 13-16, 2010 in Vienna, VA. IDGA’s Military Logistics Summit 2010 will present updated DoD mission priorities and cutting edge information to support major deployment, re-deployment, and distribution operations. The event will bring together thought-leaders and decision-makers in [...]
There’s a lot of buzz right now about growth opportunities in the Logistics Service Provider (LSP) sector. While clearly not at historic levels, consensus is that the sector will return to growth. Taking that into consideration, the question in my mind is this: With renewed focus on growth, will the future bring higher customer satisfaction [...]
Since January of 2007 I have been writing this blog for the most part on my own with the exception of some excellent feature guest articles from time to time. As you may have noticed, I’ve been otherwise occupied recently with the development of a number of new social media groups and blogging concepts and [...]
Last week’s strike at the Omron auto parts plant in Guangzhou was the latest in a series of labor disputes to rock China’s industrial sector over the past two months. It’s an amazing change we’re seeing, as the western world’s favorite source of cheap manufacturing labor begins to transform itself into something quite different: a [...]
“When the well is dry, we know the worth of water.”, Benjamin Franklin It was a cold winter day in Minneapolis. The security guard at the gate warned me of frost bite walking from the parking lot to the corporate offices of a client. So, I scurried along with snow crunching under my boots. I [...]
We hear and read constantly about the critical need for lean, green, transparent, collaborative, efficient and cost-effective supply chains and logistics partners. But let me ask you this: How have your partnerships fared lately? How have things progressed over the past three or four years? Are your outsourcing and logistics contracts living up to their [...]
Most organizations have a diverse spend portfolio that includes many simple, several moderately simple and a few complex spends. To address each spend appropriately, we need to understand the dynamics that make each event complex. For starters, let’s look to another ‘multi-faceted’ puzzle; the Rubik’s Cube. Invented in 1974 by Erno Rubik, Rubik’s Cube has [...]
Supply Chain Network is taking an active role in assisting companies in their quest to deliver a Carbon Neutral Supply Chain. Check out our Create a Carbon Neutral Supply Chain article to learn more about real actions your organization can take to move toward this lofty goal. Beyond the positive impacts such an action can [...]
An annual benchmark report released today shows the continued impact of the economic slowdown on the U.S. logistics industry. The 21st Annual State of Logistics Report ®, released by the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals (CSCMP) and presented by Penske Logistics, reveals that, continuing the decline reported in 2008, business logistics costs fell to [...]
As an immediate response to the impact of the Icelandic volcano on the supply chains of our customers, Four Soft global freight management systems communicated and immediately enabled rapid re-routing and re-prioritization of freight. We continue to effectively assist our 3PL and Forwarder clients in rapidly reacting to their customers changing demands and the dynamic [...]
Leveraging the data from 209 recently surveyed companies, this report investigates the impact of supply chain intelligence on performance and the use of business intelligence (BI) tools by the top-performing study participants. Specific focus is put on the enablement of supply chain processes by advanced BI technologies that are pervasive and role based, i.e. the [...]
Aberdeen Group, a Harte-Hanks Company (NYSE: HHS), announces the confirmed speaker lineup for its annual Supply Chain Management Summit on April 13-14 in San Francisco, CA. In partnership with Logistics Management, SCM World, and Supply Chain Management Review, the theme of this year’s Summit is Proactive Supply Chain Strategies for 2010 and Beyond. Featuring Aberdeen’s [...]
Four Soft Limited, (NSE: “FOURSOFT”, BSE 532521), a global leader offering software solutions for Logistics and transportation, is participating in the Logistics 2010 event organized by the Retail Industry Leaders Association (RILA) in Orlando, Florida, between the 21st and 23rd of February 2010. Retail logistics represents one of the largest and most complex global logistics [...]
