Fast Flying Facts – Supply Chain Shipping Soaring

International trade’s on-the-grow through the air, despite economic easterly and westerly headwinds, forecasts the International Air Transport Association. Global air cargo is predicted to grow at a five-year cumulative annual rate of 3 percent, and the U.S. will remain the largest single market in 2016.

Worldwide freight volume will reach 34.5 million metric tons in 2016, compared with 29.6 million tons flown in 2011, with annualized growth accelerating from 1.6 percent in 2012 to 3.7 percent in 2016.

IATA predicts the highest volume upticks in the developing markets of Sri Lanka, with a cumulative five-year annual growth rate of 8.7 percent, followed by Vietnam, 7.4 percent; Brazil, 6.3 percent, and India, 6 percent. Furthering that trend, five of the ten fastest growing markets over the next five years will be in the Middle East-North Africa region, with Egypt growing by 5.9 percent annually.

The Asia-Pacific region, which currently accounts for 40 percent of international air cargo traffic, will contribute around 30 percent of the expected total increase in tonnage over the period.

With the continuing shifting of the air cargo industry, costs associated with his mode will likely flutter wildly during the upcoming future. Cost containment is of substantial P&L concern. Consult Data2Logistics on this subject; they can help you manage spend by helping you partner with carriers for shipment schedules and rates that’ll fly with everyone.

Trade Freedom – Europe to Americas, Americas to Europe

The European Parliament has approved a series of free trade pacts with eight LATAM nations: Colombia, Peru, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua and Panama, effective 2013. The motivation: that the EU forges stronger links with emerging economies, while their member countries endure economic struggles of their own.

Theses eight nations currently have free trade agreements with the U.S.

If you’re shipping between Europe and LATAM, consider the costs and how best to contain them between regions with widely varying logistics norms. To get a handle on achieving manageable rates from carriers serving these routes between and in-country, consult Data2Logistics. Their place in this world is enhancing transportation operations, helping meet goals for cost reduction and improved oversight. They provide focused resources to support projects relating to pooled purchasing, RFP management, carrier negotiations, TMS software, inbound routing and network analysis, along with a related business intelligence portfolio, informed audit and freight payment services. Their supply chain cost reduction reach provides ability to support all modes of transportation, optimizing logistics operations domestically (wherever’s domestic to you) and everywhere else around the globe.

Better Hurry If You’re Heading to Africa

Africa is one of the top logistics investment opportunities anywhere in the world, according to a new report from the London-based research and consultancy firm Transport Intelligence (Ti). Their rational encompasses the continent’s vast untapped natural resources, along with the foreign direct investment having poured in as Africans’ purchasing power grows. They see many countries in the region, particularly Nigeria, as characterized by a rising middle-class, boosting sales of consumer goods substantially.

If trade is taking you to Africa, or anywhere else in the world for that matter, supply chain cost savings becomes monumental as profit margins are lean. Data2Logistics is poised to help with its Professional Services Group’s offerings to reduce supply chain costs associated with product transportation. These provisions include provide focused business intelligence resources to support functions relating to pooled purchasing, RFP management, carrier negotiations, TMS software, inbound routing, and network analysis, along with informed audit and freight payment services. Data2Logistics has found these areas to be of widespread need throughout the supply chain industry, reducing excess cost associated with organization’s logistics.

Data2Logistics Professional Services Group’s objective is to utilize the company’s business intelligence technology, subject matter expertise and knowledge of the marketplace to enhance transportation operations, improve service and reduce related expenses. They identify opportunities to remove excess cost out of end-to-end supply chains to drive company’s profitability, a primary and prominent position of action of supply chain professionals faced with costs of increasing economic, geopolitical and environmental volatility.

If Three by Air – Cargo Volume Climbing Higher

The worldwide air cargo market will grow 3 percent annually between 2013 and 2016, reaching a global volume of 34.5 million tons, according to the International Air Transport Association, up from the current volume of 29.6 million tons. This constitutes another barometer of growth in uncertain times. Optimistic projections like this have a way of spreading enthusiasm, accompanied by corporate and civic investment.

If air’s a component of your supply chain, Data2Logistics can help you fly-through shipping cost reductions to maximize your internal investment, spanning your transportation operations to help meet your goals for cost reduction and improved oversight. They provide focused resources to support projects relating to pooled purchasing, RFP management, carrier negotiations, TMS software, inbound routing, and network analysis, along with informed audit and freight payment services. Their cost-waste removal reach provides ability to support air and all other modes of transportation, optimizing logistics operations cost domestically and globally.

Flip This – India’s Exporting with Enthusiasm

‘India’s trade deficit widens’ has been the widespread word, with the latest report from India’s Ministry of Commerce Directorate General of Commercial Intelligence and Statistics. Here’s the story numerically: exports in October totaled $23.2 billion, while imports were $44.2 billion, creating a deficit of $21 billion, a 16 percent increase compared to September’s activities. Annually, the current account deficit is $78.2 billion, or 4.2 percent of gross domestic product, compared with 2011’s $45.9 billion, or 2.7 percent of GDP.

For those outside India, it’s apparent the country’s appetite for internationally-sourced business and consumer goods is booming. The BRIC’s ‘I’ is on-the-grow; their civic aggressiveness for out-of-country capital is fostering its continuation, and the world’s enthusiastically engaging their interest. We’re witnessing an international economic catalyst. Are you participating? Is your supply chain optimized to minimize shipping costs to maximize profits?

Good Economic News from Our Neighborhood, Supply Chain Shipping Strong

Our neighbor Port Everglades experienced its third consecutive year of growth, handling 5.9 million tons of cargo as of September 30^th fiscal 2012 year’s end, a 3 percent increase from fiscal year 2011, marking the third consecutive year of growth in cargo, according to a preliminary report from the South Florida seaport.

Port Everglades moved 923,600 20-foot-equivalent units, a 5 percent increase compared with last year, returning the port to the near record levels experienced in 2008 (985,000 TEUs).

We’ll take all the economic encouragement we can achieve, and believe it’ll continue. As your supply chain further evolves based on your company’s developments and market penetrations, focus on elimination of unnecessary transportation costs due to freight billing errors (they happen; carriers strive for accuracy, but overbillings occur, and Data2Logistics can detect and correct). In addition to optimizing your product’s movement, you’ll benefit your bottom line.

Manufacturing’s New Life Born of Rebirth

The United States is the world's largest producer, consumer, and exporter of remanufactured goods, according to a new report by the U.S. International Trade Commission. Remanufacturing, the process of restoring end-of-life goods to original working condition, is a strengthening trend generating growth throughout domestic manufacturing industries. Creating new life with well-designed and built wares works for all involved; those selling product to remanufacturers, remanufacturers themselves, direct/distributor sales channel providers, end-users, and the supply chains supporting it all. A concept well-worth the marketplace attention it’s garnering; everyone’s economy is enhanced.

As your remanufactured goods are recirculating, consider the transportation cost associated with supply chain movement throughout the factory-to-facility logistics. Data2Logistics can enhance your transportation operations, helping meet your goals for cost reduction and improved oversight. They provide focused resources to support projects relating to pooled purchasing, RFP management, carrier negotiations, TMS software, inbound routing, and network analysis, along with informed audit and freight payment services. Their cost-waste removal reach provides ability to support all modes of transportation, optimizing logistics operations domestically and globally.

Reducing supply chain cost is another remanufactured move you can make to your benefit.

If in England: Manchester Constructing Global Logistics Hub

The Manchester City Council has approved the planning application for the £100 million World Logistics Hub, a 305,000 square meter logistics project set for development in the free-enterprise zone near the Manchester Airport. To comprise small and medium warehouses ranging from 700 to 20,000 square meters in size, the complex will more than triple the area of Manchester Airport’s current World Freight Terminal.

The World Logistics Hub’s site forms part of the £650 million Airport City Manchester plan. This is the focal point of Greater Manchester’s Enterprise Zone, designated by the UK government in 2011 in recognition of its potential to attract investment, create jobs and boost the regional and national economy. With its easy access to the airport apron, rail station and highway network, it will combine with the existing terminal to offer a full range of air-to-road transfer, assembly and processing activities for forwarders and other logistics business.

Airport City Manchester has pledged to deliver up to 500,000 square meters of new business space over the next 10 to 15 years and aims to create a highly connected commercial location, the first of its kind in the UK that will compete for international business against similar airport city projects in Amsterdam, Barcelona, Düsseldorf and Copenhagen.

If you’re shipping to-from the UK, consider cost savings opportunities Data2Logistics provides, to enhance your transportation operations, help meet your goals for cost reduction and improve oversight. Their cost-waste removal reach provides ability to support all modes of transportation, optimizing UK logistics and beyond.

Private Funding Igniting India’s Rail Infrastructure on Supply Chain Demand

To speed freight movements throughout the country, the Indian government approved a proposal to allow private investment for the development of rail-related infrastructure projects. The expansion is expected to lower transportation costs and enhance state-owned Indian Railways’ supply chain accommodations to public and private businesses.

“The policy framework and the private participation models for rail-connectivity and capacity augmentation projects suggested would facilitate speedy execution of rail connectivity projects,” an official government statement relayed. “The policy would provide much-needed impetus to building of critical missing links in railway network and evacuation from ports, mines, big industrial units and plants.”

Indian Railways carried 565.37 million tons of freight traffic during the first seven months of fiscal year 2012-13, up 5 percent compared with the same period last year. This infrastructure move underscores supply addressing demand, benefitting those transporting product into, through and out of India.

Trucking Capacity Tightening – Here Comes Higher Supply Chain Costs

Transportation forecaster FTR Associates reported that shippers should expect to see trucking capacity tightening now at the end of 2012 and throughout 2013, due to increasing freight demand combined with looming regulations restricting driver productivity.

You know how that will translate:  higher prices, fewer options for shippers. Supply chain cost savings become paramount to combat the economic situation. Data2Logistics is poised to help with its Professional Services Group’s offerings to reduce supply chain costs associated with product transportation. These provisions include provide focused business intelligence resources to support functions relating to pooled purchasing, RFP management, carrier negotiations, TMS software, inbound routing, and network analysis, along with informed audit and freight payment services. Data2Logistics has found these areas to be of widespread need throughout the supply chain industry, reducing excess cost associated with organization’s logistics.

Data2Logistics Professional Services Group’s objective is to utilize the company’s business intelligence technology, subject matter expertise and knowledge of the marketplace to enhance transportation operations, improve service and reduce related expenses. They identify opportunities to remove excess cost out of end-to-end supply chains to drive company’s profitability, a primary and prominent position of action of supply chain professionals faced with costs of increasing economic, geopolitical and environmental volatility.

Logistics – A Giant Industry with Even Bigger Career Opportunities

270,200 logistics jobs will be created each year in the U.S. between 2012 and 2018, according to a study by the Georgia Center of Innovation for Logistics, a division of the state’s economic development department. But vocational schools, colleges and universities are on pace to produce only 75,280 formally trained, degreed or certified workers a year qualified for those jobs, a sizable gap the study indicated.

If you’re currently in the industry and would like additional education and certification, now’s the time to hit the books while you’re working. Contact the schools you’re interested in for class times around your work schedule, and their admission and financial aid offices for available tuition assistance funding for the program that would benefit you.

If you’re outside the industry, come in – appears there will be plenty of room.

Supply Chain Cash Circulator – Business Sales Show Fastest Growth since March 2011

The U.S. Census Bureau reported business inventories in September increased 0.7 percent from August to a seasonally adjusted $1.61 trillion. Business sales increased 1.4 percent, the fastest rate of growth since March 2011, to a record $1.26 trillion.

Remember September? Lots of domestic and global eco-gloom. Still, these figures identify underlying belief in business growth, and confidence with owners and management to invest in themselves. Uncertainty’s probably here to stay (been around a while…), though we’re confident our country’s businesses will prosper no matter the temporary obstacle-of-the-month.

U.S. Manufacturing Up 60 Percent since 1990 Despite Multiple Recessions and Export Restrictions – That’s Testament to Industrial Strength

As chronicled by Supply Chain Digest, the Federal Reserve has mapped overall manufacturing in the United States having produced a 60.4% gain since 1990. Considering the frequent, lengthy recessionary periods endured domestically (geo-depressions in many instances), this is remarkable sustainability. Factor policy and economic challenges to U.S. product exports, and that figure moves to amazing in stature.

While this country’s place in research, development and manufacturing is evolving with the balance of world geo-economics, its abilities remain in a robust role of leadership. We’ll all do well keeping this top-of-conscience as challenges tempt this faith. We have produced, and will continue, as our industrial abilities and personal resolve remain enduringly strong.

Painless Supply Chain Lean-Out Option

Supply Chain Movement reviewed KPMG’s latest report that investigates how supply chain directors are managing in this uncertain world. A key finding: identifying opportunities to squeeze further costs out of the end-to-end supply chain to drive profitability, and understand the true supply chain cost to serve, was primary and prominent to the supply chain professionals surveyed. Volatility was the driver, to counter the costs of increasing economic, geopolitical and environmental effects on their operations. This component of lean supply management revolved around identifying opportunities to squeeze further costs out of the end-to-end supply chain to drive profitability.

For a painless supply chain lean-out option, consider Data2Logistics. They can enhance your transportation operations, helping meet your goals for cost reduction and improved oversight. They provide focused resources to support projects relating to pooled purchasing, RFP management, carrier negotiations, TMS software, inbound routing, and network analysis, along with informed audit and freight payment services. Their cost-waste removal reach provides ability to support all modes of transportation, optimizing logistics operations domestically and globally.

Saving money without sacrificing service – lean the lenient way.

Business Intelligence a Wise Supply Chain Move

Inbound Logistics quoted a recent enlightening Aberdeen Group report; here’s a telling excerpt:

Companies that want to effectively manage their supply chain must invest in business intelligence (BI) software, according to a recent Aberdeen Group survey of supply chain professionals. Survey respondents reported the main issues that drive BI initiatives include increased global operations complexity, lack of visibility into the supply chain, a need to improve top-line revenue and increased exposure to risk in the supply chain. Fluctuating fuel costs, import/export restrictions and challenges, and thin profit margins are driving the need for businesses to clearly understand all the factors that affect their bottom line.

Data2Logistics’ cloud-based business intelligence tools consolidate user’s disseminated shipping data to provide insightful clarity throughout their supply chain moves, leading to shipping savings averaging 5% - 15% annually. That’s intelligent economics.

Data2Logistics to Present at the 10th Annual Supply Chain and Logistics Summit North America 2012

This just in:

Fort Myers, Florida and Rotterdam, Netherlands November 26, 2012 – Global supply chain information and technology company Data2Logistics announces participation at the 10th Annual Supply Chain and Logistics Summit North America 2012, December 3-5 at the Hyatt Regency Dallas. Data2Logistics’ will present the Interactive Workshop – Transportation and Logistics: Optimizing Freight Rates, covering transportation strategy planning supporting shipper’s corporate goals, including plan benchmarking, freight rate negotiations, and identifying, documenting, and recovering carrier overcharges through invoice auditing. Data2Logistics’ staff will also be greeting guests at the convention’s events and in their expo hall location.

The 10th Annual Supply Chain and Logistics Summit North America 2012 will provide attendees the opportunity to learn from examples of industry leaders addressing universal supply chain challenges, networking and benchmarking among peers from a broad array of industries, discovery of new tools, tactics and technologies to improve performance, enhance resiliency, and reduce cost. The goal is for attendees to take away supply chain management best practices and lessons learned from other organizations, and apply them to their own decision-making process.

Cobblers, Shoes and Supply Chains

China’s losing market share in US and other countries’ footwear imports; a continuing tight labor markets’ the driver rapidly eroding their share of exports, as other nations including Vietnam are upping their game.

It more than shoes; the manufacturing map’s rapidly expanding for many wares, as resources are compounding in regions constructing infrastructures supporting manufacturing economic development. It’s working, companies around the world are aware of these evolving options, and making investments themselves to secure production. Seems China’s ‘engaging capitalism’s core for economic gain’ playbook has landed the visitor’s locker room. Who’s up next? Cuba?

If international manufacturing affects you, you’re probably surveying supply chain options, and their associated costs, so keep in-mind the opportunities for savings in your route and carrier planning. Data2Logistics can enhance your transportation operations, helping meet your goals for cost reduction and improved oversight. They provide focused resources to support projects relating to pooled purchasing, RFP management, carrier negotiations, TMS software, inbound routing, and network analysis, along with informed audit and freight payment services. Their global reach provides ability to support all modes of transportation, optimizing logistics operations domestically and globally.

So when treading a new path (or even your current), it’s advantageous to run with Data2Logistics.

Fastest Growing Markets for U.S. Exports

As anticipated, India will be the fastest growing market for U.S. exports in the here-before-we-know-it future, set to rise at an average rate of 12 percent per year from 2016 to 2020, then 10 percent annually from 2021 to 2030, according to a recent HSBC Commercial Banking report.

Immediately in addition to India, China, Vietnam, Indonesia, Egypt, Turkey, Poland and Mexico are anticipated to see significant trade growth during the next three years.

In another hopeful sign, the report also forecasts U.S. export growth to Europe to encouragingly recover to 6 percent per year from 2012 to 2020.

If you’re shipping globally, Data2Logistics is a time-tested advisor that provides solutions for supply chain challenges. Through their suite of services, expertise and industry know-how, Data2Logistics enhances transportation operations, incorporates controls and ultimately meet company’s goals for cost reduction and improved oversight. Their services go beyond traditional audit and freight payment, having the ability to provide focused resources to support projects relating to pooled purchasing, RFP management, carrier negotiations, TMS software, inbound routing, and network analysis. Their reach provides ability to support all modes of transportation, optimizing logistics operations. As they say: Ship Smarter and Save!

India’s Import Supply Chain Activity Bolsters Global Manufacturing and Distribution

India’s exports during October were valued at $2.3 billion, a decrease of 1.6 percent from $2.4 billion during October 2011, while imports were $4.4 billion, jumping a joyous 7.4 percent year-over-year from $4.1 billion.

This BRIC baby’s growing fast… It’s gonna make us proud and profitable.

While You’re Prepping Your Supply Chain Planning for 2013…

…Data2Logistics is a time-tested advisor that provides solutions for supply chain challenges. Through their suite of services, expertise and industry know-how, Data2Logistics enhances transportation operations, incorporates controls and ultimately meet company’s goals for cost reduction and improved oversight. Their services go beyond traditional audit and freight payment, having the ability to provide focused resources to support projects relating to pooled purchasing, RFP management, carrier negotiations, TMS software, inbound routing, and network analysis. Their global reach provides ability to support all modes of transportation, optimizing logistics operations.

Manufacturing Supply Chains Running – U.S. September Exports Rise 3.1 Percent to Record High

The U.S. Department of Commerce reported Thursday (11/8) that exports for September rising 3.1 percent to $187 billion, increasing by $5.4 billion to a record high.

Keep it coming. It’s confidences that grow economies.

Supply Chain Information and Technology Services Provider Data2Logistics Launches Document Control Program Optimizing Information Management

Fort Myers, Florida and Rotterdam, Netherlands November 12, 2012 – Global supply chain freight bill processor, auditor and cost reduction advisor Data2Logistics announces the launch of the company’s Document Control Program. Spearheaded by Data2Logistics’ quality management personnel certified by the American Society for Quality, the program is based on ISO standards and ensures quality-critical documentation, including client specifications, carrier rates, and internal work instructions, is successfully captured, maintained, and validated on a continuous basis.  The resulting standard of quality ensures Data2Logistics audits client freight bills accurately, codes allocations correctly, and produces remittance-related deliverables timely.

Data2Logistics’ services enhance organization’s logistics, supply chain, operations, finance and accounting staff, providing information needed to control costs for all modes of transportation for companies who ship products domestically and internationally via LTL, TL, parcel, overnight express, ocean, air and rail carriers. Having a full service operation in Rotterdam, Netherlands since 2004 enables Data2Logistics to support rapidly expanding companies throughout North America, LATAM, EMEA and APAC, with staff attuned to local cultures and unique business environments. More…

Holiday Cheer – Parcel Carriers Expecting Record Volume Season

Recession? Admittedly the term’s most applicable on the individual. In a broad sense, this year’s gift giving season is bull market-on, as parcel carriers are prepping for what they’re expecting to be their highest volume ever.

FedEx is expecting robust sales of electronics, apparel and luxury goods to drive their volume from Thanksgiving to Christmas. They forecast they’ll handle 280 million shipments, up 13 percent compared to a year ago. The Big Day: December 10^th, with 19 million shipments moving across its network, a generous gain on the previous daily record of 17.2 million, December 12, 2012.

We’ve seen economist’s measures of increased consumer confidence; this projection appears to back up their data. It’s exciting, seeing the 70% of U.S. GDP growing, cash circulating more freely again. Perhaps the fiscal drama of the last five years hasn’t scarred us as deeply as it could have. That or our spending slowdown punch-drunkenness is spurring us toward bad decisions. Either way, it’s nice to see consumerism regaining its long-standing popularity. Join the festivity – go buy something and have it shipped somewhere – support your neighbors in manufacturing, retailing and their dependable supply chain professionals.

Home Prices Rise in 81 Percent of U.S. Cities – A Satisfying Sign for Retail, Manufacturing

In the third quarter, prices for single-family homes rose in 81 percent of U.S. cities (120 of 149 metropolitan areas) from a year earlier, reported  the National Association of Realtors, as the residential market extends a recovery from the worst crash since the Great Depression. In the second quarter of this year, 110 metro areas had gains, chronicling the uptrend.

The beneficial economic tie of this supply-demand turn: rising home values signals mortgage funding is flowing and consumer confidence is climbing. These lead to retail sales growing and manufacturing demand increasing.

This trend’s timely, as those of us in the supply chain biz realize the need for more product moving to market, and inventories cycling at optimal rates. Robust consumer demand will do wonders to manifest this for us.

Here’s a twofer: with this anticipated supply chain activity increase, why not decrease your spend now, reducing unnecessary shipping expense today. Data2Logistics, a global supply chain information and technology company, provides the information to reduce your supply chain's costs without diminishing your product and service quality.

Their 'Ship Smarter and Save' mantra manifests by utilizing database data mining technology to enhance organizations' logistics, supply chain, operations, finance and accounting staff's abilities, relaying information needed to control costs for inbound and outbound transportation. They also provide freight bill auditing for accuracy per shipment, and carrier payment services to complete the process. Worth a look to save a buck…

China’s Leadership Change – World Supply Chain Fright of Blight?

As the biggest BRIC, China is joining the balance of the world in economic shifts with potential, if not certainty, the reconfiguration of multinational inbound and outbound supply chains. Manufacturing hubs are diversifying in product types and production locations, and retail with demand for international products and discretionary income in flux throughout geographic markets.

As Xi Jinping becomes the country’s party general secretary, he brings to the position a mix of capitalist capabilities and Maoist Marxism. How these ideologies balance under his leadership will mark China’s economic near-future, as well as with those engaged in commerce with the nation. Factor potentially lingering trade deficits, countries positioning to be attractive alternatives for lowest-cost manufacturing, and citizenry indoctrinated with Western wares, and China’s world trade complexity could alter dramatically.

The rubs: they’ll face economic growth of 7 percent in 2013, the least in 23 years, according to fixed income fund giant PIMCO. Standard Chartered Plc sees a risk of annual growth slumping 3-4 percent within 10 to 15 years without market-driven change to introduce more competition for state enterprises. They face the litany other developing nations endure:  an industrial workforce reliant on migrant labor, a wealth gap to potential social unrest, a rapidly aging population, a legacy of industrial pollution, widespread corruption and an escalation in territorial disputes with neighboring nations.

These internal issues they’ll have to work out internally. The rest of the (global trade) world is in the balance. Scary stuff – dependency on China can’t easily be kicked. Without their economic cooperative participation, or suitable substitute(s), there’s legitimate fright of international blight.

On to happier outlooks: it’s out of our hands, and there’s comfort in that realization. We can focus on our own trade’s economies, reducing unnecessary supply chain costs wherever shipments originate or designate. That Data2Logistics can help you control.

Supply Chain Owners – You Running Hard but Standing Still?

Today’s supply chain mangers find themselves being challenged like they never have been challenged in the past. The recession thinned their staffs dramatically. They’re feeling more pressure as sluggish top line growth is forcing companies to determine how they can grow their bottom line through improved operations. The result – supply chain managers are being pressured to drive hard to continuously improve the value of the services they deliver.

This is a tough position to be in when faced with a difficult regulatory environment, driver shortages and carriers who are looking to maintain their margins rather than chase after every shipment they can take from a competitor.  

Discussing this with a supply chain management client today, he talked about how he knows they must find ways to reduce transportation costs. However, because of resource shortages, they don’t have the talent they need to make this happen. He bottom lined it, “Running hard to stand still is painfully unfulfilling.”

Knowing he wasn’t alone in the running-hard-but-standing-still sentiment, we at Data2Logistics took action in this regard: appointing industry veteran Leif Holm-Andersen to lead our Professional Services Group as Executive Director. The group’s focus is to drive cost out of the supply chain by partnering with clients to identify and execute solutions. “We don’t just deliver solutions, we execute and manage on a go forward basis through key performance indicators to ensure our clients solutions are executed properly and stay on track,” Leif commented. What the Group offers is a full suite of services focused on optimizing clients’ supply chain. The program’s objective is to utilize Data2Logistics’ information, technology, subject matter expertise and knowledge of the marketplace to enhance transportation operations, improve service and reduce related expenses.

Leif’s 20 years of supply chain experience includes working for manufacturers and distributors throughout the world. He’s managed all modes of transportation globally and believes success in logistics is heavily dependent on the ‘data is knowledge’ mantra. “Managing with data and facts will produce the best results and drive cost out of the supply chain. Data2Logistics recognizes and follows this practice. Data2Logistics’ freight audit and pay business provides our clients with full visibility into their transportation spend. Our team utilizes this data to create dashboards helping clients to manage spend, providing a partnership to reduce costs through both procurement and process improvement opportunities. I ardently believe in partnering with clients and their providers to create win-win scenarios. It’s about data, facts and relationships,” Leif continued. Like the guy’s passion and drive…

You too running hard but standing still with higher costs and lower headcount? Talk to Leif; he knows how to ship smarter and save.

E-tailing Wagging the Markets, Supply Chains Moving

A trend we’ll see highlighted in November and December is e-tailing’s influence in both business and consumer marketplaces. Online purchasers site convenience and price as motivators for their Internet-based commerce. E-tailers reference their supply chain strategy as core of their business plan’s P&L.

While buyer demand’s driving this commerce movement, access is motivating it. Sellers are providing shoppers cloud software-powered purchasing experiences that are intuitive and unintimidating. Personal computing hardware manufacturers continue an impressive march of headline-grabbing desktop, tablet and telephone options, pared with operating systems people are comfortable using.

Back to supply chains – e-tail volume alone manifests complexities and associated costs. With sales and inbound/outbound shipment volumes increasing, the Internet-enabled global marketplace spotlights the vitality of supply chain effectiveness, and associated cost controls. A driving factor is cost savings wherever possible. Freight carrier service and cost negotiations with shipping bill auditing for accuracy account for a significant portion of these controllable costs, figuring into profit in the P&L equation. Talk to Data2Logistics to consider these cost conservation moves, from an independent prospective.

Single Family Home Sales Surge, Consumer Spending and Supply Chain Volume Follows

The Department of Commerce reported new single family home sales in the U.S. in September increased 5.7 percent from August to a seasonally adjusted 389,000-unit annual rate, the highest level since April 2010.

The real estate marketplace correlates increasing home sale volumes with higher existing home values (and often a new construction boost). Economics indicates a tie between increasing home equity and consumer spending confidence. Those involved in the country’s consumer marketplace, and their supply chain, see benefit from this fortuitous reaction.

Cost control becomes a profitability focus; the country’s economic recovery (?), again leaning on economists for their expertise, indicate a drawn-out process dependent on domestic/global challenges, known and unknown, over a number of upcoming fiscal quarters. Supply chain operators – control what you can – remove unnecessary costs (inefficient rout options, freight bill errors leading to overlooked overpayments). Utilize a carrier-neutral source to provide you with related cost reduction services. No pain, just profit. Data2Logistics has the knowledge and expertise in this area.

Supply Chains Keep on Truckin’

The American Trucking Associations' advanced seasonally adjusted For-Hire Truck Tonnage Index stood up in September, 2.4 percent higher than the level seen in September 2011.

This is significant, as it signals business and consumer confidence amid mounting uncertainties. Americans are an assured lot for sure. Carriers are benefitting, if you’re on their inbound or outbound routs are you also seeing increased revenue? With supply chain cost-containment key to profitability of any demand growth, make sure your carriers and their billing are optimized for your benefit. Data2Logistics can assist you in your role in the revenue-to-profitability equation.

Barking Dogs and Supply Chains with Chew Toys

Turns-out footwear is one of the most price-sensitive consumer products (Who knew?). Increasing production costs in China have motivated U.S. importers to source even more shoes in lower-cost countries including Vietnam and Indonesia. As these geo-markets’ prices rise, look for the next cost-opportunistic regions to erect factories and pull market share.

Didn’t realize the economic extent of our foot-covers (as I stare at my shoes in wonder…). Manufacturers, wholesalers, retailers, e-tailers – anyone with a supply chain – knows price sensitivities involved in moving product. Removing unnecessary cost is necessary as product margins tighten. And you can, painlessly, by having shipping data accessible and data mineable to optimize the goods’ trip, along with the freight bills audited for accuracy and paid, all by an independent resource. Data2Logistics comes to mind… It’s worth a chat with these folks, to discover the scope of your available savings, and hassle-avoidance associated with overly expensive shipping and back-end billing errors.

The Economic Might of Domestic Petroleum

Canadian National Railway indicated a profit of C$664 million in the third quarter, about 1 percent more than the C$659 million earned in the same 2011 period.  Revenue in the third quarter of 2012 was C$2.5 billion, up 8 percent over the third quarter of last year. The growth attribution: increased shipment of domestically-drilled oil.

The demonstrated power of the petroleum industry on geographical economies: domestic drilling, domestic transportation equates to potentially less costly supply chains. Depending on demand fluctuations, lower costs should ensue. The economics indicate this reduced cost ripple’s corporate and personal finance savings will largely be spent, spurring domestic economies.

Discounting geo- and eco-political interests, demand indicates prudence of local energy development. With oil’s current and ongoing usage being of necessity significance, and global supply and cost dependent on factors in flux, makes sense to drill, refine, transport and consume what’s available, locally.

Data2Logistics’ Leif Holm-Andersen Featured in Journal of Commerce, Supply Chain Shipping Marketplace Cost Savings Focus

Data2Logistics’ Leif Holm-Andersen, Executive Director of their Professional Services Group was featured in the Journal of Commerce article, Easing Trucking Capacity Gives Shippers Slight Edge by Senior Editor William B. Cassidy, published October 19th, discussing increased truckload carrier capacity available for supply chain shippers, and the potential marketplace impact.

“There’s definitely capacity in the market, though there’s still a driver shortage,” commented Holm-Andersen. “Trucking rates “right now are flat if not down a little bit.” Holm-Andersen indicated his surprised that more shippers aren’t aggressively pursuing lower rates. “There is an opportunity for shippers to reduce rates,” he said, while stressing the situation “is certainly nothing like it was when the economy tanked” in 2008. Still, “shippers need to take advantage of the market when they can.” Long-term capacity concerns may be preventing shippers from pursuing short-term pricing gains. Truck capacity may be in a “rough balance,” but that balance is “tenuous,” and shippers worry what will happen when the economy gains speed and demand rises.

Even better – hear it from Leif himself: contact ‘em via leif.holm-andersen@Data2Logistics.com.

India’s Shipping Container Volume Up 1.2 Percent – The Beginning of Big Growth for Us All?

Shipping container throughput at major ports in India grew 1.2% year-over-year from April through September, the first six months of the Indian Ports Association’s fiscal 2012-13.

Numerically speaking, cumulative traffic in the first fiscal half was an estimated 3.94 million 20-foot-equivalent units compared with 3.89 million TEUs in the corresponding months last year. The tonnage of containerized traffic increased 2.65 percent year-over-year to 60.9 million tons from 59.3 million tons.

India’s experienced growth as the ‘I’ of the emerged BRICs. Now there’s evidence of Big Growth, world power-type economic expansion.

The opening of India to international business investment on majority ownership scale in September was the expansive sign. Their motivation’s fiscally-driven: the country’s economy lost 67% of foreign direct investment in 2011, and is trending in that direction this year. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh summarized the decision, “I believe that these steps will help strengthen our growth process and generate employment in these difficult times.” Opportunity observed and optimized.

India’s a land of a billion consumers, rapidly expanding its B2B & B2C commercial infrastructure. If your organization isn’t currently involved in the market, you may be soon, directly or indirectly. As you make supply chain adjustments to suit, consult Data2Logistics for carrier’s route and pricing options, along with freight bill auditing for accuracy and convenient payment services, all for your shipping cost-savings as your India inroads increase.

U.S. Inbound Port Volume Forecast to Grow 10% in October – a Positive Consumer Economic Sign for Supply Chains, Retailers

Import cargo volume at the nation's major retail container ports is expected to increase 10% year-on-year in October, as merchants wrap up the annual shipping cycle for holiday merchandise, according to the monthly Global Port Tracker report. This year, that’s a big deal. It’s indication that domestic consumers appear confident to spend in Q4, and carry corresponding credit balances into next year. With consumer spending 70% of U.S. Gross Domestic Product, both purchasing decisions are decidedly positive economic points for retailers and their supply chains. Will this B2C momentum translate to B2B/C manufacturers in 2013?

Let’s factor manufacturing, distributing and retailing growth progressing into the upcoming year. As you plan your supply chain moves, keep cost conservation in-mind. Data2Logistics Professional Services Group helps remove fiscal waste throughout inbound and outbound transportation, with route service optimization, freight bill auditing for accuracy and bill payment services available as well, all from a single, convenient cost-saving source. Ship Smarter and Save.

Supply Chain Nearing

China-based computer maker Lenovo announced it’ll build a manufacturing line in Whitsett, NC in an effort to further tap the U.S. market.  This heightens a growing trend of foreign and domestic manufacturers setting up shop closer to buyers in their major geo-markets. Let’s call it ‘Supply Chain Nearing’ before someone gets a book deal with it… Not a new practice, but increasingly attractive for the manufacturer (lower unit costs), consumer (competitive pricing) and plant’s location (direct jobs, associated economic surge, local/state tax revenue, economic development awareness).

Moves like this mean significant supply chain adjustments. It removes a mode or two, but alters means. As a company’s to-market logistics game plan is amended for regional market transit, cost saving again enters the supply chain view. New routs create new freight billing norms, and with it the unfortunate reality of unintentional shipping billing errors. If you’re Supply Chain Nearing – digging that designation – coordinate your bill processing and payment through an independent auditor to ensure you Ship Smarter and Save (like that line, too…).

Admittedly partial to Data2Logistics.

Enjoy PARCEL Forum - Even More Fun There with Data2Logistics

Hope you're having a blast meeting-up with folks you know at PARCEL Forum. A few new to meet: Harold Friedman, Debbie Peterson and Leif Holm-Andersen - the Data2Logistics gang in expo hall space 108.

If you'd like to reduce your supply chain's costs without diminishing your product and service quality, talk to them. That's their bag!

Viva Ship Smarter and Save!

http://twitter.com/Data2Logistics

China-Japan Dispute Threatens Supply Chains through Asia

The escalating dispute between Japan and China over an East China Sea island chain could have long-term ramifications for global trade and supply chain planning, industry analysts say.

Nothing new here, but plenty to see: geopolitical tensions erupting into supply chain disruptions traverse global trade’s history. How it impacts you, and what you do about it, is the trick. Awareness of your route and mode options as contingencies is warranted, even if (hopefully) unneeded. As you plan, keep these alternate’s associated costs in-mind. Data2Logistics can assist you is this endeavor, providing data mining and reporting of your shipments, chronicling the trips and identifying and realizing cost-savings in these extraordinary times-of-the-day. And in the daily undisrupted ordinaries, too...

Data2Logistics Data Mines Domestically, Globally Growing Companies for Shipping Cost Savings

This just in:

Fort Myers, Florida and Rotterdam, Netherlands October 22, 2012 – Global freight bill processor, auditor and supply chain cost reduction advisor Data2Logistics is providing shipping costs control data mining services, assisting companies experiencing growth through domestic and international demand for their offerings to realize cost savings associated with carrier selection, addressing inbound and outbound freight shipments in an expanding supply chain management environment. This ability is equipping companies to accommodate for this acceleration, with services to achieve operational flexibility and freight cost savings, as companies’ resources are stretched corresponding to demands accompanying shipping volume increases. Data2Logistics services are resulting in freight shipping cost savings averaging 5%-15% annually.

With Data2Logistics’ data mining and reporting, the discovery of timely, actionable information empowers companies to make the best shipping decisions based on carrier options that are available, relative to service levels and all cost components, providing significant savings. This function provides a deeper understanding of trends, opportunities, weaknesses and threats. Exploration of pertinent data, in any combination over any time period, enables the operational and financial view of an organization’s functional flow to simplify and save.

With these data mining tools, companies can create a report based on a radius from a ship point, or identify opportunities for service or modal shifts, providing insightful information about carrier usage by lane, volume, average cost per pound, shipment size and service type. Performance can be measured based on the number and dollar amount of billing errors in proportion to overall shipping expenditures, variances from trends in costs, volumes and accessorial charges, by mining a database that includes Paid Bills, Work in Process transactions and Bills Aging to Terms.

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Talk to Data2Logistics about it…

Business Stimulus Via U.S. Commerce Department – Will Supply Chains Move?

Here’re announcement excerpts:

Acting U.S. Commerce Secretary Rebecca Blank today (10/12/12) announced the launch of the Advisory Committee on Supply Chain Competitiveness in recognition of the critical role that freight infrastructure and policies play in enabling products to be made in America and exported around the world. The Committee, comprised of 40 senior-level private sector representatives of multiple industries and supply chain experts appointed by the Secretary of Commerce, will advise the Secretary, the U.S. Department of Transportation and other U.S. agencies on supply chain issues that affect the international competitiveness of U.S. businesses. Acting Secretary Blank will attend the first Committee meeting at U.S. Department of Commerce headquarters on October 19.

Committee members are leaders in their fields of expertise and represent supply chain firms, associations, stakeholders, community organizations, and experts from academia.

U.S. supply chains are critically dependent on the quality and capacity of America’s freight transportation network – the largest and most extensive freight infrastructure in the world. The network serves over 7.5 million U.S. business establishments, carrying some 13 billion tons of raw materials and finished goods annually between production and consumption centers.

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Encouraging anytime our industry’s awareness is highlighted  contiguously with fiscally stimulating public sector attention for private enterprises, particularly now. The list of business-benefiting policy actions will likely be echoed (enthusiastically) in their sessions. What comes of these discussions will ultimately be measured by U.S. export growth, beginning next year. The need is real, as is the urgency.

Info’s Getting Cloudy, Creating Sunny Outlook for Supply Chains

An insightful report surveying supply chain folks by eyefortransport reveals substantial cloud-based information provider and management programs usage increase, averaging 50% advancement from 2011 to 2012. Their cloud rationale: good, fast and (relatively) cheap.

The good – the quality, timeliness and usefulness of the info made for an advantageous ROI. Their staff now knew what they need to know, via intuitively-used programs.

The fast – log in, learn, leverage. People found these programs made them more productive, without ebbing their daily functional flow. And they were happier, having ditching manual frustrations.

The (relatively…) cheap – an advantage of Net-based software programming is multiple users benefiting from a platform that’s centrally developed and managed. This cost advantage benefits the program’s creator and its users, too, as pricing models are communal. The user company’s IT team receives a brief reprieve; it’s one-less project responsibility for their admittedly thinly-spread financial and time resources.

One of the cloud program providers experiencing this demand uptick is Data2Logistics, providers of freight bill processing, auditing and cost reducing advisory services. Their transportation optimization and ongoing supply chain cost savings data mined databases lead to sunny dispositions – saving money on logistics necessities leads to a few more smiles.

India – From Emerging BRIC to World’s Marketplace, Supply Chain’s Gearing-Up, Tuning-Up

India’s exports fell 10.8 percent year-over-year in September to $23.7 billion, down from $26.6 billion in the same period last year, according to preliminary figures released by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry. Cumulatively, exports from April to September (fiscal year 2012-2013) were $143.7 billion, a decrease of 6.8 percent from last year’s $154.1 billion year to date.

Conversely, India’s imports rose 5.1 percent in September to $41.8 billion, up from $39.8 billion in the same month in 2011. This demonstrates economic infrastructure transformation occurring, from producer to consumer, largely influenced by an establishing middle-class portion of the populous. It provides opportunity for product providers globally to satisfy their growing demand for good they don’t generate. Indeed good news, as all are looking for market expansion, wherever they can find it. A land of a billion, ready to buy, is a well-timed attractive development.

As you prep your supply chain for your push, this is an advantageous time to optimize your freight transportation cost savings, maximizing profitability (to India, and everywhere you ship domestically and internationally). Have a chat with the folks of Data2Logistics, see where your savings are sequestered. The discovery will lead you to meaningful budget recovery, something else we’re all seeking.

PARCEL Forum and Data2Logistics Adds-Up to Your Supply Chain Cost Savings

To reduce your supply chain’s costs without diminishing your product and service quality, see Harold Friedman, Debbie Peterson and Leif Holm-Andersen all around PARCEL Forum 2012, October 23-25 at the Hyatt Regency O’Hare in Chicago. The Data2Logistics’ gang will be participating in presentations and greeting guests at the convention’s events and in their expo hall location, space 108.

Global supply chain freight bill processor, auditor and cost reduction advisor Data2Logistics enables companied to ‘Ship Smarter and Save’ by utilizing database data mining technology to enhance organizations’ logistics, supply chain, operations, finance and accounting staff’s abilities, providing information needed to control costs for all modes of transportation for companies who ship products domestically and internationally via parcel, LTL, TL, overnight express, ocean, air and rail carriers. Upon transportation optimization, Data2Logistics provides pre- and post-payment freight bill auditing to further maximize cost savings per shipment.

Can’t attend? Contact Harold Friedman for program information and demonstration, see where you may save: +1 609 577 3756 or harold.friedman@data2logistics.com.

http://www.data2logistics.com/ + http://twitter.com/Data2Logistics

Supply Chain Currency: Price Trumps Service When Shipping Cargo

Most shippers say reliable ocean service is a key consideration of their transportation, but in reality price typically trumps service when customers book cargo, according to maritime industry analyst Lars Jensen (Hil Danmark, og alle efterkommere hele verden.).

Is this you, too? If so, you’re in considerable company across the mode spectrum. Removing cost from your supply chain, be it moved by ship, plane, train or truck, without negative consequence to your products or their transportation timetable is a trick. Optimizing carrier and route options upfront, following-up with pre- and post-payment freight bill auditing for accuracy accomplishes this substantial cost reduction. It also improves your work life’s flow; a side bene.

These services are what Data2Logistics does. Control what you can – cost – and explore your options in this endeavor to persevere your capital preservation, while getting your stuff where it’s needed on the cheap.

All aboard the Econ Express – Railroads Delivering the Goods

According to the Journal of Commerce, railroads connecting U.S. manufacturing facilities and commerce destinations will be carrying the freight for a positive portion of the domestic economy for the balance of 2012 and likely through 2013 (Possibly beyond?). This movement is fueled by intermodal, automobile and domestic energy-related traffic. Their engines of growth - volatile fuel prices and tightening truck capacity, the need to replace aging vehicles and booming natural gas production - aren't likely to let up. The balance of imbalance…

The fiscal fortune in this is demand for goods continues to flourish throughout product supply chains, no matter the maddening domestic and global economic headlines. So keep moving; the wheels of prosperity remain in rotation.

Driving Cost Out Of Your Supply Chain, And Out Of Your Mind

If you’re involved in manufacturing, wholesaling, retailing, etailing, you’re aware of the impact your supply chain has on the operational and fiscal well-being of your organization. It’s a/the key component of your business plan. Thankfully, the more cost you can drive out of your supply chain, the better your entire organization will operate.

It complicated, though. The variables are vast, transportation policies and regulations are in constant flux, and costs are consistently rising. Some things in life are do-it-yourselfers; remedying this situation is better suited to professional help (head-shrinking optional).

Data2Logistics has a Professional Services Group whose sole function is devising plans customized per company to reduce supply chain costs. That’s their bag – assessing areas of opportunity including RFP management, transportation network assessment, freight rate negotiation support, cost analysis scenario rating, transport/logistics market studies, transport management systems (TMS) analysis, inbound routing planning guide development, and carrier selection with freight contract optimization structuring. That’s a lot of ‘professional service;’ probably more than you’ll get from that shrink. And the easing of logistical flow and cost savings are real.

Look into it. If additional psychological assistance is also on your mind, contact me, and I’ll refer you to my therapist, Gold’s Gym.

Smarts for Supply Chain Knowledge Management

Knowledge management is one of those terms defined by whose book you read last. In supply chain realities, it guides better business decisions, going beyond the typical freight bill processing services by presenting data as actionable information. Today, most of this info is delivered via cloud-based, intuitive, user-driven systems. They eliminate maverick spend, identify missed consolidations, provide alerts when there are changes in trends, while enabling you to see all cost components, not just the total freight charge.

A few more functions include:

•             Providing timely access to actionable information

•             Reporting details of all accessorial and premium freight charges

•             Highlighting opportunities for service type and mode shifts

•             Identifying cost associated with dimensional charges

•             Utilizing best practices industry benchmarks for comparison analysis

•             Creating customized, ad-hoc and standard reports for data analysis and colleague collaboration.

Knowledge management, in the supply chain realm anyway, is in Data2Logistics’ wheelhouse. If this supply chain business vision would beneficial you, contact us.

Economists See Strength in U.S. Manufacturing, Stimulating Supply Chain Action

With (way too) much economic news sending us atop the nearest tall building, it’s encouraging, and calming, to hear what in-the-know economists are relaying regarding manufacturing industry strength in the U.S., and in growth regions globally. Bloomberg collected these; take a deep breath (we all need more than one, go ahead –grab that paper sack and huff like your heart’s overheating…). Ok, better now…  Relax and take-in the good words:

·         A more even keel after the last credit-powered expansion would help the stocks of companies biased toward emerging-market consumers and U.S. manufacturing over those tied to commodities and infrastructure, said John Bilton, European investment strategist at Bank of America Merrill Lynch in London.

·         Behind the improvement is a revival of U.S. manufacturing. Restrained wages and lower energy prices are giving companies a competitive edge over competitors in Europe and Japan, according to a Boston Consulting Group study. It reckons average expenses in the U.S. will be 15 percent less than in Germany by 2015 and 21 percent below Japan.

·         “The U.S. is becoming one of the lowest-cost producers of the developed world,” wrote Harold L. Sirkin, a senior BCG partner in Chicago.

·         The chemical industry is a particular winner, as an abundant supply of natural gas from shale formations gives U.S. producers a march over rivals in Europe and Asia, which use mainly higher-priced oil.

Happy Manufacturing Day – You’re Building Our Bountiful Future!

October 5, 2012 is a much-deserved day of celebration of the manufacturing industry. All of us who work with you, and the supply chain bringing your goods to those whose personal and professional lives are enhanced by your efforts, appreciate you.

Manufacturing Day, whose sponsors include Fabricators & Manufacturers Association International, Manufacturing Extension Partnership, National Association of Manufacturers and Manufacturing Institute have designed this day to expand awareness and knowledge of manufacturing's value to U.S. and global economies. It also a day of industry growth, with manufacturers exploring beneficial resources and services delivered through manufacturing extension partnerships.

Let’s all take part in recognition - students, parents, educators, media, customers, suppliers – we all benefit from the industry’s substantial economic impact. Talk it up around your colleagues, attend a local or online event; take it all in. Manufacturing impacts us all, constantly and consistently. We’re thankful.

http://twitter.com/Data2Logistics

Supply Shortages Closing Gasoline and Diesel Stations in the U.S. – The Supply Chain Affect

Supply shortage, high demand; higher costs result. West coast refinery and pipeline shutdowns are spurring this situation at this juncture. But that’s today’s tale, the concern is more concrete: any additional supply interruptions, any one or more infrastructural, geopolitical, eco-political will further impact the supply-demand quotient. The impact throughout business and consumer economies domestically will spread via global supply chains to the international marketplace. There’s never a ‘that’s ok’ time for this realization; any time soon would be particularly painful.

So what are you going to do now? Getting ahead of it is a prudent move. Control what you can. One proven impact is to reduce your supply chain costs where it doesn’t hurt – route optimization upfront with freight bill auditing for spend accuracy backend – for your shipments domestically and globally. Data2Logistics is a source of these roundtrip abilities. Have a conversation with them.

One Billion New Customers – Is Your Supply Chain Up For Them?

There are (literally) a billion buyers in the English-speaking economy of India. Thankfully, they have the courage and currency to act on their business and consumer purchase desires. Within a few fiscal years, September 14, 2012 will be celebrated as a global economic independence day, as it marks the opening of India to international business investment on majority ownership scale.

India’s motivation is expressively economic. The country’s economy lost 67% of foreign direct investment in 2011, and is/was trending in that direction for ’12. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh summarized the decision, “I believe that these steps will help strengthen our growth process and generate employment in these difficult times.” Wise man – bringing wealth to his nation’s population will keep him a popular politician, indeed.

Is your supply chain game? Bolstering our cause, the Indian government is opening aviation markets and allowing diesel subsidies to lapse. Earth, sky, arms welcomingly wide open.

From Our Rotterdam Office: Netherlands Manufacturing Expands First Time Since February

Good EU news: Bloomberg News reports manufacturing in Netherlands expanded for the first time in seven months, driven by an increase in export orders, according to NEVI, the Dutch institute for purchasing and supply management.

The September index of manufacturing in the euro area’s fifth-largest economy rose to 50.7 from 49.7 in August, the Zoetermeer, Netherlands-based institute said in an e-mailed statement. A reading above 50 indicates an expansion.

May this be a sign of strength to be seen throughout the EU region…

Government Investment in Nation’s Supply Chain – Economic Development that Works!

The Journal of Commerce reports British Columbia Premier Christy Clark on Sept. 28 detailed plans to invest more than $200 million in capital projects across the province, including replacing the George Massey Tunnel and widening the Trans-Canada Highway from Kamloops to the Alberta border.

Port Metro Vancouver welcomed the plan, as the tunnel has long restricted the draft of ocean-going ships on the Fraser River, which has in turn stunted growth in terminals such as Fraser Surrey Docks. Robin Silvester, port president and CEO, expects replacing the tunnel to increase trade opportunities for those terminals.

This economic stimulus is stimulating – hope it’s a global spread!

Supply Chain People: What Makes Us Tick Happily

Came across this fascinating article; its focus is that there’s a peak time of day for everything we do. Who knew? Thought those things were nature-nurture propagated rather than bio-clocked…  Either way, this piece identifies and justifies many why-we-do’s throughout the day, offering optimization tips (practicality individually-based). A fun read with good-to-knows.

Italian Business Confidence Rises More Than Expected – Everybody Smile!

Encouraging to see those engrossed in the EU economic situation are optimistic. Enthusiasm – especially in the business economics realm – often spreads… Here’s the good news…

Manufacturing in America Equals Economic and Innovation Success

See this enlightening engagement of U.S. manufacturing’s substantial impact on current/future economic growth, and its influence on development of goods and services benefiting B2B and consumer users the world over. If this importance is ever doubted, these stats will dispel and convince the validity of innovative development’s necessity in U.S. economics, and ultimately the world’s.

iPhone 5 Sellout Tests Apple Supply Chain

The dream-nightmare of every company: immediate, substantial demand boost, challenging to the existing supply chain. Just how much flexibility can be factored into yours? With fiscal good fortune, you may experience an ‘iPhone 5’ moment… See this story…

Will Ongoing High Oil Prices In Your Supply Chain Cap Your Company’s Growth?

From the looks of these figures from Bloomberg, they just might. Plan ahead by saving money now: control the transportation spend you can with Data2Logistics.

Brazilian Middle Class Moves R$ 1 trillion in ’12 – Economic Growth Guide for All Nations

If Brazil's middle class were the population of a single country, it would rank 18th on a ranking of the top 20 consumer countries in the world - the "consumption G20," according to World Bank data.

Brazil’s economic growth is tied to the establishment of a full-spectrum middle class – people with jobs and whose currency circulates throughout all business and governmental sectors, impacting sustainability of their society. How the nation has manifested its middle class provides a guide for all to review, and many to prosper.

Chinese Manufacturing Index Falls to Nine-Month Low: (Renewed) Age of Regional-Specialized Manufacturing upon Us?

The numbers are chronicled here…

How much of this is foretelling of further distribution of manufacturing, moving to increased regional specializations concentrated on local labor’s strengths…  For a globe of countries in need of fiscal boosts based on localized gross domestic product gains, and the growing roster of governmental entities providing incentives, it appears distributed manufacturing and varietal import-export supply chain derivatives are up-and-trenders.

Construct Your Own Innovation Pipeline (Warning: This May Inspire You to Do Something You’ll Be Proud Of)

See this excellent article – it’s action and satisfaction inducing.

(A Useful) Top 10 List: Reasons to Outsource Supply Chain Aspects

As outsourcing continues to evolve, so do the reasons to consider it. While cutting costs is still a main driver for many organizations, the reasons companies decide to outsource today widely vary, going beyond dollar signs.

Included below is a breakdown of the Top 10 reasons companies should consider (and already are) outsourcing based upon what we’re seeing from our work worldwide with clients as diverse as Nokia Siemens and Hilti Corporation.

Data2Logistics’ freight bill auditing and payment is ideal: a cost-saver…

Cloud Computing in the Supply Chain – A Cost Saving Option

Utilizing a cloud-based service has an extremely rapid deployment time because it requires no hardware purchases and no on-premises software deployments. Core integration capabilities (e.g., data and message transformation, flow management, routing, data aggregation, data quality, security, community management) and the governance features are performed in the provider's cloud data center. IT operations, monitoring, management, maintenance and upgrade of the platform are performed by the cloud provider, so the user organization must take care of only the monitoring, management and maintenance of its own integration flows, but not of the underlying platform. Data2Logistics’ cloud logistics planning and freight bill auditing is a cost-saving ideal…

Novation Predicts 2.9 Percent Hike in Supply Chain Costs in 2013

In light of financial demands, respondents are focusing their efforts to reduce costs in specific areas: 80 percent of respondents are focusing on standardization, 77 percent on process improvement, and 69 percent indicate they are reducing costs. You’ll save substantially on shipping costs with Data2Logistics…

Big News from Big Brains: PwC Seeing US Manufacturing Resurgence Leading to Job Growth

Consensus views on a U.S. manufacturing resurgence have largely centered on rising labor costs in markets such as China as the key driver of re-shoring back to the U.S. However, a new PwC US report, A Homecoming for U.S. Manufacturing?, reveals that while rising labor costs are part of the story, a range of factors—including transportation and energy costs and protecting the supply chain—could drive a sustained manufacturing renaissance in the U.S. beyond any cyclical recovery, potentially improving investment, employment, production output and research & development (R&D).

PwC’s new report identifies seven factors—including transportation and energy costs; currency fluctuations; U.S. market demand; labor costs; U.S. talent; availability of capital; and the tax and regulatory climate—as the primary catalysts influencing manufacturers’ decisions to establish production facilities domestically and produce products closer to their major customer bases.  PwC’s report also notes that localizing production can mitigate supply chain disruptions, which totaled $2.2 billion in financial impact for U.S. industrial products companies in 2011.

They’re bright, hope they’re right…

Supply Chain Managers Facing Yet another Diesel Price Spike

This is the fourth consecutive week prices have been north of the $4 per gallon mark. And shippers continue to take steps to minimize the impact of fluctuating fuel costs. Over the years, they have maintained that this is imperative as higher diesel prices have the potential to hinder their growth and increase operating costs, which will, in turn, force them to raise prices to consumers. Find your shipping savings and control the costs you can with Data2Logistics…