Supply Chain Management Today

Supply Chain Management Today – latest issue is out and in-route around the globe!

Inbound Logistics Magazine – You Are Everywhere: Mapping the New Retail Supply Chain. New Day, New Way – Save Your Spend Throughout with Data2Logistics

The formula for apparel retail success used to be straightforward: give consumers quality, on-trend garments at the right price point, in an attractive store setting with helpful sales associates, and watch the dollars roll in. Behind the scenes, the supply chain needed only to support the single mission of getting goods to retail stores on time—a largely predictable process.

Today, however, the apparel retail environment is vastly different. Brick-and-mortar stores exist as merely one channel in a rapidly expanding multi-channel world that has complicated the retail landscape. The typical channel lineup for apparel retailers can now include brick-and-mortar stores; outlet locations; e-commerce sites; social and mobile commerce; catalogs; and other seasonal or single-use channels such as pop-up stores and flash sales. Hurry, sale ends tomorrow (or in the next five minutes)…

Freight Shipping Finance Today

New issue of Freight Shipping Finance Today is out – this niche exposed! Fascinating…

Gates Foundation Awards $1.7 Million to Inspire Supply Chain Innovation; Optimized Immunization Systems Objective

Gates Foundation – results could peak entire pharmaceutical industry’s global supply chain management. Money well invested…

Freight Shipping Times

The latest issue of Freight Shipping Times is out – and it’s shockingly interesting! Manufacturing and retail logistics tales of intrigue galore!

The CIO as the (IT) Supply Chain Manager – Cloud is Simplifying Ability to Add Capabilities

The role that IT plays is transforming. Thus, the skills, roles, and tools for CIOs have to transform too. Why? If the trend toward cloud-based services continues, then the role of the CIO will shift from being a builder/technologist to becoming an integrator/vendor-manager. See your future, be your future…

Trucking Squeezed – Shippers Feel the Pain. What Are You Going To Do Now? There’s a Happy Ending Here…

There is no doubt that the motor carrier industry is going through one of its most turbulent times in history. They have been raising prices and have become more selective in the companies they want to do business with. Minimize the squeeze's pressure on you - find a freight bill processor that fits and form an alliance. They can help your business become more attractive to carriers by preparing detailed proposals that eliminate surprises and ensure that your carriers are paid timely, accurately, while working to improve the carriers first pass yield when presenting billing information. Then you'll ship smarter and save...

How the New SEC Ruling on Conflict Minerals will Impact Supply Chains – Yours?

After a nearly two-year wait, the SEC finally confirmed the speculation: manufacturers are now required to disclose the use and sources of tin, gold, tantalum and tungsten – otherwise known as conflict minerals.

These are crucial materials for the technology industry, powering our favorite gadgets such as smartphones, laptops and tablets. However, these mines are found in hotbeds for violence and corruption. What’s your exposure?

Maintaining Long-Term Gains in Supply Chains

During the recent recession, companies examined some challenging issues with their distribution networks and were able to make improvements in warehouse management and inventory control.

Since that time, however, it appears that few organizations have been able to sustain the long-term gains, according to a research by REL Consulting and CFO Magazine. Supply Chain Management Review reports that recent improvements to logistics operations have largely been due to growing revenue, rather than increased efficiency.

"One would have hoped that the recent recession taught companies a few lessons - manage debt, watch cash flow and tighten our belts," REL associate principal Dan Ginsberg said in a statement. "But this doesn't appear to be the case. The opportunity for companies to generate cash through working capital improvements is larger than ever before."

Transportation route optimization combined with pre- and post-payment billing auditing via Data2Logistics helps handle the manage debt objective.

Supply Chain Management Review: Fuel Expenses Generate Supply Chain Concerns

Diesel prices saw gains for the seventh straight week, according to the Department of Energy’s Energy Information Administration (EIA).

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 growth and increase operating costs, which will, in turn, force them to raise rates and offset the increased prices to consumers.

Control the shipping costs you can with Data2Logistics. A few related strategies…

Canada-EU Trade Agreement Nearing Completion on Strong Two-Way Growth; 20% Boost Estimated

Two-way merchandise trade between Canada and the UK reached CAD29.1bn in 2011, representing a 7.5% increase over 2010. This makes the UK Canada’s largest trading partner in the EU. Trade with the EU as a whole was worth EUR92.1bn last year. It is anticipated that a trade agreement could boost trade by 20%. The Canadian economy could benefit to the tune of CAD12bn annually. Appears an economic growth guide for others as well…

First Chinese Ship Crosses Arctic – New (Seasonal) East-West Trade Route?

China sent its first ship across the Arctic Ocean this week, after a record thaw has opened possible new trade routes. A widespread thaw across the region has also opened up the possibility of creating a commercial shipping route between the North Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Moving containers northward…

Supply Chain Graphic of the Week: The New Supply-Demand Challenge

See the link below to an interesting graphic (and supply chain angle) on supply complexity vs. demand volatility. The concept behind it is that "the supply chain is increasingly defined by its two halves and that these halves appear to be moving in different directions and operating at two different clock speeds. In between the two sides are those 'capabilities' that manufacturing companies are employing (and can employ) beyond traditional approaches like buffer inventories to better align supply and demand," states analysts Simon Ellis and Kimberly Knickle.

Data2Logistics (http://www.data2logistics.com/) can provide you the cost reduction capability. Have a look…

Cuba - The Next Emerging Market?

The Cuban manufacturing industry shows positive development in several key indicators, supported in authorities’ efforts for their recovering economy. The island’s logistically convenient to the US, Canada, LATAM…  What is; what could be…

Manufacturing: New 2-3 Million Jobs, $100 Billion Revenue

Boston Consulting Group: U.S. manufacturing to add 2-3 million jobs, $100 billion of revenue in the next 10 years. Make sure your shipping costs are reduced (independently-advised route optimization, pre- and post-payment billing auditing) to join the profit revolution! Need this good news…

Ocean Carriers Boosting Asia-Europe Capacity – Build Your Supply Chain’s Abilities Ahead of (Upcoming) Demand

You too may take advantage of savings before you’re (even more) overwhelmed. Include an independent freight bill processor and advisor (fan of http://www.data2logistics.com/) to find additional funds while supporting your flow. Forward thinking…

Shipping Savings – What Do You Know?

With cost an increasing logistical focal point, any additional savings have direct correlation to profitability, and the manufacturer, distributor and retailer’s growth. Savings that have no adverse impact in a product’s quality or time-to-market are increasing necessities. Here’s an option worth achieving…

At the Corner of Logistics & Profit – Coal Exports

Natural gas is the domestic game-changer; there’s profit in U.S. coal exports. There’s also multifaceted debate. Will we cash-in or close-out…

Seeing Green in Supply Chain Greening

Talk of environmentally-friendly supply chains incites lively conversations. Here’s an economically-friendly addition: identifying and eliminating freight billing waste: a green on which we can all agree. Speaking of conversing...

The Way Global Trade Works

US-Mexico truck trade hits all-time record in May. Both countries benefit; this is how global trade is supposed to work! Share the success…

The Next Emerging Markets Are Now - Is Your Logistics and Supply Chain Ready?

There are cultural and economic milestones that each generation experiences; they define our identity on conscience levels.

These are exciting times. The world's economy is evolving, with additional regions experiencing greater inclusion, with actions that are raising living standards for people who welcome them. They're embracing suppliers of goods from developed countries, a greeting particularly appreciated by those operating within constricting domestic markets.

MIST countries (Mexico, Indonesia, South Korea and Turkey) are highlighting the bill, along with seven additional nations comprising the Next 11 (N-11) identified by Goldman Sachs Asset Management Chairman Jim O'Neill. Also included are Bangladesh, Egypt, Nigeria, Pakistan, the Philippines, Vietnam and Iran. Get opportunistic…

The Next Emerging Markets are Now

We’re experiencing them; is your logistics and supply chain ready? Get in the know with Data2Logistics (http://www.data2logistics.com/). Get the MIST word from a fiscal force…

Interactive Evolution Mapping a Manufacturing Supply Chain – Foreign Cars, U.S. Built

Foreign auto companies have grown over the last 30 years to account for over 40 percent of vehicles built in the U.S. Telling; more economics supporting U.S.-made. Map it here…

China’s Manufacturing Appeal – Past, Present and Future

Deloitte dishes on China’s manufacturing future (Seems the nation’s following Japan in the ‘50’s, Korea in the ‘60’s… A proven pathway from emerging to emerged - who's next?) Charts-'o-plenty...

Welcome to our new Platinum Equity sibling, Caterpillar Logistics

Caterpillar Completes Sale of Third-Party Logistics Business to Platinum Equity

Press Release · August 1, 2012

Transportation & Logistics

Peoria, Ill. – Caterpillar Inc (NYSE: CAT) and Platinum Equity announced today that Platinum Equity’s acquisition of a majority interest in Caterpillar Logistics Services has been completed. Caterpillar will retain a 35 percent equity stake in the business. The overall transaction is valued at approximately $750 million.



Caterpillar Logistics Services is the third party logistics division of Caterpillar’s wholly owned subsidiary, Caterpillar Logistics Inc. (Cat Logistics). Platinum intends to establish the business as a standalone company under a new brand that will be announced at a later date. Read all about it...

America’s new construction belt; a start to build manufacturers, supply chains and logistics throughout the category?

With the U.S. housing market still limping along, new data reveals a building boom of sorts stretching from the Carolinas and Tennessee to Texas and Colorado – and leaving large swaths of the Midwest, Florida and Northeast in the dust. Among the country’s top metro areas for new residential building permits for the first half of 2012, many are in the South, according to analysis of U.S. Census data by online real estate marketplace Trulia. Those include Austin, which tops the list with 11.5 permits per 1,000 existing housing units, followed by Charleston (8.6) and Raleigh (8.5). The new construction, of course, bodes well for these cities and their states, since “markets with construction are those that have long-term growth potential, room to build, and lower vacancy rates,” says Jed Kolko, chief economist at Trulia, which is based in San Francisco. Read about the revolution...