Supply chain trade & visibility

The successful deployment of Stretch comes just one year after DHL Supply Chain announced its $15 million investment in robotics solutions from Boston Dynamics. source https://www.supplychain247.com/article/dhl_supply_chain_achieves_first_commercial_deployment_of_boston_dynamics_st

Combining stow Robotics’ automation expertise with Phononic’s active cooling technology, the two companies are collaborating to design, develop and scale solutions for cold chain fulfillment in North America and Europe. source https://www.supplychain247.com/article/automation_provider_stow_robotics_and_cooling_vendor_phononic_partner_on_co

Partnership to strengthen Plug’s supply chain and help meet growing demand for fuel cells and electrolyzers. Plug and JM will co-invest in what is expected to be the largest CCM manufacturing facility in the world. source https://www.supplychain247.com/article/plug_power_partners_with_johnson_matthey_to_accelerate_hydrogen_economy

With a 1.8-cent increase, the national average came in at $4.622 per gallon, following an 8.0-cent increase, to $4.604, for the week of January 23. That was preceded by a 2.5-cent decline, to $4.524, for the week of January 16. source https://www.supplychain247.com/article/national_diesel_average_is_up_for_second_straight_week_reports_eia

Quarterly revenue—at $27.0 billion—was down 2.7% annually, and adjusted earnings per share—at $3.62—up 0.8% annually, topping Wall Street expectations of $3.59 per share. Quarterly operating profit came in at $3.2 billion, which was off 17.9% annually. source https://www.supplychain247.com/article/ups_q4_and_full_year_2022_earnings_are_mixed

Ehrhardt Partner Group's new voice solution, Lydia Voice 9, was formally certified by SAP with SAP S/4HANA and SAP NetWeaver for Extended Warehouse Management (EWM). source https://www.supplychain247.com/article/epgs_new_voice_solution_gains_certified_by_sap_status

Loko's solution leverages AI software, dashboards and camera sensors that autonomously monitor, collect and report production metrics for large 3PL, distribution and fulfillment operations. source https://www.supplychain247.com/article/tompkins_solutions_partners_with_loko_ai_to_deliver_ai_based_solutions_to_l

Global inflation has impacted 91% of businesses, according to a survey of global procurement and sourcing professionals by sourcing automation firm Keelvar. source https://www.supplychain247.com/article/inflation_fewer_resources_increase_pressure_on_procurement_sourcin

When looking at the global supply chain, China’s role and influence on operations and processes cannot be understated. That was made clear by a pair of supply chain experts in a session at last week’s SMC3 JumpStart 2023 conference held in Atlanta. source https://www.supplychain247.com/article/smc3_panel_takes_a_look_at_nearshoring_and_reshoring_as_china_goes_through

WiM's 13th annual SUMMIT to be held September 25-27, 2023, in San Diego, Calif. The deadline for speaker submissions is March 31, 2023. source https://www.supplychain247.com/article/women_in_manufacturing_association_accepting_speaker_applications_for_annua

Long-time President Bill Ash to retire effective March 31; Norm Kukuk named president source https://www.supplychain247.com/article/orbis_announces_leadership_changes

The possibility of the economy entering a recession, at this point, appears to not be a matter of if it occurs, but when will it occur. That was a key theme in a session this week at the SMC3 JumpStart 2023 conference held in Atlanta. source https://www.supplychain247.com/article/smc_panelists_address_potential_for_a_recession

In this paper, we detail how to navigate supply chain complexity via reliable logistics forecasting, and why supply chains are becoming more complex, creating deeply interdependent networks that need to balance supply, demand, and capacity. source https://www.supplychain247.comhttp://www.supplychain247.com/paper/why_reliable_logistics_forecasting_is_a_fundamental_tool_for_staying_compet

Survey of 300+ C-level executives finds that reducing costs and investing in automation technology are top priorities source https://www.supplychain247.com/article/autostore_survey_examines_five_challenges_for_warehouse_management_and_fulf

Shawn Dickmeyer earns Gold in Welding category, joins Kim Douglass (gold, Assembly) as first two TMH gold medalists in international competition source https://www.supplychain247.com/article/toyota_material_handling_sweeps_tmhg_global_skills_competition

Company officials said that with the addition of these lanes, the carrier can now move freight within one-day to and from PITT OHIO’s New York State-based terminals in Albany, Buffalo, Utica, and Watertown to terminals in it its Mid-Atlantic core territory. What’s more, the company added that, through this expansion, its shipper customers now have one-day transit times from nine PITT OHIO terminals to and from Albany, Buffalo, and Utica, with five Mid-Atlantic terminals now running next-day service to and from Watertown, in Northern New York. source https://www.supplychain247.com/article/pitt_ohio_announces_addition_of_32_next_day_lanes_in_and_out_of_new_york_st

The GEODIS eLogistics platform provides a real-time overview of all available inventory, in-store, in the warehouse, or in transit, worldwide, and also provides for the management of orders no matter the sales channel and determines the most appropriate supply source, delivery method, and returns options. source https://www.supplychain247.comhttps://www.supplychain247.com/article/helping_brands_grow_their_online_sales_with_elogistics_readymade_fulfillme

GE Appliances realized the old way of hiring industrial workers was no longer working. So, it took a new approach. source https://www.supplychain247.com/article/its_time_to_take_a_new_approach_to_recruitment_at_the_line

Using the best drone and ground robot technology, GEODIS Counbot identifies and locates full pallets whatever your site configuration, and allows the real-time update of your warehouse management system with reliable data. source https://www.supplychain247.comhttp://www.supplychain247.com/paper/increase_your_inventory_reliability_by_simplifying_stock_counting

In this white paper, we will share the secret ingredients that make an online marketplace highly successful and, most importantly, how to ensure your customers have a great experience, every single time. source https://www.supplychain247.comhttp://www.supplychain247.com/paper/4_logistic_secrets_to_exceed_your_customers_expectations

With funding help from Walmart Foundation Grant, new initiative aims to improve access to disaster aid source https://www.supplychain247.com/article/american_logistics_aid_network_launches_new_humanitarian_program

December new business volume up 9% year-over-year, 50% month-to-month, and 6% at year-end source https://www.supplychain247.com/article/elfa_survey_on_equipment_leasing_index_shows_gains_in_december

Today, as work shifts back to the office, many leaders and employees alike are experiencing concerns about getting “back to normal” after two years of remote or hybrid work. source https://www.supplychain247.comhttps://www.supplychain247.com/article/leadership_talent_development_important_to_supply_chain_professionals

December’s van freight TVI came in at 215, down 4% compared to November and down 3.6% annually. This reading was 5.9% higher than December 2020, as well as the second-highest December reading in record, according to DAT. And the refrigerated (reefer) TVI, at 167, was off 4.0%, from November to December, and down 1.2% annually, with the flatbed TVI off 11.8%, from November to December, and up 3.2% annually. source https://www.supplychain247.com/article/dat_truckload_volume_index_highlights_a_strong_end_to_2022_spot_market_rate

For logistics service providers, expanding into new markets and geographies can mean competitive differentiation through diversified product and partner portfolios, but business growth, especially through enlarging networks, comes with its own complexities. source https://www.supplychain247.comhttps://www.supplychain247.com/article/managing_a_global_supply_chain_ecosystem

Here's how to future-ready your workforce through upskilling in the areas of digitalization, automation, artificial intelligence and analytics. source https://www.supplychain247.com/article/a_guide_to_your_data_and_analytics_journey

Total December volume—at 1,325,121—fell 7.8% annually, trailing November’s 1,390,155 units. Trailers—at 78,074—fell 28.4% compared to December 2021, below November’s 30.8% annual decline. Domestic containers—at 632,207—were off 8.2%. And all domestic equipment, which is comprised of trailers and domestic containers, fell 10.9%, to 710,281. ISO, or international containers, fell 3.8%, to 614,840. source https://www.supplychain247.com/article/intermodal_volumes_finish_2022_with_declines_reports_iana

On this episode,Peerless Media editor Bob Trebilcock hosts Gabriel Segura and Arjith Jagannathan, industrial engineering students with an eye on supply chain management careers. source https://www.supplychain247.com/article/the_future_of_supply_chain_talent_on_talking_supply_chain

E2open’s comprehensive Transportation Management solution simplifies and optimizes domestic and international logistics by providing capabilities based on your specific needs so you can serve your customers better. source https://www.supplychain247.comhttp://www.supplychain247.com/paper/e2open_tms_logistics_solution

Economic downturns are transformational, often giving rise to new leaders, so to help you come out on top, experts from Pivotree share the top commerce trends for 2023, and best practices to maximize on these opportunities. source https://www.supplychain247.comhttp://www.supplychain247.com/paper/2023_commerce_trends_key_questions_answered

The Covid pandemic exposed a grim reality: Most shippers have supply chains that are completely unprepared to deal with catastrophic issues. source https://www.supplychain247.com/article/note_to_ceos_ignorance_isnt_blissin_fact_it_can_be_costly

LTL leader PITT OHIO is now transporting freight within one days’ time to and from their terminals in Albany, Buffalo, Utica and Watertown to terminals in their Mid-Atlantic core territory. source https://www.supplychain247.comhttps://www.supplychain247.com/article/pitt_ohio_adds_32_next_day_lanes_to_and_from_new_york_state

Attendees will have access to sessions across the events 3 days, with access to an Expo Hall with 200+ exhibitors on hand, source https://www.supplychain247.com/article/manifest_vegas_event_set_to_begin_january_31

On this episode, we meet Gabriel Segura and Arjith Jagannathan, two Purdue industrial engineering majors eyeing supply chain management careers. Peerless Media editor Bob Trebilcock hosts. source https://www.supplychain247.comhttps://www.supplychain247.com/article/meet_the_future_of_supply_chain_management

With the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic approaching the three-year mark next month, it is fair to say that how freight transportation, logistics and supply chain practitioners approach their operational processes has seen some changes over that time. source https://www.supplychain247.com/article/lm_reader_survey_points_to_a_post_pandemic_supply_chain_and_logistics_reset

Through five online, self-paced on-demand courses and classroom-style lectures, SMC³ shares its lifetime of LTL expertise with logistics stakeholders and future supply chain leaders looking to take their careers to the next level. source https://www.supplychain247.comhttp://www.supplychain247.com/paper/smc3_ltl_online_education

December volumes, for the Port of Los Angeles (POLA) and the Port of Long Beach (POLB) were down to finish 2022, according to data respectively issued by the ports this week. source https://www.supplychain247.com/article/pola_and_polb_see_solid_december_and_2022_volumes_despite_annual_declines

This acquisition represents continued expansion and investment in industrial automation for Barcoding, Inc. source https://www.supplychain247.com/article/barcoding_inc._acquires_ag_provider_fred_automation

This ebook is for accounts payable (AP) and procurement professionals looking to leverage AI-driven supplier management automation to improve cashflow, strengthen supplier relationships and promote continuous, scalable growth. source https://www.supplychain247.comhttp://www.supplychain247.com/paper/supplier_management_automation

Rail carloads—at 244,171—saw a 4.2% annual gain, and intermodal containers and trailers—at 241,829 units—fell 7%. source https://www.supplychain247.com/article/u.s._rail_carload_and_intermodal_volumes_are_mixed_for_week_ending_jan

The acquisitions expand Hyundai Material Handling’s presence in the Virginia and West Virginia markets. source https://www.supplychain247.com/article/cb_material_handling_acquires_new_forklift_dealership_groups

In January 2022, the world entered another year of living and working in the Covid-19 pandemic and the major changes that came with it. The collective machine of makers, movers, and sellers that keep global commerce going sought sage advice from analysts to brace for what might come next. source https://www.supplychain247.comhttps://www.supplychain247.com/article/supply_chain_disruption_logistics_new_normal_2023

Executive VP of sales since 2002, Mr. Iellimo was responsible for Frazier’s Standard Product Business, and was known for his dedication to clients. source https://www.supplychain247.com/article/frazier_mourns_passing_of_domenick_iellimo_evp_at_the_company

This white paper guide explores many of the concepts behind automated warehouse technology, in particular, the most important factors for investing in automation, and the best ways to achieve that. source https://www.supplychain247.comhttp://www.supplychain247.com/paper/making_the_right_investments_in_automated_warehouse_technology

source https://www.supplychain247.comhttps://www.supplychain247.com/article/the_challenges_of_investing_in_warehouse_automation

Commerce reported that December retail sales—at $677.1 billion—fell 1.1% compared to November, while posting a 6.0% annual gain, and NRF reported that December retail sales were off 0.6% on seasonally-adjusted basis compared to November and were up 5% on an unadjusted basis annually. source https://www.supplychain247.com/article/december_retail_sales_are_mixed_to_end_2022_notes_commerce_and_nrf

Commerce reported that December retail sales—at $677.1 billion—fell 1.1% compared to November, while posting a 6.0% annual gain, and NRF reported that December retail sales were off 0.6% on seasonally-adjusted basis compared to November and were up 5% on an unadjusted basis annually. source https://www.supplychain247.com/article/december_retail_sales_are_mixed_to_end_2022_report_commerce_and_nrf

Earlier this month, four key U.S. government agencies issued the U.S. National Blueprint for Transportation Decarbonization, a landmark interagency framework of strategies and actions to remove all emissions from the transportation sector by 2050, which provides a “whole-of-government approach” to address the climate crisis and also meet the White House’s goal of having a 100% clean electrical grid by 2035 and net-zero carbon emissions by 2050. source https://www.supplychain247.com/article/u.s._national_blueprint_for_transportation_decarbonization_issued_by_four_k

LTL leader PITT OHIO is now transporting freight within one days’ time to and from their terminals in Albany, Buffalo, Utica and Watertown to terminals in their Mid-Atlantic core territory. source https://www.supplychain247.comhttps://www.supplychain247.com/article/pitt_ohio_adds_32_next_day_lanes_to_and_from_new_york_state

In this podcast, Logistics Management Group News Editor Jeff Berman interviews Dave Ross, Executive Vice President for Roadrunner Freight, a Downers Grove, Ill.-based, national less-than-truckload (LTL) services provider, with a focus on long-haul metro-to-metro shipping. source https://www.supplychain247.comhttps://www.supplychain247.com/article/assessing_the_supply_chain_and_logistics_markets_with_david_ross

Global logistics automation partner, Swisslog has announced Sean Wallingford as President and CEO of Swisslog Americas. source https://www.supplychain247.com/article/with_focus_on_continued_growth_swisslog_names_new_president_and_ceo_of_amer

J.B. Hunt Transport Services Inc., one of the largest supply chain solutions providers in North America, and the University of Arkansas announced the Sam M. Walton College of Business program for studying supply chain. source https://www.supplychain247.comhttps://www.supplychain247.com/article/j.b._hunt_u_of_a_collaboration_focuses_on_future_of_supply_chain

The new edition of the Cowen/AFS Freight Index, which was released today by New York-based investment firm Cowen Inc. and Shreveport, La.-based 3PL and freight audit and payment company AFS Logistics LLC, was in line with expectations, for truckload, less-than-truckload (LTL), and parcel activity, from the third quarter to the fourth quarter. source https://www.supplychain247.com/article/cowen_afs_freight_index_lays_out_q1_expectations_for_tl_ltl_and_parcel

New funds primarily to be used to scale Brightpick’s warehouse automation solution for ecommerce and grocery order fulfillment in the U.S. market. his round brings the company’s total capital raised since inception to $53 million. source https://www.supplychain247.com/article/photoneo_brightpick_group_raises_additional_19_million_to_complete_40_milli

With an eye on what it calls the equitable electrification of heavy-duty port transit, Oakland-based Forum Mobility, a provider of zero-emission trucking services, announced two initiatives focused on the company’s core mission, with each having an eye on the future. One initiative heralded by Forum is the closure of its $15 million Series A funding round, as well as its $400 million joint venture, with both serving as the beneficiaries of a fund led by CBRE Investment Management (IM) focused on providing comprehensive, zero-emission charging and vehicle solutions for drayage truck fleets and also drivers. source https://www.supplychain247.com/article/forum_mobility_heralds_400m_joint_venture_with_cbre_im_and_series_a_funding

While it is important for retailers to do something about bots, it is not clear that it is a fight they can win - or one they are especially incentivized to win. source https://www.supplychain247.comhttps://www.supplychain247.com/article/fighting_scalping_bots_may_be_a_losing_battle_for_retailers

To improve Supply Chain performance, the time has come for those involved to collaborate and pool their resources, see the details in this ebook. source https://www.supplychain247.comhttp://www.supplychain247.com/paper/practices_and_benefits_of_collaborative_supply_management

Fulfillment services have largely been the domain of 3PLs, and needless to say, not all 3PLs are created equal when it comes to eCommerce expertise and omnichannel efficiency, and given the central role a fulfillment partner plays in the customer’s journey and overall satisfaction, retailers cannot afford to choose a 3PL that lacks the means to meet their clients’ expectations. source https://www.supplychain247.comhttps://www.supplychain247.com/article/expanding_your_retail_horizons_how_to_find_the_right_fulfillment_services

For November, the most recent month for which data is available, the TCI reading came in at -7.94, following October’s -11.25 reading, its lowest level since the April 2020 all-time low, at -28.66. The September TCI reading came in at -2.35. source https://www.supplychain247.com/article/ftr_trucking_conditions_index_improves_but_remains_firmly_in_negative_terri

The collaborative robot pioneer names January as “National Cobot Awareness Month,” spearheading new products and initiatives prompting manufacturers to address hiring woes and production challenges. source https://www.supplychain247.com/article/universal_robots_predicts_2023_automation_trends_helping_manufacturers_meet

The purpose of this guide is to provide you with answers to questions and help you prepare your logistics for a new era specifically when it comes to providing the best in automation, robotization, artificial Intelligence, and supply chain visibility solutions. source https://www.supplychain247.comhttp://www.supplychain247.com/paper/automation_ai_visibility_how_to_get_the_most_out_of_your_warehouse

Today’s Global Risks Report, an annual publication produced by the World Economic Forum, provides a detailed overview of the most pressing global risks that the world is facing, as identified by experts and decision-makers. source https://www.supplychain247.comhttps://www.supplychain247.com/article/the_world_economic_forum_global_risks_report_2023

The 2023 edition of the Global Risks Report highlights the multiple areas where the world is at a critical inflection point, and is a call to action, to collectively prepare for the next crisis the world may face. source https://www.supplychain247.comhttp://www.supplychain247.com/paper/the_global_risks_report_2023

In this annual webcast, group editorial director Michael Levans hosts our panel of logistics and freight transportation analysts who share their insights on rate patterns in all the major transport modes in an effort to help shippers prepare their freight transportation budget for the coming year. source https://www.supplychain247.com/article/2023_rate_outlook_webcast_will_shippers_catch_a_break

With 2023 underway, it is time to take a fresh look at where things stand, as they relate to key trends and themes germane to all things supply chain, logistics, and freight transportation. To be sure, things have changed on various fronts, especially when viewed against the backdrop of nearly three years ago (it is hard to believe it has been that long), at the onset of the pandemic. It is fair to say we all remember those times very well, and it almost definitely goes without saying that those were, on balance, not terribly good times, with the economy essentially shutting down and people confined to their homes, in adherence with shelter-in-place directives, for the most part. source https://www.supplychain247.com/article/looking_at_logistics_pros_and_cons_early_into_2023

Rail carloads—at 212,962—saw a 1.4% annual increase, and intermodal containers and trailers—at 203,257—fell 11.8% annually. source https://www.supplychain247.com/article/u.s._rail_and_intermodal_volumes_for_week_ending_january_7_are_mixed_report

Download this case study to explore how Winit relied on Hai Robotics’ intelligent case picking robotic system as the core technology to advance their facility, alleviate labor woes, and create operational resilience that helped propel the company’s success over the last 2 years. source https://www.supplychain247.com/article/fulfillment_facility_improved_efficiencies_by_4x

Improvements in untangling supply chains have been offset by lingering worker shortages, America’s top business lobbyist said in her comprehensive economic forecast for 2023. Chamber President and CEO Suzanne P. Clark described how despite economic uncertainty, American business is “strong and optimistic” and will continue to lead the country forward this year. source https://www.supplychain247.com/article/worker_shortage_impedes_progress_in_supply_chains_chamber_says

We kick off 2023 with a unique look at how materials handling technology is being put to work in vertical farming. source https://www.supplychain247.com/article/this_month_in_modern_taking_technology_to_the_next_level

After stating in July that it was preparing to cut down on its Sunday delivery services in remote and rural areas of the United States, from 95% to 80% of the U.S. population, Memphis-based global freight transportation and logistics services provider FedEx is now reducing its Sunday delivery footprint to around 50% of the country, according to various reports. source https://www.supplychain247.com/article/fedex_preps_to_further_reduce_sunday_delivery_services

On this episode, Hannah Kain, CEO of the supply chain management firm ALOM, discusses why her organization is investing in sustainability and diversity. SCMR’s Editorial Director Bob Trebilcock hosts. source https://www.supplychain247.comhttps://www.supplychain247.com/article/environmental_social_and_governance_with_hannah_kain

States may receive millions to improve truck parking infrastructure - how should they spend the money? source https://www.supplychain247.comhttps://www.supplychain247.com/article/department_of_transportation_dot_federal_aid_truck_parking_infrastructure

When it comes to the last stage of product delivery, online retailers have a challenging task at hand - many customers view speedy shipping as the expectation, not as an expensive premium service. source https://www.supplychain247.comhttps://www.supplychain247.com/article/getting_online_shoppers_to_choose_no_rush_shipping_is_easier_than_you_think

Inflation and pandemic disruptions have become a critical concern in healthcare. source https://www.supplychain247.comhttp://www.supplychain247.com/paper/inflation_and_healthcare_supply_chains

Demand for moving and sorting items of all sizes at high speed has never been greater. And it’s growing. Fortunately, sorters and conveyors continue to expand their portfolio. source https://www.supplychain247.com/article/conveyors_sorters_surge_ahead

It’s easy to think of transportation visibility as supply chain visibility, however, transportation management is just one small piece of the puzzle, one activity in the greater supply chain, and most organizations realize that without multi-enterprise visibility, they stand little chance of true visibility success. source https://www.supplychain247.comhttps://www.supplychain247.com/article/why_is_supply_chain_visibility_important

source https://www.supplychain247.comhttps://www.supplychain247.com/article/the_picture_in_question

While it’s not time to say, “move over bar codes,” newer forms of data capture technology are starting to see use and promise more operational visibility with fewer manually triggered data collection tasks. This range of ADC solutions can help diverse DC fulfillment processes, from tracking goods, to knowing their condition, or gaining insights on cycle times and throughput. source https://www.supplychain247.com/article/the_data_capture_evolution

Challenged by a labor shortage, high demand and regular employee turnover, warehouses and DCs deploy more ergonomic equipment and solutions on their loading docks. source https://www.supplychain247.com/article/getting_more_ergonomics_at_the_dock

For November, the most recent month for which data is available, import volume for the ports covered in the report, came in at 1.78 million TEU, an 11.3% decline compared to October and a 15.8% annual decline. This represented the lowest monthly tally since February 2021, when it came in at 1.87 million TEU, the lone month in more than two years to come in below 2 million TEU. source https://www.supplychain247.com/article/u.s._bound_imports_are_heading_back_to_pre_pandemic_numbers_reports_port_tr

The first FleetPlow was installed January 1, 1998 at a terminal in Fishkill, New York. source https://www.supplychain247.com/article/rite_hite_marks_25_years_of_scraper_systems

A leading publisher and distributor of learning materials benefited from deployment of voice-directed systems to gain efficiencies for its fulfillment operations—and now leverages these efficiencies as part of a 3PL business model that turns DC capacity into revenue. source https://www.supplychain247.com/article/voice_efficiency_as_a_revenue_generator

New space in n Amesbury, Mass., includes offices and a 40,000-square-foot warehouse source https://www.supplychain247.com/article/newcastle_systems_moves_to_larger_location_to_meet_demand_for_its_mobile_po

Late last week, San Francisco-based Uber Freight, a subsidiary of the ubiquitous, ride-sharing service Uber, whose proprietary app matches trucking companies with loads to haul, said that Frank McGuigan, will be stepping down from his current role as Uber Freight President and COO, effective January 31. source https://www.supplychain247.com/article/mcguigan_to_step_down_as_uber_freight_president_and_coo

My favorite Logistics Management (LM) tradition is our Annual Rate Outlook cover story that becomes a live webcast (Jan. 26)—the ultimate one-two punch for shippers looking to gain clarity on costs in the year ahead. source https://www.supplychain247.com/article/lm_viewpoint_on_the_2023_rate_outlook_will_shippers_catch_a_break

Our annual gathering of freight transportation industry analysts reveals some common themes, largely around the notion that rates are not likely to increase much—if at all—in some modes and will continue declining in others. Does this mean things are stabilizing? source https://www.supplychain247.com/article/2023_rate_outlook_will_shippers_catch_a_break

With worldwide shortages and supply chain disruptions, companies have changed how they source and manufacture parts and finished products. The Reshoring Institute studied and compared global labor rates around the world—and what follows are the high-level results of a study comparing labor rates in 13 different countries. source https://www.supplychain247.com/article/global_labor_rates_china_is_no_longer_a_low_cost_country

Read this full IL2000 case study to see what Dave Kiesling, former VP of Capacity and Logistics Engineering at IL2000, has to say about the SMC³ Bid$ense procurement tool. source https://www.supplychain247.comhttps://www.supplychain247.com/article/il2000_streamlines_its_bid_process_with_smc3s_bidsense_procurement_tool

Bid$ense allowed IL2000 to manage all bid responses through a single integrated dashboard, giving them the ability to process bids faster, manage the increasing scope of bids, and get more out of each procurement event. source https://www.supplychain247.comhttp://www.supplychain247.com/paper/how_a_3pl_ran_smarter_high_quality_bid_events_with_smc3s_bidsense

In this case study and accompanying resources, we examine how SMC3’s BatchMark XL solved both Newell Brands' and J.B. Hunt's ways to expedite the less-than-truckload analysis of rates and bids. source https://www.supplychain247.comhttps://www.supplychain247.com/article/newell_brands_and_jb_hunt_expedite_ltl_with_smc3s_batchmark_xl

In this case study, we look at how SMC³ BatchMark XL rapid rating tool drives greater efficiency in LTL bids and analytics for Newell Brands and J.B. Hunt. source https://www.supplychain247.comhttp://www.supplychain247.com/paper/driving_efficiency_in_less_than_truckload_bids_and_analytics

Larry Lapide explains why he’s a fan of inventory, especially good inventory on this episode of Talking Supply Chain. source https://www.supplychain247.com/article/lets_hear_it_for_good_inventory_on_the_talking_supply_chain_podcast

FTR reported that preliminary December net orders—28,300 units—were down for the third consecutive month, decreasing 21% compared to November. ACT reported that December preliminary North American Class 8 orders came in at 30,300 units, down from November’s 33,000 unit preliminary tally, with both well below September and October, at 53,700 and 42,500, respectively. source https://www.supplychain247.com/article/preliminary_class_8_truck_orders_finish_2022_with_declines

Rail carloads—at 842,171—decreased 4.4%, or 38,476 carloads, annually, in December, noted AAR. Intermodal containers and trailers—at 900,213—fell 5.2%, or 49,107 units. source https://www.supplychain247.com/article/u.s._rail_carload_and_intermodal_volumes_end_2022_with_declines_reports_aar

The NextGen Supply Chain Awards recognized 10 industry leaders, leading solution providers, startups and supply chain visionaries who are leading the way in the adoption of NextGen technologies. source https://www.supplychain247.com/article/nextgen_supply_chain_conference_2022_about_the_event

As the transportation environment becomes increasingly complex, transportation management systems are being called upon more than ever to meet shippers’ needs. Industry analysts contend that TMS “just keeps getting better,” with much of that momentum being driven by end users that are continually asking vendors to fold more capabilities and functionalities into their software portfolios. source https://www.supplychain247.com/article/top_transportation_management_system_tms_trends_for_2023

Winchester, located in Bristol, Conn., is a provider of control systems and installation for automated material handling systems. source https://www.supplychain247.com/article/hy_tek_intralogistics_acquires_winchester_industrial_controls

It’s a profitable and sustainable solution to SDD and NDD that can help retailers remain competitive in today’s demanding environment. source https://www.supplychain247.com/article/micro_fulfillment_centers_mfcs_how_retailers_can_deliver_on_same_day_expect

Cyngn DriveMod-enabled Stockchaser to be on display at CES event source https://www.supplychain247.com/article/ouster_and_cyngn_partner_on_digital_lidar_based_autonomy_for_material_handl

Here’s how companies can use automation, technology and other advanced tools to support and nurture their evolving workforces in today’s competitive business environment. source https://www.supplychain247.com/article/virtual_summit_2022_recap_enabling_the_workforce_of_the_future

The report, entitled “Making it Count”: Big and Bulky Last-Mile Delivery in the United States” is the result of a partnership between Armstrong and the National Home Delivery Association (NHDA) and focuses on various trends and themes, including: the usage of independent contractors compared to employee drivers; customer and revenue trends by vertical industry; and the growing use of freight brokerage to source last-mile carrier capacity. source https://www.supplychain247.com/article/new_armstrong_report_assesses_last_mile_logistics_growth_in_the_u.s

Automated material handling solutions provider receives JobsOhio grant to establish technology center, fuel innovation, and expand workforce source https://www.supplychain247.com/article/trew_investing_in_new_technology_center_at_southwest_ohio_headquarters

Supported by AI technology, Esker’s accounts receivable software solution removes the obstacles preventing timely cash collection while providing finance leaders with the visibility they need to monitor their organization’s cash flow and achieve positive-sum growth. source https://www.supplychain247.comhttps://www.supplychain247.com/article/accounts_receivable_automation

The report’s key metric, the PMI, came in at 48.4 (a reading of 50 or higher indicates growth), down 0.6% from November’s 49.0, contracting, at a faster rate, for the second consecutive month. The last two months of contraction were preceded by a stretch of 29 consecutive months of growth. ISM added that the overall economy contracted in December, following 30 consecutive months of growth. source https://www.supplychain247.com/article/december_manufacturing_output_declines_to_finish_2022_reports_ism

For the week of January 2, the average price per gallon—at $4.583—rose 4.6 cents, following a 5.9-cent decline, to $4.537, for the week of December 26. source https://www.supplychain247.com/article/national_diesel_average_rises_after_seven_weeks_of_declines

This 14-page white paper explores how AI-driven automation solutions optimize the AR processes within the invoice-to-cash cycle that impacts company cash flow, operating capital, and customer relationships. source https://www.supplychain247.comhttp://www.supplychain247.com/paper/rethinking_receivables

E-learning course will introduce different types of facilities, functions and roles within the warehouse or distribution center, future trends, and the role of warehousing within the greater supply chain. source https://www.supplychain247.com/article/werc_announces_new_distribution_logistics_fundamentals_course

Scott Anderson Appointed Interim Chief Executive Officer, Bob Biesterfeld to Step Down as President and Chief Executive Officer, and C.H. Robinson Board of Directors Initiates Search for Permanent Successor. source https://www.supplychain247.comhttps://www.supplychain247.com/article/ch_robinson_initiates_leadership_transition

New partnership offers integrated solutions for picking, packing, and batching orders, leveraging technologies including mobile robots, ASRS source https://www.supplychain247.com/article/addverb_and_velociti_alliance_partner_on_automation_for_c_store_and_grocery

The Amazon order management system guides and controls the order fulfillment process, from the point when the customer places the order to when the order is delivered to the customer, the software simplifies the order fulfillment process by automating it through various methods. source https://www.supplychain247.comhttps://www.supplychain247.com/article/a_guide_to_amazon_order_management_best_methods

On this episode, Larry Lapide explains why he's a fan of inventory, especially good inventory. SCMR’s Editorial Director Bob Trebilcock hosts. source https://www.supplychain247.comhttps://www.supplychain247.com/article/talking_supply_chain_respect_good_inventories

As we head into 2023, more and more analysts predict the potential for a recession, which could create challenges for ecommerce brands and third-party logistics, 3PL providers alike. source https://www.supplychain247.comhttps://www.supplychain247.com/article/three_predictions_for_ecommerce_brands_3pls_in_2023

The long-term outlook remains strong, according to a study from research firm Interact Analysis, with the global warehouse automation expected to expand at a 19% CAGR from 2024 to 2027. source https://www.supplychain247.com/article/warehouse_automation_market_growth_expected_to_cool_in_2023