November, 2017

article thumbnail

Are You Overproducing Improvements?

The Lean Thinker

Imagine a factory with a large monument machine. It takes several days to set up. When it does run, it runs very fast, much faster than you can actually use its output. Therefore, you take the excess output and store it to use later. Actually, you don’t know how many items you need to make, so you make as many as you can while the machine is available to you.

Factories 231
article thumbnail

Bombas Relies on Outsourced Order Fulfillment to Handle Demand

Amware Logistics and Fulfillment

Lights. Camera. Avalanche. This past October, sock company Bombas , experienced a Black Friday-like business peak after a highly-positive segment on Good Morning America. The TV coverage sparked an immediate 1,600% increase in orders that needed to be fulfilled by Bombas’s outsourced order fulfillment partner, Amware, from its Northeast fulfillment center in Cranbury, NJ.

Insiders

Sign Up for our Newsletter

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

article thumbnail

Supply Chain Technology Integration: Making the New Technology & Legacy Systems’ Marriage Last

GlobalTranz

The decision to bring new technology into your existing warehouse operation should not be taken lightly. Modern technology enables a whole new level of collaboration , efficiency and better operations. However, simply wiping out your existing systems, which can represent millions of dollars in past investments, is not the answer. Your organization should invest in and manage supply chain technology integration, making the most out of your existing technology and new investments these steps. .

article thumbnail

Using Business Intelligence to Navigate Supply Chains

Talking Logistics

Karen Sage, Chief Marketing Officer at MercuryGate, addresses the following questions and more in this timely and informative episode: Why is converting data into actionable intelligence so important today? What are the main challenges shippers and logistics service providers face in this area? How have BI/analytics capabilities in TMS evolved over the years?

article thumbnail

Artificial Intelligence and the Transportation Industry

Artificial intelligence has quickly become a feature of everyday life: Using face ID to unlock a phone, communicating with online chatbots, and letting “smart” appliances help manage our homes are just a few of the ways that we interact with AI regularly. Forward-looking businesses are also using AI to transform their operations and gain a competitive edge.

article thumbnail

BlueGrace Employee is Pedaling for a Cure

Blue Grace Logistics

Pedaling for a Cure. On October 28, 2017, our own Gary Brodsky, better known as “Kickstand”, was honored by the Chairman/Owner of the New England Patriots, Robert Kraft. Gary has been at the helm of the Patriots Platelet Pedalers for 10 years now. The PPP, as they are known, raise critical dollars for research each year by cycling in the Pan Mass challenge.

More Trending

article thumbnail

Overproduction vs. Fast Improvement Cycles

The Lean Thinker

A couple of weeks ago ago I posted the question “ Are you overproducing improvements? ” and compared a typical improvement “blitz” with a large monument machine that produces in large batches. I’d like to dive a little deeper into some of the paradoxes and implications of 1:1 flow of anything , improvements included. What is “overproduction” – really?

Waste 199
article thumbnail

It’s Time to Talk Turkey (About Fulfillment Pricing)

Amware Logistics and Fulfillment

There are some recipes – like the content of your Aunt Ethel’s Thanksgiving stuffing – you’re probably better off not knowing. By contrast, there are others you can’t afford to ignore, especially if your company wants to be fiscally fit. I’m thinking, in particular, of the combination that drives most fulfillment pricing.

149
149
article thumbnail

What Transportation Modes Are Most Affected by Capacity Crunches?

GlobalTranz

Current and future capacity crunches are often analyzed for impact in the U.S., but they exist around the globe. The same holds true for their impacts on varying transportation modes. All modes of transit feel the effects of capacity crunches, but those that suffer the biggest effects tend to involve ground-transit, including less-than-truckload (LTL), full truckload (FT) and parcel shipping.

article thumbnail

Top Insights about Supply Chain Network Design – benefits, tips and what your competitors are doing

AIMMS

What are companies looking for in supply chain network design technologies ? What works well, and what are the challenges? We commissioned Supply Chain Insights to conduct independent research about this topic and discussed the findings in a recent webinar. Today, we’re pleased to share a more extensive report on this topic. The report c o vers per ceptions about supply chain network design (SCND) as a process and outlines the key benefits and barriers experienced by comp

article thumbnail

Scaling Logistics for Success: A White Claw Story

Speaker: Scott Campbell and Molly Feller

As the demand for your products skyrockets 🚀, you're likely experiencing logistical challenges that are preventing you from scaling your business. The sudden surge in demand can be exciting, but it can also put a strain on your supply chain and logistics operations. In this webinar, join Scott Campbell, Vice President, Logistics & Demand at Mark Anthony Services and Molly Feller, VP Logistics as a Service Operations at e2open, as they explore the challenges that arise when companies expe

article thumbnail

This Week in Logistics News (November 6-10, 2017)

Talking Logistics

What are sidewalks made out of? If you said cement, you would be wrong; sidewalks are typically made out of concrete. Yes, there is a difference between cement and concrete, even though many people (including me, I admit) use the terms interchangeably. Cement is one of the raw materials that goes into making concrete, which is the finished product. I learned that fact (and many more important things) at the Command Alkon ELEVATE 2017 conference in New Orleans this week.

article thumbnail

Awarding Canadian Women in Power for their “Unbreakable” Grit: WXN’s Top 100

Morai Logistics

Image Source: Women’s Executive Network. President of Morai Logistics, Kelli Saunders, is Awarded 2017 Canada’s Most Powerful Women: Top 100 in the Entrepreneurship category by Women’s Executive Network (WXN). On November 23rd, 2017, president of Morai Logistics, Kelli Saunders, was honoured with the 2017 Canada’s Most Powerful Women: Top 100 Award.

article thumbnail

Heavy Equipment Overhaul: Flow at Takt in 1938!

The Lean Thinker

This is a great contemporary film from 1938 describing the complete overhaul of a mainline 4-6-0 steam locomotive in the U.K. What is interesting (to me) is: The overhaul involves stripping the locomotive down to individual parts. Each of the parts, in turn, flows through a process of inspection / repair or replacement, with a strict timing to ensure it is delivered back to re-assembly when required.

Video 170
article thumbnail

Hapag-Lloyd Orders 3,700 Refrigerated Containers from Maersk

Food Logistics

Hapag-Lloyd has made the purchase to be more sustainable, and is the first carrier to widely deploy the environmentally-friendly low Global Warming Potential (GWP) R513A refrigerant blend recently introduced by Maersk.

article thumbnail

Rethinking Direct Materials Sourcing: The Tools You Need To Manage Costs, Risks and Sustainability

Direct materials sourcing is evolving, with procurement now tasked not only with cost efficiency but managing sustainability and risk management. The environment is marked by heightened demand and expectations, compounded by challenges such as rising input prices, supply chain disruptions and geopolitical tensions. While some embrace cutting-edge tools like AI and blockchain for global trade functions, others lag in technology adoption.

article thumbnail

5 Tips for Achieving the Most Out of Your Supply Chain Data

GlobalTranz

In a recent study, MIT found that companies that focus on 5 key initiatives to improve their supply chain data can have a big impact on their bottom line. Some supply chain companies are leaning on the power of analytics to help streamline their processes and get ahead of their competitors. But many companies have struggled to embrace the relationship between using analytics and implementing changes that can improve business performance.

article thumbnail

The realities of logistics and strategic leadership: lessons from the ADF’s senior-most logisticians

Logistics in War

By David Beaumont. Through the course of 2017, and because of my academic research, I have been extremely fortunate to interview a range of senior military officers and public servants. These officials were responsible for key decisions with respect to the transformation of logistics as it applied to the Australian Defence Force (ADF) and the Department of Defence during a period of major transformation lasting twenty years.

article thumbnail

Addressing the “White Spaces” in Supply Chain Planning

Talking Logistics

One of the trends I’ve been writing and talking about is how the clockspeeds of every industry are accelerating and how companies are having a hard time realigning their processes, organizational structures, and technology platforms to keep up with this rapid pace of change. This is certainly true when it comes to supply chain planning, where the complexity and frequency of the process have increased while time horizons have shrunk.

article thumbnail

Assessing How Software-as-a-Service (SAAS) Systems Benefit Supply Chains

Morai Logistics

With technology driving industries into the Cloud, implementing and utilizing Software-as-a-Service, or SAAS, systems could help supply chains improve the customer experience. The Internet of Things (IoT) continues to connect and enable our world to create efficient and easier modes of communication, operations and production. Technological advancements have shown improvements for many industries.

article thumbnail

How to Conduct Workplace Incident Investigations to Create Safer Workplaces

This white paper provides a comprehensive overview of global workplace incident trends, focusing on the top three biases leading to such incidents. It also highlights the significance of CSA Z1005 as a risk management standard and outlines the ROI of thorough incident investigations, covering emergency response to post-incident interviews. Additionally, it introduces an Investigation Evidence Gathering Matrix.

article thumbnail

Top Insights about Supply Chain Network Design – benefits, tips and what your competitors are doing

AIMMS

What are companies looking for in supply chain network design technologies ? What works well, and what are the challenges? We commissioned Supply Chain Insights to conduct independent research about this topic and discussed the findings in a recent webinar. Today, we’re pleased to share a more extensive report on this topic. The report c o vers per ceptions about supply chain network design (SCND) as a process and outlines the key benefits and barriers experienced by comp

article thumbnail

FDA Releases Small Entity Compliance Guide for FSMA Safety Transportation Rule

Food Logistics

In the guide, shippers, loaders, carriers and receivers covered by the Sanitary Transportation Rule will find descriptions of the rule requirements in an easy-to-read, question and answer format.

article thumbnail

Capacity Crunch Factors: What Causes a Capacity Crunch?

GlobalTranz

Unbelievably, the capacity crunch is back the shipping headlines. In April 2017, William B. Cassidy of the Journal of commerce (JOC) noted shippers were expecting a forthcoming slight capacity pinch, but that was before hurricane season arrived. Now, the shipping and transportation industry faces unprecedented capacity problems, and the upcoming ELD implementation deadline will exacerbate the issue.

article thumbnail

The Tesla Semi Truck Will Change Freight

Freightos

The Tesla Semi Truck Will Change Freight. Freight innovation frequently focuses on moving data better – like visibility, eBookings , and the new generation of forwarders and brokers. But changing infrastructure is no less critical. Which is why one of technology’s most respected minds is now fundamentally overhauling land freight (and he’s not just stopping at an electric truck).

article thumbnail

Brick & Mortar Retail Relevance: How to Stay Ahead of the Curve

Speaker: Jay Black, Senior Account Executive

Let's set the record straight: in-store retail isn't dead - it's evolving! Faced with the digital age and the demands of omnichannel shopping, some retailers are thriving while others are struggling to adapt. Join Jay Black in this exclusive session as he explores the strategies that set successful stores apart, including: Crafting unique and unforgettable in-store experiences 🛍️ Mastering the art of retail demands 🛒 Navigating inventory challenges in today's climate 📦 an

article thumbnail

4 Pillars to a Successful Transportation Experience

Talking Logistics

Steve Raetz, Director of Research and Market Intelligence at C.H. Robinson discusses the following questions and more in this timely and informative episode: One of the 4 Pillars to a Successful Transportation Experience is Portfolio Strategy. What does that mean and why is it important? The second pillar is Transportation Strategies. There are many transportation strategies companies can take; what insights come from your research in this area?

article thumbnail

Where’s the Hype for Automated Trains? – Part 2: Unions & Human Judgement

Morai Logistics

In this final part, we look into the role unions and the need for human judgement play in keeping trains from being universally automated. In last week’s blog post , we asked why there’s little media excitement around automated trains. We’ll be answering that question today, but first, a quick recap. In the previous post, we mentioned that the technology to automate trains systems and networks has existed for decades.

article thumbnail

You Will Need Expedited Freight After The ELD Mandate Begins

Blue Grace Logistics

The Electronic Logging Device (ELD) mandate is going to put a serious squeeze on many supply chains, and possibly have a major effect on your business as soon as December 2017. With the devices in place, stricter hours of service regulations will be going into effect. While these are meant to increase the safety and wellbeing of the driver, many are concerned about the interruptions this mandate will cause to scheduled delivery times.

Freight 61
article thumbnail

US Business Groups Want NAFTA Trucking Rules to Stay Intact

Food Logistics

More than 100 U.S.-based retailers, agriculture groups and transportation councils urged in a letter to the government’s trade agency to preserve trucking provisions in any new version of the North American Free Trade Agreement.

Groups 60
article thumbnail

How Intent Data Helps Marketers Convert A-List Accounts

One of the biggest challenges for any B2B marketer is understanding your prospects’ next move — who is most likely to buy and when. Without these insights, marketing campaigns can feel more like guesswork, with high investment and little return. We’re here to tell you there’s a better way. By tracking buyers’ digital footprints and online activity, such as website visits, product reviews, and spikes in content consumption, you can engage prospects with a message that really resonates.

article thumbnail

What Are The Mistakes in Logistics Process Made by Small Business?

GlobalTranz

Working in a small corporate environment can sometimes be detrimental to both the management and logistics personnel. Depending on the type of contract work you prefer doing with your clients, you may or may not have long-term trusted associates to work with. This can affect your company’s growth in many ways; given that long-term partnerships speak volumes about what kind of business you prefer doing.

article thumbnail

What to look for in a logistics advisor

Brighter Logistics

There are many things that you should discuss with an adviser. They need to be aware of your goals, so they know how to help you improve. They can’t be afraid to hurt your feelings because you will not be able to make improvements from that. You need to make sure that both of you … Continue reading "What to look for in a logistics advisor".

article thumbnail

Top 5 Considerations When Selecting a TMS

Talking Logistics

Our industry has gone through some significant changes in the last 10 years and we’re likely to go through even more thanks to factors like omni-channel, autonomous trucks and increasingly complex routing. The good news is that a transportation management system (TMS) can give you one of the strongest return on investments (ROIs) of any supply chain management software – if you can find the right one for your organization.