Supply chain operation may involve many systems from the shipper and manufacturer’s point of view. But when we flip the lens to the customer, the delivery is the only physical touch point. Delivery is what customers experience in terms of business supply chain operations. Despite the great condition, the brand reputation becomes bleak if the…
Loading docks are an integral nodal point in the supply chain, be it planes, trucks, or ships, they need to make a landing contact, unload, reload, and get going.Did you carve out a simple assembly line of vehicles and vessels? Well, notch the traffic up by at least 10x and wonder what can be the…
The Intersection of Transportation and Distribution Management in Supply Chains Have you ever wondered, if the distribution of goods and cargo is transportation? Are transportation and distribution different though? Because you transport goods to distribute them and to distribute you need them to be transported, right? No. From a supply chain management perspective, transportation and…
The tragedy of the modern world is that while we know time flies, we seldom realize we can be the pilot too, as Michael Altshuler says. In the context of the supply chain, lead time is the silent navigator that enables efficiency. From the birth of a product idea to its final delivery, “lead time”…
The freight world often uses two standard terms: Supply Chain Management (SCM) and Logistics Management (LM). These terms are often used interchangeably, and not many people know the difference between them. Logistics management is a small portion of Supply Chain Management that combines the flow of goods, services, information, and capital right from raw material…
The history of the slave trade has the mention of a bullwhip. It was a tool for abuse and straight-line disobedience. While, since then it has been dreaded and inhumane and it is no less in the context of supply chains as well. When a whip is cracked, a small wrist movement creates a much…
They say the sky is the limit for excellence and so is the same for optimizing processes in supply chain logistics. It is ironic how the most deferred attitude of greed drives us as humankind towards excellence. So, in supply chain logistics, what more is there to optimize?Sadly, if you do not see the scope,…
In the course of rapid innovation undergoing in the supply chain management paradigm, logistics automation is the next milestone. But what exactly is it? Logistics automation refers to the strategic integration of technology, including machinery and software, to optimize various aspects of the supply chain. This encompasses everything from receiving raw materials to warehousing, order…
Can your business deftly navigate turbulent market shifts, effortlessly manage supply disruptions, and seamlessly adapt to evolving customer demands? What if we tell you that you can do this all while your competitors struggle to keep up. This is the reality that supply chain agility promises, a power that equips organizations with the flexibility and…
A staggering 60% of total supply chain costs can be attributed to transportation. But why is that? This is because transportation delays can cost companies billions. A study by the American Productivity & Quality Center (APQC) found that transportation delays can cost businesses an average of 8% of their annual sales. Research by McKinsey &…
Introduction to Supply Chain Predictive Analytics Supply chains are the backbone of any product-based business, ensuring the efficient flow of goods from suppliers to manufacturers to distributors and ultimately to customers. In today’s fast-paced and highly competitive business landscape, supply chain management has become crucial, with companies striving to optimize their operations for maximum efficiency,…
The supply chain process is a complex journey that transforms raw materials into finished products, ready to reach the end consumer. From procurement and production to distribution and delivery, each step in the supply chain determines the quality and speed of service. In an age where technology and customer expectations evolve rapidly, companies like Amazon…
In logistics, one key player quietly ensures smooth operations: load planning. It’s all about strategically organizing cargo in trucks, containers, and warehouses.Load planners are like puzzle solvers, arranging items efficiently to make the most of available space. But it’s not just about fitting things in; it’s also about saving time and money by optimizing delivery…
Goods traverse continents and oceans, their seamless flow is the lifeblood of international trade. Yet, amidst this, a single document serves as the maestro, ensuring harmony and clarity: the Bill of Lading (BOL).This guide delves into the profound meaning and importance of the Bill of Lading. Logistics professionals, supply chain managers, shipping coordinators, and business…
Despite its often underestimated importance, sourcing is vital for modern supply chains. Statistics underscore its criticality: Over 90% of supply chain disruptions originate from suppliers, emphasizing the need for strategic sourcing’s agility and resilience. In today’s business landscape, procurement has transcended its traditional role to become a strategic powerhouse. Strategic sourcing empowers procurement managers, supply…
Blind Shipments A blind shipment is one where the recipient (consignee) is unaware of the identity of the sender (shipper). This method is often used in e-commerce by businesses that utilize dropshipping. Dropshipping involves a retailer selling products they don’t physically hold. When a customer orders, the retailer forwards the details to a supplier who…
Any international shipment must pass through customs in the origin and destination countries. This process, called customs clearance, verifies the shipment’s contents and ensures it complies with regulations. Unfortunately, sometimes things get held up, leading to customs clearance delays. These delays can be frustrating and disrupt your shipping schedule. They can be especially significant because…
The inventory turnover ratio is a key metric that unlocks insights into the efficiency of your business operations. This ratio reveals how many times your inventory is sold and replaced within a given period, typically a year.While typically inventory turnover is a crucial aspect for retailers, it is also applicable to several facets of supply…
The global supply chain, once meticulously timed delivery and seamless production, now resembles a toddler’s game of Jenga – one wrong move and the whole thing comes crashing down. Material shortages, port delays, and a seemingly endless stream of disruptions are throwing a wrench (or perhaps the entire toolbox) into the operations of businesses worldwide….
Have you ever wondered why there’s a separate charge for handling in addition to shipping costs when you buy something online? While shipping covers the physical transportation of your order, handling fees play a crucial role behind the scenes. While shipping costs are more visible, handling fees are equally important for a smooth logistics operation….
