October 27, 2022 | Supply Chain read
Buyers of Halloween candy this year are in for more of a trick in order to hand out treats.
The latest inflation report from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics showed a 13.1% increase in candy prices – the largest increase ever recorded by the Consumer Price Index (CPI).
Inflation in commodity prices is driving the increase.
Companies are dealing with a rising number of fulfillment constraints, such as labor and freight cost pressures as well as the 24/7 customer who uses a variety of channels for receiving services and purchasing and returning goods. However, these organizations are beset by older, monolithic fulfillment models that aren’t up to these challenges and can’t meet the needs of today’s customers.
October 11, 2022 | Supply Chain Strategy read
Many companies have seen a significant increase in e-commerce sales after the onset of the pandemic and resulting lockdowns. This, along with growing consumer demand and increased competition among retailers, has led companies to shorten lead times, increase warehousing space and improve customer service in general.
As a result, last mile delivery has become a key area of focus - one that can help a business gain a distinct competitive advantage.
October 07, 2022 | Supply Chain Risk Management read
The record-setting heatwave that ravaged China over much of the summer has eased – but drought conditions continue after the country’s longest heatwave on record caused wildfires, power outages and crop failures.
October 07, 2022 | Supply Chain Strategy read
Capacity planning identifies the resources required — production capacity, workforce, inventory, funds, and any other — for meeting demand.
As many businesses have struggled with disruption in recent years, planning supply chains' capacity can be challenging.
Given below are a few challenges that companies face during supply chain capacity planning.
September 28, 2022 | Supply Chain Strategy read
The industrial internet of things (IIoT) and its capacity to continuously optimize and improve processes will play an increasingly significant role across the factory and supply chain environment.
Adopting new technology can provide actionable data and insights to seamlessly connect demand to the manufacturing process, thereby giving increased visibility to stakeholders.
Manufacturing visibility is the capacity to see critical information throughout a facility or supply chain, regardless of location.
The Russia-Ukraine war set off a chain reaction that has put the global fertilizer market — and, as a result, the agricultural sector — at a crossroads. The impact of the conflict has compounded misery on a sector that was already reeling from high energy costs and steep price hikes.
With sanctions against Russia making the supply of fertilizers and its inputs complicated, how are countries across the globe fighting this disruption? Is there even a way out?
September 17, 2022 | Supply Chain Strategy read
There has been a lot of talk about supply chain disruptions, pandemic, war, inflation and an atmosphere of growing uncertainty.
But there’s one aspect we haven’t paid much attention to.
How have these disruptions impacted customers and their buying behavior? And will customers ever return to their old buying habits?
These crises have led to the advent of the “24/7 customer” who is always in the channel, always online and demanding ever-increasing service levels, says Robert Giacobbe, vice president of global supply chain consulting at GEP.
September 16, 2022 | Supply Chain Strategy read
Most consumers today shop on ecommerce websites, social platforms and mobile apps. And when they shop on these platforms, they look forward to ease of buying, easy returns and similar other conveniences.
This means that there is cut-throat competition among businesses. Also, there is hardly any margin for error.
Additionally, consumer buying patterns have evolved quickly over a short period, especially after the onset of the pandemic.
What does all this mean for businesses?
One, they must be omnipresent and meet consumers where they are.
September 13, 2022 | Risk Management read
Businesses outsource their tasks to third-party service providers to lower costs and improve customer deliverables. These third parties could be vendors, suppliers, contractors, or even partners.
However, businesses face myriad challenges, including data security, financial, compliance and reputational risks due to such outsourcing. Companies therefore need to conduct due diligence on crucial risks on a continual basis.
