IBM is bringing artificial intelligence and blockchain technology to bear on supply-chain management — with a twist.What distinguishes this latest effort from previous software industry offerings, IBM says, is the manner in which it’s open to developers and third-party applications. The

From grand-scale, end-to-end supply-chain inspections to the examination of discrete warehouses tasks, audits can provide vital data for achieving multiple objectives.Audits should be a central element in any operation that thrives on efficiency, such as warehouses or supply chains. A successful aud

It’s now accepted among the business community that light-emitting diode (LED) technology is here to stay. It generates significant energy and cost savings, and represents a quick way for companies to positively impact their energy consumption and move toward a more sustainable future.On the f

Across nearly every industry, the inability to resolve product problems as they arise can cause a lack of trust with consumers that’s hard to rebuild.Whether the issue involves counterfeit medicines with life-threatening consequences, or a tainted ingredient that causes an outbreak of foodborn

Alibaba is already the world’s largest e-commerce and retailing company. But it’s looking to make an even bigger splash in North America, with a new initiative aimed at small business-to-business sellers.Alibaba oversees huge business-to-consumer (B2C) and consumer-to-consumer (C2C) plat

Recent IFS research shows the industrial internet of things (IIoT) is still considered a cost-containment strategy rather than a revenue driver. Despite rising IoT adoption for asset management and equipment monitoring, most industrial organizations have yet to make strides toward enabling IoT data

Because of its importance in all types of business, the supply-chain industry is uniquely positioned to make big impacts from the adoption of green practices.With about 70% of goods in the United States relying on trucking for transportation, carriers have the potential to make an environmental diff

With supply-chain processes becoming more automated, many organizations have a vision of digitizing the order-to-cash cycle. The process is often broken into three steps of digitization: procurement, receipt of goods, and inbound invoice and payment.Many companies have started the journey, but stall

Automation is generally seen as the enemy of human workers. But can it also be used to avoid layoffs?Companies often use the term “rightsizing” as a euphemism for shedding staff. Dan Reeve, director of sales with Esker, a vendor of software for document automation and order management, h

If a house is built on a hastily made or crumbling foundation, the time and resources needed to fix it can add up to staggering debt. Homeowners fear foundation issues, knowing that the cost of repair can put them in a financial bind.This notion of heavy debt is mirrored in the experience of retaile

Retail supply-chain executives are under intense pressure to support the seamless omnichannel experiences that consumers are demanding in the digital age.Consumers want more product variety, faster delivery, affordability, and pickup and return over any channel. Meeting those expectations depends on

Pharmaceutical supply chains require drug manufacturers to interact with large numbers of suppliers. Operations are typically spread across multiple production, manufacturing, sterilization and distribution locations, creating significant visibility and tracking challenges. Further complexity arises

When it comes to running the modern-day factory, there’s a yawning gap between theory and reality.Manufacturers are under intense pressure to adjust to the demands of today’s global supply chains. Customization is a must; gone are the days of extended production runs of a single part, wi

Supply-chain inefficiencies are having a huge impact the world round. In the U.K. alone, they cost businesses at least US$1.9 billion annually in lost productivity.The causes of friction are numerous, and manufacturers are continually looking to employ lean management tools to eradicate them. If man

Sustainability concerns are springing up in countless industries. A growing number of consumers prefer businesses that are dedicated to environmentalism, and companies are striving to address their concerns while improving internal systems.Failure to embrace a comprehensive approach to the issue can

A recent study touts the “smart” factory as a magic bullet that can solve any number of manufacturers’ problems, from low productivity growth to uncompetitive operations.In the spring of this year, Deloitte and the Manufacturers Alliance for Productivity and Innovation (MAPI) surve

E-commerce has forever changed how consumers purchase product on a global basis. Rapid technological advances by retail giants such as Amazon, Walmart and Alibaba have forced merchandisers, wholesalers, and manufacturers to develop an omnichannel approach to stay competitive and facilitate growth.Om

Today’s culture of instant gratification has changed consumer expectations when it comes to buying products and receiving deliveries.Shoppers expect the products they desire to be always available and delivered quickly. According to one survey, 99% of U.S. consumers say fast delivery is extrem

In a world of vast consumer choice, the key differentiator for brands is no longer price and product. It’s the customer experience.Shippers know — it’s been shown time and time again — that for today’s online buyers, a major part of that experience is overall shipping s

Even in the devilishly complex world of investment banking, logistics and supply-chain technology can be a tough sector to comprehend.The discipline actually consists of some 15 sub-sectors, according to Jason Russell, who heads up the Industrial, Technology and Software Group for PJ Solomon. &ldquo