Thinking Supply Chain

In today's ever-globalized world, supply chains face constant challenges. Disruptions, from natural disasters to trade wars, can leave businesses scrambling to find alternative sources for materi...

Running a successful supply chain organization is complex. But one way to help ensure all team members proactively generate ideas and are fully engaged in problem-solving is by giving them an inc...

In our hyperconnected world, supply chains face both challenges and disruptions that occur with alarming frequency. While organizations scramble to identify and implement solutions, a powerful, y...

I’m writing this edition of Impact from ASCM CONNECT 2024: Europe in Brussels. This immersive supply chain education program offered so many valuable insights, often brought to life through fa...

Meteorologists are forecasting another sweltering summer — one of the five hottest on record. This leads to several concerning trends, including warmer ocean temperatures, frequent severe hurri...

On their own, digital twins are relatively powerful and insightful. According to the ASCM Supply Chain Dictionary , a digital twin is, “An exact virtual replica or model of a real-world process...

At ASCM, we are dedicated to empowering our members to achieve both supply chain excellence and ethics. By prioritizing responsibility in every step and process, we support them in upholding crit...

EDITOR’S NOTE: MAY IS MILITARY APPRECIATION MONTH, AND ASCM IS HONORED TO FEATURE CONTENT FROM RETIRED U.S. ARMY RESERVE SPECIAL FORCES OFFICER CHAD STORLIE. A RETURNING ASCM CONTRIBUTOR, HE OF...

After years of supply chain uncertainty, it’s easy to believe that greater availability of crucial electronic components , medical supplies and agricultural products is a good thing. But anyo...

Our planet faces a critical challenge: Unsustainable consumption patterns are pushing us toward environmental tipping points. But the concept of circular supply chains offers a transformative app...

Once a realm of manual processes and limited visibility, supply chains everywhere are embracing cloud platforms , robotics , the internet of things , artificial intelligence and numerous other e...

Supply chain resilience is the ability of a network to anticipate, adapt to and recover from disruptions. It's no longer just about managing risk; it's about gaining a competitive advantage. Comp...

While inflation may have finally peaked across many regions, a sense of relief is short-lived. Prices aren't going back to pre-pandemic levels , but rather setting new, higher baselines. The ong...

EDITOR’S NOTE: Anna Petrova is an expert in transformation and modernization of mature supply chains and digital transformation. As a vice president of global supply chain at Kraft Heinz, she l...

Digital supply chain is the top supply chain trend of 2024. More and more organizations are shifting from physical to digital formats, requiring expertise in artificial intelligence (AI), the in...

This Earth Month, as we continue to think about supply chain sustainability, I want to acknowledge how far we’ve come as a society over the past few decades. Take reusable bags: It wasn’t so...

BOB TREBILCOCK: Welcome to The Rebound, where we'll explore the issues facing supply chain managers as our industry gets back up and running in a post-COVID world. This podcast is hosted by Abe E...

Earth Day is right around the corner, serving as a timely reminder of the importance of sustainability and circularity in supply chains. While ASCM advocates for a year-round commitment to thes...

AI continues to be a hot topic, and it’s becoming increasingly valuable in supply chain management. In fact, AI earned the number-three spot on ASCM’s Top 10 Supply Chain Trends in 2024 , spo...

When the Dali cargo ship lost power and struck the Francis Scott Key bridge , it was ruled an avoidable accident — one that tragically claimed the lives of six construction workers. It will be ...

There's never been a better time to explore a logistics career path. Of all the supply chain management careers available, job positions in logistics play an important role. These professionals...

In another tragic event this week, Taiwan was hit with a 7.4 magnitude earthquake, killing at least 10 people and injuring more than 1,000. Harrowing images and video footage posted by news outle...

EDITOR’S NOTE: A RECENT ARTICLE IN ASCM’S JOURNAL OF OPERATIONS MANAGEMENT IDENTIFIES THE COMBINATIONS OF SUPPLY CHAIN INTEGRATION AND BIG DATA ANALYTICS CAPABILITIES THAT HELP ENABLE SUPPLY...

In a heartbreaking maritime incident this week, Baltimore's iconic Francis Scott Key Bridge fell victim to a collision with a large cargo vessel. The resulting collapse is presumed to have claime...

Easter comes early this year (March 31), so you know what that means: Time to break out the marshmallow chicks, malted eggs and — most importantly — the enormous chocolate bunnies. Unlike Chr...

The unpredictable economic landscape of a bear versus bull market poses significant challenges to supply chain professionals. It can be a direct reflection of current market trends, as many publi...

BOB TREBILCOCK: Welcome to The Rebound, where we'll explore the issues facing supply chain managers as our industry gets back up and running in a post-COVID world. This podcast is hosted by Abe ...

Supply chains are facing major disruption from political strife, persistent environmental threats, labor issues and lack of efficiency. It’s not your imagination if you think you’ve heard thi...

EDITOR’S NOTE: ASCM is celebrating Women's History Month in full force! Throughout March, my team and I will be: Celebrating incredible women in supply chain on the ASCM Insights blog . Sparkin...

Today is International Women's Day — a time to acknowledge the incredible advancements of women in both their careers and personal pursuits. Here at ASCM, we proudly take this moment to shine a...

As we embark upon Women’s History Month, ASCM celebrates the countless contributions of women to our diverse supply chain community. People who once didn’t have a voice in business — and wh...

Here at ASCM, we love to highlight supply chain organizations that are committed to making the world a better place. Our ASCM Insights blog features inspiring articles about sustainability succes...

BOB TREBILCOCK: Welcome to The Rebound where we'll explore the issues facing supply chain managers as our industry gets back up and running in a post-COVID world. This podcast is hosted by Abe Es...

Thinking about entering the prestigious ASCM Awards of Excellence ? Wondering what makes a stand-out entry that really grabs the judges' attention? Well, after more than 10 years heading up this ...

If you spend a lot of time in your car, you’ve probably discovered a few ways to hack your drive: You might listen to audiobooks or podcasts, use Bluetooth to chat with friends, put Duolingo on...

EDITOR’S NOTE: Zebra Technologies received the 2023 ASCM Award of Excellence — Making an Impact. This award honors an organization's commitment to developing policies that integrate responsib...

I’ve just returned from the GreenBiz sustainability conference, and three things about the event really stood out to me. Most notably, people in the sustainability field are experiencing the s...

BOB TREBILCOCK: Welcome to The Rebound, where we'll explore the issues facing supply chain managers as our industry gets back up and running in a post-COVID world. This podcast is hosted by Abe E...

EDITOR’S NOTE: Teva Pharmaceuticals earned the 2023 ASCM Award of Excellence — Learning and Development, which recognizes an organization's commitment to productivity and advancement based on...

This Super Bowl Sunday, the annual spectacle will captivate the attention of millions. But what's the real MVP of the Super Bowl? The epic touchdown catches? The rousing halftime show? The big-ti...

EDITOR’S NOTE: Keysight Technologies was the 2023 winner of the ASCM Award of Excellence — Corporate Transformation. The award recognizes an organizational transformation that elevates the b...

Whether to satisfy customer demand, reduce environmental impact or save money (or all of the above ), building a sustainable business is on-trend in 2024 . I’ve written about many companies, in...

BOB TREBILCOCK: Welcome to The Rebound, where we'll explore the issues facing supply chain managers as our industry gets back up and running in a post-COVID world. This podcast is hosted by Abe E...

Picture it: wily bandits, masked robbers and seafaring pirates. It sounds like the plot of Treasure Island (and it is). But history has a habit of repeating itself, and thieves are once again rid...

On today’s manufacturing assembly lines, products and equipment are becoming increasingly complex. They might have variable configurations that are difficult for an operator to understand, and ...

Supply chain organizations have been struggling for new talent for decades. Though we’ve made progress in recruiting a more diverse and happier workforce , the fact is, our field is dynamic an...

Ever since OpenAI released ChatGPT in November 2022, society has been trying to figure out how and where generative artificial intelligence (AI) and other forms of AI fit into work and personal l...

This week in the news, supply chain organizations around the world continue to face skyrocketing shipping prices and extensive delivery delays. If this gives you a sense of déjà vu, you’re no...

BOB TREBILCOCK: Welcome to The Rebound, where we'll explore the issues facing supply chain managers as our industry gets back up and running in a post-COVID world. This podcast is hosted by Abe E...

The best place to reduce your organization’s environmental impact is at the beginning of the process during supply chain planning . Planning with circularity and sustainability in mind signific...

The evolution of shopping practices spans centuries and is marked by pivotal innovations and intriguing shifts in consumer behavior. In the 18th and 19th centuries, everyday items were bought fro...

Upon joining our current company, chemical manufacturer and distributor Actylis, we embarked on a remarkable journey into the world of supply chain. Neither of us had prior experience in the fiel...

As 2023 draws to a close, it’s natural to wrestle with how difficult this year has been for so many. On behalf of everyone here at ASCM, our hearts go out to the people across the world who are...

BOB TREBILCOCK: Welcome to The Rebound, where we'll explore the issues facing supply chain managers as our industry gets back up and running in a post-COVID world. This podcast is hosted by Abe E...

Just last month, I wrote about the challenges facing the shipping industry, as climate change continues to intensify windstorms, rain events, desertification and drought. Now, the Israel-Hamas w...

After extensive exploration, discussion and literature review, the ASCM research team and a diverse group of volunteers have compiled the Top 10 Supply Chain Trends in 2024 . The first three item...

All members of supply chain are charged with the mission of environmental responsibility. The most critical aspects vary by company and operation, but the main idea is that supply chains everywhe...

Although we at ASCM know that climate action is vital at all times , it’s of special focus this week, as international leaders of the United Nations meet in Dubai for COP28 . They are engaging ...

The ground continues to shift beneath the feet of supply chain professionals. In an era of constant disruption, rapid digitization and growing consumer demands, the old ways of managing supply ch...

Resilience is something of a theme here at ASCM. It landed number 3 among this year's Top 10 Supply Chain Trends. Our blog is chock full of articles exploring resilience as a critical supply ch...

Bob TREBILCOCK: Welcome to The Rebound, where we'll explore the issues facing supply chain managers as our industry gets back up and running in a post-COVID world. This podcast is hosted by Abe E...

Another challenging year that tested our resilience is soon drawing to a close. As we look back on 2023, I'm sure many of us feel overwhelmed by the sheer volume of tragedies and challenges that ...

Manufacturers are increasingly incorporating augmented reality (AR) into their digital transformation strategies. AR is an interactive tool that overlays graphics, text and other visual informati...

As I’ve written time and time again, climate change is a direct threat to the wellbeing of supply chains; from natural disasters to pollution to a lack of resources: Supply chain professi...

Sustainability initiatives do not have to be big in order to make a big impact. In some cases, smaller changes can be more beneficial and much easier to implement effectively. At Actylis, a Port ...

Thanksgiving is less than two weeks away, so I’ll take this opportunity to express a bit of gratitude. It’s been a very difficult year for many people, as war , food insecurity and natural d...

BOB TREBILCOCK: Welcome to The Rebound, where we'll explore the issues facing supply chain managers as our industry gets back up and running in a post-COVID world. This podcast is hosted by Abe A...

A key priority for every supply chain leader is resilience. In fact, resilience is cited in ASCM’s list of Top 10 Supply Chain Trends in 2023 “Resilient supply chain design will be critical ...

Maritime shipping is critical to our global economy. It enables businesses to trade across borders. It supports access to new markets all over the world. And it’s a relatively cost-effective wa...

October is Cybersecurity Awareness Month, that spine-tingling time of year when governments and businesses collaborate to outsmart the monsters of the machine world. A cybersecurity attack is of...

BOB TREBILCOCK: Welcome to The Rebound, where we'll explore the issues facing supply chain managers as our industry gets back up and running in a post-COVID world. This podcast is hosted by Abe E...

While tactical procurement has long been sufficient for getting the job done, strategic sourcing and procurement, led by a cross-functional team, can take operations to the next level by achievin...

It's difficult to believe that many nations can still be devastated by food shortages and chronic hunger . And yet, more than 345 million people across the globe are experiencing acute levels of...

Ordering items for delivery has become an integral part of everyday life. Whether a multi-day delivery of products from an e-commerce site, next-day groceries from a local supermarket, or a quick...

Last weekend, the world was shocked by another tragedy: The terrorist group Hamas launched an attack on Israel, with horrific consequences. Though suffering and unrest in this region are decades-...

BOB TREBILCOCK: Welcome to The Rebound, where we'll explore the issues facing supply chain managers as our industry gets back up and running in a post-COVID world. This podcast is hosted by Abe E...

The landscape of supply chain management is a whirlwind of uncertainties, and navigating this terrain can feel like steering a ship through a hurricane. But amid the challenges, there's hope. In ...

Halloween is just around the corner, and most everyone agrees the hottest costume trend this year will be Barbie. Whether dressing up in the classic signature pink dress and ponytail or getting i...

Industries and media are abuzz about generative artificial intelligence (AI). These solutions are being described as the most significant tech launch since the iPhone. ChatGPT garnered 100 millio...

Almost five years ago to the day, I wrote an SCM Now Impact article about the Lego Group’s aim to find a sustainable alternative to its petroleum-based brick material. Since then, the company ...

ANNOUNCER: Welcome to The Rebound, where we'll explore the issues facing supply chain managers, as our industry gets back up and running in a post-COVID world. This podcast is hosted by Abe Eshke...

Asset tracking is a vital element of any manufacturing system. When assets are lost, searching for them consumes time and resources while delaying production schedules. Plus, assets compose a siz...

After years of instability and uncertainty , this summer, supply chains finally seemed to get back on track. Inventories increased, shipping delays subsided and employers rehired staff. But abo...

In the face of volatility around material availability and fluctuating freight rates, it’s time for every supply chain to get proactive. You likely can’t shift gears to start mining or harves...

ASCM members from around the world came together this week for three inspiring and informative days of supply chain education. ASCM CONNECT 2023: North America was packed with thought-provoking c...

Discover the top 5 takeaways from the final day of the premier supply chain conference: 1. Each year, the ASCM Awards of Excellence recognize superior performance and dedication to advancing t...

The rise of AI is revolutionizing the supply chain, making networks more efficient and industry professionals even more in demand.  Check out the top 5 takeaways from Tuesday at ASCM CONNECT: ...

Supply chain professionals from around the world have come together for essential education, collaboration and network-building.   Don't miss Monday's top 5 takeaways:  1. The conference ...

The ChatGPT panic seems to be dying down, and people are adjusting their perspectives about how artificial intelligence (AI) is actually affecting our world. So, it’s a great time to revisit ...

Logistics management and inventory tracking have always been vital parts of a successful business. Yet historically, these methods were functional, rather than efficient. Over the years, we’ve ...

ADHD affects about 6 million adolescents in the United States alone, with 62% of these young people taking medication to treat the disorder. As I wrote last March , this and other drug shortages...

Blockchain is known as a secure technology for exchanging anything of value, such as electronic banking or smart contract transactions. But the opportunities for supply chain applications are far...

It was widely reported that alcohol sales flowed during COVID, as so many of us were stuck at home scheduling wine deliveries, crafting fancy cocktails and sampling new premium beers . Though th...

Supply chain organizations in many nations have long pursued outsourcing as a key business strategy. Manufacturing their products in countries with low labor costs, primarily China, resulted in r...

Notoriety of supply chain has boomed over the past few years — thanks to pandemic disruptions to inventory and changing consumer behaviors — and recognition of the industry’s necessity ha...

Effective supply chain leadership has never been more critical. The people who drive planning, sourcing, production, delivery, recycling — while guiding those who carry out these essential oper...

From bananas to soap to couches , global consumers love cheap goods. Whether it’s because of social media influencers, volatile economies or worrying inflation, shoppers are becoming more sus...

In recent years, there’s been a significant shift in business priorities as we face continuous disruption, process inefficiencies, talent shortages, and pressure to reduce operating costs while...

Toy icon Barbie has had more than 200 jobs — pretty impressive, as she’s only been around since 1959. She’s worked as an astrophysicist, a park ranger, a chef, an entrepreneur, a veterinari...

BOB TREBILCOCK: Welcome to The Rebound, where we'll explore the issues facing supply chain managers as our industry gets back up and running in a post-COVID world. This podcast is hosted by Abe E...

Editor’s note: Yossi Sheffi, Ph.D., is the Elisha Gray II professor of engineering systems at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, where he also serves as director of the MIT Center for T...

It’s been just over three years since much of the world went into lockdown in response to the worsening COVID-19 pandemic . Schools, gyms, hotels, restaurants — they all endured the worst of ...

Excellent supply chains begin with excellent internal operations. Defining key metrics such as cycle time, part counts and usage, then tracking this data, helps leaders benchmark performance and ...

Even if you’ve enjoyed a break from the latest news while on summer vacation, you’ve likely felt the headlines: All around the world, we’re continuing to experience truly cataclysmal weathe...

Just as pilots don’t take off without a flight plan and builders don’t start construction without blueprints, companies shouldn’t operate without a supply chain strategy. Only when this str...

Supply chain professionals think about product life cycles all the time: From raw material to final customer to recycling, understanding every stage is crucial to managing an effective and susta...

FTZs are more commonly known as “free trade zones” internationally and “foreign trade zones” in the United States. (Note for the purposes of this article, the focus will be specific to U....

BOB TREBILCOCK: Welcome to The Rebound, where we'll explore the issues facing supply chain managers as our industry gets back up and running in a post-COVID world. This podcast is hosted by Abe E...

How far into the future do you plan your purchasing? Six months? A year? More? In the airline industry, procurement specialists now must strategize their purchases almost a decade ahead to ensure...

Every year, ASCM’s research team releases a report predicting the top 10 trends for the upcoming year. Topics come and go, but for the second year in a row, the number-one trend is big data an...

Global confectionery, food and beverage, and pet food and care company Mars Wrigley this week reported some very impressive digital transformation results. The organization has overhauled its app...

More and more supply chain organizations are tapping into the power of additive manufacturing. Many choose to integrate the technology into their own, in-house processes; others opt to outsource....

The past several years have been rough on supply chains — both individually and as a profession. With the pandemic’s shock to supply , the tragic war in Ukraine , a global overreliance on Chi...

Supply chains continue to experience significant inflation-related cost hikes. Meanwhile, import, transportation and labor expenses are all going up, and excess inventory is driving down profits....

The war in Ukraine has been raging for more than a year , and the tragic consequences continue to shock and devastate. This conflict has led to the closing of ports; delays in rail and road rout...

Supply chain continues to be a high-paying, highly valued and rewarding field. According to ASCM’s 2023 Supply Chain Salary and Career Report , the median income for U.S. supply chain professio...

Supply chain professionals often ponder how robots can complement and even enhance our industry. We explore their ability to help prevent workplace injuries and meaningfully advance automation ....

It’s Memorial Day weekend in the United States, the unofficial start of summer — and summer vacations. But as people look forward to enjoying some time off, there’s a catch: On the heels of...

Today, environmental, social and governance (ESG) initiatives are a mainstay on the corporate agenda. And, as everything is connected in a supply chain, ESG progress at your organization is direc...

For years, the goal of many supply chain organizations was to stay lean by preventing waste and eliminating excess inventory. Then came the shock of the pandemic, when that lean mindset , coupled...

For every R2D2 and Big Hero 6 that work doggedly to help their human counterparts better the world, there’s a HAL 9000 or Megatron set to destroy it. While it’s very unlikely that we should w...

The 2023 ASCM Salary and Career Report was just released, and all of us at ASCM are thrilled that the findings continue to be excellent. Job satisfaction is sky high, with 96% of supply chain pr...

EDITOR’S NOTE: WHAT’S ON YOUR MIND? SUBMIT A SUPPLY CHAIN QUESTION TO EDITOR-IN-CHIEF ELIZABETH RENNIE AT ERENNIE@ASCM.ORG. IF YOURS IS SELECTED, SHE’LL RESEARCH THE TOPIC AND SHARE THE ANS...

Disruption is frequently a bad thing: a port closure, a sudden drop or surge in demand, a shocking invasion leading to war, a global pandemic. But there’s also another type of disruption: the k...

In our highly connected business environment, stakeholders expect top-tier data and performance in the form of digital transformation. In fact, digital transformation is so pivotal and impactful ...

As we mark the end of Earth Month 2023, it’s a great time to look back on the progress we’ve made in slowing climate change. Most news stories focus on what we as a global society are doing w...

Summer is approaching and record-breaking temperatures are in the forecast. At this important moment, it’s clear that supply chain circularity is arguably the most urgent of all ASCM’s Top 10...

ASCM is strongly committed to sustainability and the mission to combat climate change every day of the year. But this Earth Day, April 22, is a time to revisit these principles and reinforce th...

The demand consensus meeting is one of the most important steps in sales and operations planning (S&OP). After all, its output is a demand plan that serves as a critical input for all other S&OP ...

After decades of American and European companies outsourcing jobs and repurposing factories around the world — especially in China and India — the pendulum is beginning to swing back: Busin...

EDITOR’S NOTE: WHAT’S ON YOUR MIND? SUBMIT A SUPPLY CHAIN QUESTION TO EDITOR-IN-CHIEF ELIZABETH RENNIE AT ERENNIE@ASCM.ORG. IF YOURS IS SELECTED, SHE’LL RESEARCH THE TOPIC AND SHARE THE ANS...

Given how rapidly technology is advancing — from artificial intelligence and chatbots to blockchain and digital twins — it’s no surprise that a full seven of ASCM’s Top 10 Trends in S...

EDITOR’S NOTE: Microsoft Corp. was the recipient of the ASCM Award of Excellence — Making an Impact. The company was honored for its dedication to supply chain circularity and its commitment ...

Just a couple of weeks ago, I wrote about many of the very real concerns over artificial intelligence (AI), which primarily stem from the fact that AI models are based on inadequate and inherent...

BOB TREBILCOCK: Welcome to The Rebound, where we'll explore the issues facing supply chain managers as our industry gets back up and running in a post-COVID world. This podcast is hosted by Abe E...

Warehousing and logistic managers face unprecedented supply chain issues on multiple fronts: a labor shortage and related people-training challenges, ever-increasing consumer demand, cyberattacks...

Most people with regular prescriptions likely take for granted that medication refills will be ready at the pharmacy counter when expected. Similarly, if diagnosed with strep throat, an ear or si...

This Women’s History Month, my team and I have had a wonderful time spotlighting some amazing women in supply chain through the ASCM Insights blog, our social channels a Women in Supply Chain...

For years, people have feared artificial intelligence (AI) developing a “mind of its own” and causing Matrix-levels of chaos. Here's the good news: After a few minutes of research, I’ve con...

BOB TREBILCOCK: Welcome to The Rebound where we'll explore the issues facing supply chain managers, as our industry gets back up and running in a post-COVID world. This podcast is hosted by Abe E...

EDITOR’S NOTE: WHAT’S ON YOUR MIND? SUBMIT A SUPPLY CHAIN QUESTION TO EDITOR-IN-CHIEF ELIZABETH RENNIE AT ERENNIE@ASCM.ORG. IF YOURS IS SELECTED, SHE’LL RESEARCH THE TOPIC AND SHARE THE ANS...

This past week, the world celebrated International Women’s Day. Here at ASCM, we recognized the accomplishments and contributions of the female members on our board of directors , led by Chair...

Recently, a Chinese surveillance balloon, which had been floating for days over the United States, was shot down by the U.S. military over concerns that the aircraft was an “audacious attempt b...

Over the past several years, there’s been a stunning advancement in the ways in which technology seamlessly integrates into our lives — and our supply chains. From machine learning and robot...

INTRO: Welcome to The Rebound, where we'll explore the issues facing supply chain managers as our industry gets back up and running in a post-COVID world. This podcast is hosted by Abe Eshkenazi,...

Organizations worldwide are struggling with supply shortages, inventory overflow, frequent delays, understaffing, higher transportation costs, rising inflation and fluctuating consumer demand. Am...

Gartner recently published a paper recommending that supply chain organizations cease using ASCM’s SCOR model. Although the team at Gartner is aware that the latest version of this tool is, in ...

It’s been nearly a year  since Russia shocked the world and, unprovoked, invaded Ukraine. The outlook wasn’t good for the Eastern European nation; it gained independence from Russia in 1991...

As the director of human resources at UPS Company Ware2Go , Princess Newborn has made it her mission to increase the diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) of talent across the organization. To ac...

Early Monday, a devasting 7.8-magnitude earthquake struck Turkey and Syria. The world is watching in horror as the death toll rises, reaching more than 22,000 at the time of publication on Friday...

BOB TREBILCOCK: Welcome to The Rebound, where we'll explore the issues facing supply chain managers as our industry gets back up and running in a post-COVID world. This podcast is hosted by Abe E...

EDITOR’S NOTE: ASCM is excited to launch a regular blog feature that answers reader questions! What’s on your mind? Submit your supply chain question to Editor-in-Chief Elizabeth Rennie at er...

Here at ASCM, we’ve been advocating for and supporting the digital transformation of our field for decades. The good news is that every year, more and more organizations prioritize this object...

I’ve written often about the twin existential crises facing supply chain: the worker shortage and the skills gap . Although an aging workforce and lack of tech expertise are two primary causes...

When I first joined the supply chain field nearly 20 years ago, it seemed to me that supply chain management was a true 50-50 blend of art and science. I would hear jokes about forecasts always b...

It sounds like the penultimate scene of a comic book movie: Schnitzer Steel crushes Vestas Wind and wins the title of world’s best. Except in this story, both characters are the “good guys,�...

Transitioning from analogue to digital for anything — a map, a budget, a scheduling system — probably seems obvious and overdue. But for a process as complex as supply chain, it’s just not ...

We’ve all experienced the rising costs of essentials over the past year. Grocery store receipts are bigger than ever, the joy of summer travel was dampened by the cost of filling our gas tanks,...

Making a major career change can feel confusing, risky and even flat out scary. Following the usual linear professional path is, of course, a safer and more straightforward approach. However, if ...

The past few years have been virtual roller coasters for supply chain and the global job market alike. Although many positions were rapidly recovered after the pandemic shock, widespread adoption...

The holiday season is full of thoughtful giving, yet returns are always to be expected. Even those brick-and-mortar and e-commerce retailers that have mastered reverse logistics still face numer...

Top 10 lists are always popular. They’re easy to read, share and comment on — and they often inspire fascinating conversation with other readers. Here at ASCM, our content team is well aware ...

BOB TEBILCOCK: Welcome to The Rebound where we'll explore the issues facing supply chain managers as our industry gets back up and running in a post-COVID world. This podcast is hosted by Abe Ash...

Once again, the supply chain industry has experienced a year to remember. Everything in our field seems to be changing: information flows, materials management, manufacturing processes, selling a...

Our holiday supply chains are shaping up to be relatively smooth and successful this year. Although there were early concerns about the ongoing labor shortage, Christmas tree scarcity, inflation,...

Industries across the globe continue to battle the Great Supply Chain Disruption. They’re striving to optimize execution, diminish risk, improve dexterity and identify ways to gain a real compe...

BOB TREBILCOCK: Welcome to the Rebound, where we'll explore the issues facing supply chain managers as our industry gets back up and running in a post-COVID world. This podcast is hosted by Abe E...

People have long dreamed of harnessing the power of the sun. Back in 1972, Isaac Asimov hints at the possibility of endless nuclear energy in “The Gods Themselves.” The book describes an isot...

EDITOR’S NOTE: Tamer Group is the winner of the 2022 ASCM Award of Excellence — Learning and Development. This award recognizes an organization’s commitment to productivity and advancement ...

The labor shortage isn’t going away anytime soon. And with the holiday season here, hiring is many organizations’ number-one priority. For some, the answer may rest with robots. The Wall St...

The hundreds of ships once parked at ports around the world may be sailing, but the challenges facing global supply chains remain. Better transport solutions are needed — ones that enable super...

Even the strongest networks are falling prey to a growing list of supply chain disruptions. Now, China — long regarded as a nation of stable manufacturing capacity and affordable labor — is s...

BOB TREBILCOCK: Welcome to The Rebound where we'll explore the issues facing supply chain managers as our industry gets back up and running in a post-COVID world. This podcast is hosted by Abe Es...

On November 14, 2022, a new rule was proposed by the Department of Defense, the General Services Administration and NASA, which would require federal contractors and suppliers to participate in a...

Yesterday we celebrated Thanksgiving here in the United States. The ASCM team and I observed that we, as a global supply chain community, have much to be thankful for this year. First, we’re ...

Change is a constant in life, but truthfully few of us like it. Changes can be sudden or gradual — and they often come from chaos, create chaos or both. A smoother approach to change is emergin...

When you’re the largest retailer in the United States by revenue, you have to be excellent at procurement . To stay on top, Walmart Inc. is now employing artificial intelligence (AI)-powered so...

Disasters and disruptions can devastate businesses and upend entire supply chains, leading to devastating financial consequences. Although insurance can't completely insulate an organization, the...

In many ways, supply chains have gotten back on track following a brutal few years. However, numerous interconnected, highly complex problems are still challenging networks across the globe — a...

Managing a small number of the same suppliers is relatively easy. But when you have many suppliers, and a steady stream of new ones, things can get tricky. Following is a systematic process for o...

Alongside the rise of e-commerce shopping is the very predictable rise of e-commerce returns. To solve this problem, many companies are changing their policies — and in ways that are most defin...

With a total of $428 billion worth of merchandise returned in 2020, it’s easy for a company to get buried under cumbersome or inefficient returns processes. Plus, if items are not disposed of ...

Here in the United States, festive seasonal displays are offering all kinds of Halloween and Thanksgiving treats in a variety of sizes. This is a welcome sight after the shortages of recent years...

Key performance indicators (KPIs) are critical to the success of any warehouse because they set critical benchmarks for the operation. They also help identify areas that require improvement — e...

From steam engines superseding the horse-drawn carriage to drones replacing delivery trucks, technology has always had a significant impact on supply chains. Today, innovations continue to upend ...

Consumer demand for eco-friendly products and services, employee interest in working for ethical and responsible companies, and government regulations regarding greener operations are pushing sus...

While scrolling through TikTok watching cute dogs get reprimanded for destroying throw pillows and learning how to build a box garden, what if you could instantly order that pillow or buy some ve...

After years of being a vague and little-mentioned part of global business, supply chains are fast becoming a symbol of disruption, insecurity and shortages, infrastructure shortcomings, ineffecti...

The American Transportation Research Institute recently released a report that ranks the top concerns of commercial truck drivers. There were two issues last year that tied for the number-one spo...

BOB TREBILCOCK: Welcome to The Rebound, where we'll explore the issues facing supply chain managers as our industry gets back up and running in a post-COVID world. This podcast is hosted by Abe E...

Determining appropriate inventory levels is one of the most important and challenging tasks that supply chain managers face. Carry too much inventory, and you have more money tied up in working c...

Hurricane Ian has battered Cuba, the Florida Keys and southwest Florida over the past several days and is now bringing fierce winds and rains up the East Coast. Officials are calling it “catast...

Hyperautomation is the orchestrated use of multiple technologies and platforms, which enables businesses to automate work and achieve scalability, reliability and efficiency. As more companies tu...

Chronic labor shortages continue to plague almost every area of business — especially the global supply chain. But many smart supply chain professionals are analyzing the issues and coming up w...

This past week at the 2022 ASCM CONNECT Annual Conference was an enlightening experience in countless ways. Perhaps the greatest discovery — which was underscored again and again — is the int...

THAT’S A WRAP! Discover more supply chain tactics and fascinating lessons learned from the final day of the ASCM CONNECT Annual Conference. HONORING SUPPLY CHAIN STANDOUTS Each year, the ...

NONSTOP SUPPLY CHAIN EDUCATION The ASCM CONNECT Annual Conference continues to educate and inspire. Read on for some key takeaways from today. PURSUING AN EXTRAORDINARY TOMORROW CREATES A BETT...

THE 2022 ASCM CONNECT ANNUAL CONFERENCE IS UNDERWAY IN CHICAGO AND AROUND THE WORLD! Supply chain professionals far and wide have come together for the very best in supply chain education. KEY...

Supply chains are living, breathing organisms that constantly evolve and reshape. Sometimes, it's necessary to take a deep breath before clearing the next hurdle — especially during the constan...

In the course of my career, I have always been fascinated by the way that certain procurement professionals are able to engage their supplier partners. Some of our valued suppliers went the extra...

As environmental pressures continue escalating amid the very clear effects of climate change , more and more companies are making sustainability a key priority. Beyond being simply the right thi...

Fulfillment and operations leaders spend each day tackling risks and threats, preparing shipments and orders to reach their destinations without a hiccup. Unfortunately, sometimes a delivery gets...

Artificial intelligence (AI) has come quite a long way since 1950 — the year when computer scientists made some of the most significant advances in the field. This was when Alan Turing publishe...

BOB TREBILCOCK: Welcome to The Rebound, where we'll explore the issues facing supply chain managers as our industry gets back up and running in a post-COVID world. This podcast is hosted by Abe E...

Although global supply chains have opened up the world to economic benefits and increased access for consumers and communities, the past couple of years have shown how fragile these networks can ...

3D printing is quickly becoming a mature manufacturing technology. It’s useful for prototypes and offers significant benefits for small and medium-sized production runs. But just how much will ...

What do you think the Smithsonian ranks as “the single most important piece of 20th century futurism”? It’s not a famous painting or sculpture celebrating urban landscapes, fanciful technol...

Increased fuel prices, ongoing supply shortages and millions of dollars in lost sales are just a few of the negative byproducts created by recent sanctions. They are affecting virtually every cor...

As students fill their backpacks for the first day of school, the related costs are adding up to some tricky math for families. Inflation and supply chain bottlenecks have led to significantly hi...

As recent times have shown, when manufacturing operations are located overseas, supply chains can be disrupted — even at companies that implement best-in-class automation technologies. As a res...

The logistics outlook for the 2022 holiday season is shaping up to be at least as challenging as last year’s . Our global networks continue to face a series of bottlenecks, with each weakened l...

The heavy-duty truck transportation fleet industry continues to deal with a host of challenges, including driver shortages, logistical changes and asset management hurdles that continue to affect...

As long as humans have gazed at the night sky, we’ve dreamed about what lies beyond our atmosphere. More recently, probes, satellites and space telescopes have sent back pictures and data from ...

BOB TREBILCOCK: Welcome to The Rebound where we'll explore the issues facing supply chain managers as our industry gets back up and running in a post-COVID world. This podcast is hosted by Abe Es...

The early 2020s have been marked by an onslaught of supply chain interruptions. Here’s what you need to know about the most common types of risk so you can respond proactively: OCEAN FREIGHT ...

This week, the hottest topic — literally — is the weather around the world. Europe is suffering a record-setting heat wave. Belgium, the United Kingdom, Germany and others are under weather a...

There’s a relatively new term buzzing around the sales and operations planning (S&OP) arena: sales and operations execution (S&OE). For those close to the S&OP process model, the current defini...

In the news this week are three fascinating trends advancing supply chains and addressing some of the key challenges they face. These stories highlight the essential role of technology in improvi...

You know your shop needs to run at full capacity to remain profitable and competitive. But do you know if it actually does? As a manufacturer, throughput in production can mean the difference bet...

One week ago, the near future of port operations got stuck in limbo, as the contract between about 70 shipping employers and 22,000 dockworkers expired. The International Longshore and Warehouse ...

BOB TREBILCOCK: Welcome to The Rebound where we'll explore the issues facing supply chain managers as our industry gets back up and running in a post-COVID world. This podcast is hosted by Abe Es...

Suppliers — like employees — are at their best when they’re happy and motivated. Supplier relationship management (SRM) is one method for achieving this objective. With performance at the c...

In the United States alone, 22 animal species and one plant variety fell to extinction last year. These losses include the ivory-billed woodpecker, the green blossom pearly mussel and a Hawaiian ...

In a world crowded with gimmicky video games and battery-required toys, there’s still one tried-and-true pastime: the LEGO. The humble little blocks amuse kids and adults alike for hours — an...

Suddenly, everyone is talking about supply chain. News reporters, Wall Street analysts, your colleagues in other departments who never gave it a thought in the past, people at the grocery store: ...

In our very tight labor market, employers must deliver on people’s cultural and ethical expectations. As I told the audience at a presentation I recently gave with Dana Stiffler, vice president...

Supply chains everywhere are running short on their most important asset: people. The United States , the United Kingdom and parts of Asia have all hit record-high job vacancies. But what’s d...

We all know that Google has the answer to just about anything it’s asked. With all that information, it’s no surprise that Google’s massive computing power is also optimizing supply chain o...

BOB TREBILCOCK: Welcome to The Rebound where we'll explore the issues facing supply chain managers as our industry gets back up and running in a post-COVID world. This podcast is hosted by Abe Es...

In an inflationary economy, one of the best ways to improve productivity and the affordability of your products and services is through continuous improvement. Organizations that make it a priori...

What gets you truly excited about the future of supply chain? Personally, I’m fascinated by all of the technologies and innovations on the horizon. These solutions optimize processes and revea...

During tumultuous times, it’s more crucial than ever that the negotiation process fosters strong supplier relationships based on trust. Parties will not always agree, but negotiations should be...

ASCM’s 2022 Supply Chain Salary and Career Report has officially launched, and I’m inspired by the many promising insights that our research team uncovered. First, the Great Resignation had...

BOB TREBILCOCK: Welcome to The Rebound where we'll explore the issues facing supply chain managers as our industry gets back up and running in a post-COVID world. This podcast is hosted by Abe Es...

During these times of relatively calm markets and few supply chain disruptions, it’s tempting to rest on our laurels and put supply chain resilience on the backburner. But we must not become co...

It's been too long since we connected with friends and colleagues from around the world. All of us at ASCM are ready — and we hope you are too — for a reconnection and celebration of the supp...

Decentralized, secure, transparent and immutable: Blockchain enables value to be exchanged without the need for a third-party authority and has the potential to overcome several enduring challeng...

Haris Ikram, CLTD Senior manager of sector sustainability, climate and energy Africa, Middle East and South Asia PepsiCo Pakistan EDITOR’S NOTE: Haris Ikram, CLTD, earned the 2021 ASCM Award ...

The latest product shortage is being called the cruelest yet: a shortage of infant formula. On average, about 40% of America’s baby formula supplies are out of stock , with out-of-stock rates ...

BOB TREBILCOCK: Welcome to The Rebound where we'll explore the issues facing supply chain managers, as our industry gets back up and running in a post-COVID world. This podcast is hosted by Abe A...

Accurate inventory management can be the difference between making a sale and losing out to competitors. Customers are used to having a variety of purchasing options at their fingertips; if you c...

Supply chains around the world are feeling the knock-on effects of China’s COVID-19 policies. Procter & Gamble and Tesla factories in the country have been closed since March. General Electric...

With all that people have been navigating in recent months — issues related to global health, social injustice, and political and economic uncertainty; new modes of communication to master; and...

If the last two years proved anything, it’s that our world is unpredictable — and as such, supply chain visibility is an urgent requirement. Furthermore, clarity up and down our networks is c...

EDITOR’S NOTE: Eaton was the recipient of ASCM’s 2021 Award of Excellence — Learning and Development, which recognizes an organization’s commitment to productivity and advancement based o...

This Earth Day, ASCM honors our planet and recognizes all of the supply chain professionals who are dedicated to its preservation. These people are working intentionally and with critical purpose...

Angela L. Ward Global Supply Chain Program Manager Northrop Grumman EDITOR’S NOTE: Angela L. Ward is the recipient of the 2021 ASCM Award of Excellence — Diversity and Inclusion Champion. Sh...

Current job openings are nearly double the amount of unemployed people, according to a recent report from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. With numbers like that, there’s no doubt that bein...

Are you preparing for an APICS certification or certificate exam? Then don’t miss this opportunity to hear from supply chain colleagues who have earned their own credential. The social media t...

As the old saying goes, April showers bring May flowers. Well, this April is bringing a full-on global economic storm. And the question facing supply chains everywhere is how to work through thes...

BOB TREBILCOCK: Welcome to The Rebound, where we'll explore the issues facing supply chain managers, as our industry gets back up and running in a post COVID world. This podcast is hosted by Abe ...

Shaunna Rudolph, CTL, CPPS Supply Chain Director General Dynamics IT EDITOR’S NOTE: Shaunna Rudolph earned the 2021 ASCM Award of Excellence — Supply Chain Leader for exhibiting extraordina...

Our world is approaching a food insecurity tipping point. With the invasion of Ukraine and the rising costs of gas and many other products integral to food production, this is a national securi...

The linear economy of “take, make and waste” unfortunately remains the status-quo, despite being inherently unsustainable. The United Nations has identified the circular economy as a crucial ...

Each March, Women’s History Month honors women’s contributions to history, culture, society and industry. In supply chain, women bring diverse and creative perspectives to the field, but ther...

BOB TREBILCOCK: Welcome to The Rebound, where we'll explore the issues facing supply chain managers as our industry gets back up and running in a post-COVID world. This podcast is hosted by Abe E...

EDITOR’S NOTE: Univar Solutions is the winner of ASCM’s 2021 Award of Excellence — Corporate Transformation. The organization leveraged the APICS body of knowledge and the ASCM Supply Chain...

This week brought yet another wave of supply chain disruption. China is facing its worst COVID-19 outbreak since the beginning of 2020, and numerous cities are once again in lockdown under the co...

Supply chain professionals do the impossible every day. When you stop to think about it, so much is outside of any one organization’s control, and it’s pretty miraculous that systems flow as ...

E-commerce and omnichannel continue to shape the way business-to-consumer (B2C) organizations identify and establish key priorities. But this buying shift is not limited to the B2C sector; it’s...

One of the key principles of responsible procurement is to create positive change through your purchasing decisions. In effect: Let your money do the talking. Now, we’re witnessing this princi...

BOB TREBILCOCK: Welcome to The Rebound where we'll explore the issues facing supply chain managers as our industry gets back up and running in a post COVID world. This podcast is hosted by Abe As...

In honor of Women’s History Month , I recently interviewed four of the women on ASCM’s board of directors: Lisa Veneziano, chair-elect; Pamela Dow, vice president of global supply chain plann...

Imagine running a retail grocery store in a large city. The location is full of food, beverages and pantry items. Plenty of staff members are on-site, hard at work. But there are no shoppers push...

BOB TREBILCOCK: Welcome to The Rebound where we'll explore the issues facing supply chain managers. As our industry gets back up and running in a post COVID world. This podcast is hosted by Abe A...

Data analytics plays an instrumental role in advancing purchasing and supplier relationship management (SRM). When all relevant information is aggregated and linked, purchasing professionals have...

While supply chain disruption is nowhere near as tragic as the loss of human life, the effects of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine will be felt across our global networks and must be taken seriousl...

As the world moves one step closer to post-pandemic life, there’s a tidal wave of employees looking for new jobs. A recent article from Quartz explains that the pandemic caused many people to ...

We at ASCM have always known that supply chain is groovy lit. But recently, the field has gained the widespread recognition street cred it truly deserves. Perhaps best of all, we’re finally spe...

Choosing your next product or service supplier can be a daunting task. Procurement best practices have evolved such that supplier selections can no longer be based on price alone. Now, it’s imp...

It wouldn’t be a holiday in the 2020s without a shortage of some festive item. Now, we’re hearing that fresh flowers may be difficult to find and not at the price point you’d like this Vale...

BOB TREBILCOCK: Welcome to The Rebound, where we'll explore the issues facing supply chain managers as our industry gets back up and running in a post-COVID world. This podcast is hosted by Abe E...

CHALLENGE: Automate and optimize planning and replenishment for more than 20,000 slow-moving spare parts SOLUTION: ToolsGroup’s Service Optimizer 99+ (SO99+) COMPANY: Lubinski HEADQUARTERS: Ris...

Tech giant Apple just reported its biggest quarterly profit ever. Ever. Amid a pandemic, labor shortages , unparalleled supply chain disruptions and an ongoing chip crisis , America’s third-la...

Multiple megatrends — globalization, technological disruption, instant information exchange and customized solutions versus commoditized inputs — have led to all new types of business transac...

Diversification is a strategy to achieve business growth by introducing to the market new products, services or features. Above all, organizations diversify in order to boost the bottom line. By ...

BOB TREBILCOCK: Welcome to The Rebound, where we'll explore the issues facing supply chain managers as our industry gets back up and running in a post-COVID world. This podcast is hosted by Abe E...

The past two years have delivered a plethora of disruption. If there ever was a time for supply chain organizations to launch an SOS, it would be now. Fortunately, the necessary support is availa...

This may be stating the obvious, but running a business is more challenging than ever. Decades ago, CEOs worried about turning a profit; getting a good return on investment; and, if leading a pub...

Girl Scouts of the United States of America (GSUSA) has a strong tradition of teaching young women about key life skills, such as leadership, self-esteem and integrity. This Girl Scout Cookie sea...

The past year was like no other — especially for those of us in supply chain. The Great Supply Chain Disruption changed the way plans are made; information flows; components are sourced; mater...

As Omicron drives the high-speed spread of new COVID infections all across the globe, our pandemic fatigue is mounting yet again. Making matters worse, empty grocery aisles invoke unpleasant memo...

Artificial intelligence (AI)-enabled supply chain management has the potential to supercharge demand forecasting, revolutionize end-to-end transparency and boost integrated business planning. Acc...

The past couple of years have been defined by the challenges they have brought with them: a pandemic; a brief recession; natural disasters and other increasingly clear signals of climate change ;...

As we kick off 2022, predictions abound on the technology advancements and innovations expected in the year ahead. In a new whitepaper, ABI Research analysts identify 35 trends that will shape th...

It’s no secret that the supply chain has experienced some serious ups and downs recently, especially related to the economy, transportation and workplace capacity. While things have started to ...

On this final day of 2021, it’s only natural for us to be anxiously counting down to a fresh start in the New Year. However, this is also a time for mindfulness and reflection. Our global commu...

BOB TREBILCOCK: Welcome to The Rebound, where we'll explore the issues facing supply chain managers as our industry gets back up and running in a post-COVID world. This podcast is hosted by Abe E...

In recent weeks, dedicated supply chain professionals have been working around the clock to get presents into stockings and beneath trees. Their perseverance paid off, and the holiday retail cris...

Data is critical to supply chain success. It’s integral to devising effective business strategies, advancing productivity, delighting customers, and so much more. But your company’s data will...

Diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) is imperative for long-term business success. Time and again, research shows that more perspectives lead to more innovation and more financial success. Furth...

BOB TREBILCOCK: Welcome to The Rebound, where we'll explore the issues facing supply chain managers as our industry gets back up and running in a post-COVID World. This podcast is hosted by Abe E...

Industries across the globe continue to battle the Great Supply Chain Disruption. They’re striving to optimize execution, diminish risk, improve dexterity and identify ways to gain a real compe...

The U.S. warehousing and transportation industry gained about 50,000 jobs last month, which represents one of the highest employment growth rates in our current economy. The sector now has 200,00...

Lean production systems such as kanban primarily exist in large organizations and are used much more rarely at small and midsize business (SMBs). But inventory accuracy is crucial regardless of s...

Discarding, destroying and recycling unwanted products is an important part of any supply chain strategy. After all, just tossing old or unneeded materials is an ineffective and unsafe way to dis...

It’s not just the semiconductor chips in our cars, the lumber for our homes, or the steep food prices at the supermarket checkout. Supply chain touches nearly all aspects of our lives — an...

BOB: Welcome to The Rebound, where we'll explore the issues facing supply chain managers as our industry gets back up and running in a post COVID world. This podcast is hosted by Abe Ashkenazi, C...

Every process managed by humans is bound to have at least a small error rate. After all, as Alexander Pope wrote, “To err is human.” Technology has played an important role in developing proc...

Yesterday, families and friends across the United States celebrated the Thanksgiving holiday. I’ll venture a guess that many of their dinner table exchanges revolved around the supply chain —...

What could you do with an extra 18 minutes a day? That might not seem like much time, but an MIT expert contended to U.S. lawmakers this week that it was enough to overcome America’s deficit of...

BOB TREBILCOCK: Welcome to The Rebound where we'll explore the issues facing supply chain managers as our industry gets back up and running in a post COVID world. This podcast is hosted by Abe Es...

JUSTIN WENG, CSCP Cofounder and Chief Operating Officer CANADA GLOVE SUPPLY EDITOR’S NOTE: When Justin Weng, CSCP, heard about the personal protective equipment (PPE) shortages at North Ame...

In the not-so-distant past, those of us in supply chain would receive looks of puzzlement when describing what we do. These days, we’re more likely to get a mixture of admiration and empathy. A...

As organizations work to reset their supply chains in anticipation of what they foresee post-pandemic, I’m starting to see more articles and commentary on the subject of reshoring. Black swan e...

From the smallest components to the biggest machines, all equipment is subjected to unpredictable field conditions, harsh operating environments and sometimes even abuse. These factors significan...

This week, world leaders have been meeting in Glasgow to address climate change, a topic that is as critical to business as it is to life itself. At the 26th Conference of the Parties to the Unit...

ANNOUNCER: Welcome to The Rebound, where we'll explore the issues facing supply chain managers as our industry gets back up and running in a post-COVID world. This podcast is hosted by Abe Eshken...

Last year, Amazon stopped handling last-mile delivery for third-party sellers that didn’t use its fulfillment centers. Instead, the e-commerce giant decided to focus on improving in-house capa...

Here in the United States, many people will spend this Halloween weekend carving spooky pumpkins, putting on creepy costumes for trick-or-treating, negotiating their way out of sinister corn maze...

ASCM CONNECT CLOSES WITH A BIG REVEAL Day 3 of the ASCM CONNECT Annual Conference featured fascinating lessons learned and key strategies for supply chain success. Read on for some highlights. ...

NONSTOP SUPPLY CHAIN EDUCATION Day 2 of the ASCM CONNECT Annual Conference was full of inspiring educational sessions from the best minds in supply chain. Read on for some key takeaways. ENVI...

THE ASCM CONNECT ANNUAL CONFERENCE DELIVERS POWERFUL INSIGHTS “Supply chains are at an inflection point,” ASCM CEO Abe Eshkenazi, CSCP, CPA, CAE, said at the launch of the 2021 ASCM CONNECT...

The Great Supply Chain Disruption rages on, and the question on everyone’s minds is: How long can it possibly last? Industries across the globe are struggling with major shipping interruptio...

CHALLENGE: Achieve more efficient and environmentally sustainable deliveries SOLUTION: Drone Delivery Canada’s proprietary drone and DroneSpot solution COMPANY: DSV — Global Transport and Lo...

Scores of cargo ships are anchored off major ports and products are piling up outside warehouse doors. Ongoing product shortages exasperate consumers — we’ve all been warned repeatedly tha...

BOB TREBILCOCK: Welcome to The Rebound, where we'll explore the issues facing supply chain managers as our industry gets back up and running in a post COVID world. This podcast is hosted by Abe E...

With numerous tools available to help people learn about a company’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) practices, consumers now have higher standards for corporate dedication to sustainabil...

When the pandemic’s impacts started to become apparent and localized in early 2020, I — like many others — tracked the viral stories about household products being out of stock and the runs...

All around the world, warehouses are jam packed — some even have products piling up outside their doors. With this incredible demand squeeze, current warehousing prices are at an all-time high ...

The artificial intelligence (AI) we use today is known as weak or narrow because it can only handle the specific tasks it is programmed to do. Strong AI, or the level of AI often seen in fantast...

The mainstays of our global networks—seafarers, truck drivers and aviation personnel—have alerted world leaders to a “global transport systems collapse” in an open letter from the Interna...

ABI Research recently released its Smart Warehousing market data report, which found that warehouse automation is primed to reach all new heights. In addition to solutions such as headphone-enabl...

CHALLENGE: Improve operations, merchandising, display, quality control and profitability SOLUTION: Steel King Industries drive-through cantilever building COMPANY: Reeves Ace Hardware HEADQUARTE...

It’s really starting to feel like there’s some new product shortage every single day. Just this week, publishers warned that there will be significantly fewer printed books on store shelves i...

Welcome to the latest edition of SCM Now magazine — your award-winning, essential resource for real-world insights and strategies from supply chain experts and ASCM thought leaders. The innovat...

In a previous blog post , I highlighted a variety of robotics and automation solutions that are beneficial to Industry 5.0 warehouses both big and small. Although this technology is exciting, org...

Earlier this month, I wrote about being in the midst of the Great Supply Chain Disruption . Now, a report from e-learning platform Coursera says we’re facing another “Great”: the Great Resi...

In many supply chains, picking is one of the most expensive warehouse operations, comprising as much as 55% of a distribution center’s operating costs . The process also tends to be mundane, er...

As retailers face ongoing shortages , yet another wave of panic buying , and a frenzied upcoming holiday shopping season , Walmart is hiring for 20,000 new permanent positions in its supply chain...

After many months of market shakeups and lifestyle changes, COVID-19 continues to alter people’s lives across the globe. Yes, many businesses have reopened, people are going to the movies and a...

Serious damage caused by Hurricane Ida is once again forcing industries of all kinds to refocus on best practices for responding to major events. An effective recovery plan focuses on minimizing...

Earlier this week, I received an email from ASCM’s resident editor-in-chief. She pointed out a small but significant detail from an article in The New York Times: The media outlet — iconic fo...

The COVID-19 pandemic has forced many lenders in supply chain finance to pivot their strategies to the online or digital environment. Changes may include payment modifications, more self-service ...

Australia is famous for its distinctive wildlife: kangaroos, koalas, emus, quokkas — and, of course, its record-breaking number of snakes. In fact, the country is home to 20 of the 25 most ven...

We all remember the barren shelves in grocery stores during the first months of the pandemic. Aisles were devoid of toilet paper, disinfectant and frozen vegetables. For many consumers, this was ...

When I began writing SCM Now Impact, nearly 15 years ago, the idea was to spotlight something interesting happening in the news each week and explore how it related to supply chain. About a dozen...

The last mile of the distribution journey is arguably the most important step in the e-commerce or omnichannel process. This step directly connects the product with the consumer, and this is wher...

This week, the United Nations’ Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) delivered a simple and urgent warning to the world: The Earth will reach the 1.5-degrees-of-warming threshold by...

Digital twins enable supply chain professionals to monitor and analyze business problems in a safe environment, virtually testing solutions before applying them in real life. Although digital twi...

If you’re thinking that you’ll wait until Black Friday to start your holiday shopping, think again. Already, the 2021 season is shaping up to be worse than last year. Seemingly unending suppl...

BOB TREBILCOCK: Welcome to The Rebound, where we'll explore the issues facing supply chain managers as our industry gets back up and running in a post-COVID world. This podcast is hosted by Abe E...

The global pandemic highlighted the countless ways in which supply chain management is essential to keeping society running. Furthermore, it offered numerous inspirational examples of the profess...

Yet another round of COVID-19–related supply chain interruptions now is threatening to create supply shortages going into the back-to-school and holiday shopping seasons and put supply chains o...

Artificial intelligence (AI) technologies have the potential to exert a profound influence on supply chains. However, data shows that the technology is certainly not being used to its full potent...

City streets filled with quiet, eco-friendly cars could be a reality sooner than we think. Major automobile manufacturers already are preparing for a shift to electric cars and adjusting their ma...

The world is experiencing some tragic indicators of climate change. An unprecedented amount of rainfall has caused catastrophic flooding in Germany, Belgium and the Netherlands, leaving about 20...

BOB TREBILCOCK: Welcome to The Rebound, where we'll explore the issues facing supply chain managers as our industry gets back up and running in a post-COVID world. This podcast is hosted by Abe A...

Explore the brand-new issue of SCM Now magazine — an award-winning, essential resource for today’s supply chain professionals. Each issue features real-world insights, strategies and ideas fr...

United Airlines is currently in the process of modernizing its fleet with its largest-ever aircraft purchase. The Chicago-based carrier ordered 200 Boeing 737 Max jets and 70 Airbus A321neo aircr...

We live in a digital world in which a plethora of personal and professional data is uploaded from devices into a maze of interconnected networks all the time. Although digitization has made data ...

In some meetings, an issue is discussed, but no solution is reached. These types of problems usually require escalation, which means bringing them to the attention of higher-level managers who ha...

In a few weeks, Olympic athletes will run, bike, swim, climb and ride their way through miles of events to get to the gold. Between now and then, however, the pandemic is once again thwarting eve...

BOB TREBILCOCK: Welcome to The Rebound where we'll explore the issues facing supply chain managers, as our industry gets back up and running in a post-COVID world. This podcast is hosted by Abe E...

CHALLENGE: Improve technological support and operational efficiency while managing thousands of mobile devices SOLUTION: SOTI MobiControl COMPANY: Ruan HEADQUARTERS: Des Moines, Iowa OPERATION: T...

One of the biggest challenges facing supply chain managers is ensuring that there is enough supply in the pipeline to meet demand, without carrying too much additional stock. In a perfect system,...

As people have become taller and heavier , brands have altered their sizing metrics to make consumers feel smaller and skinnier. In fact, they made this shift so significantly that The Washington...

When Amazon (and a few others) started a logistics revolution, countless supply chains were caught off guard. The vast majority tried to put a very expensive band aid on a giant wound by relying ...

Unprecedented demand for a product can be a boon for any company — unless this demand pushes inventory into backorder territory. Backorders are a double-edged sword. When handled properly, a co...

Jobs in many industries, particularly restaurants and retail, are currently posting their highest-ever hourly wages. According to data analysis by The Wall Street Journal , the rise is largely a ...

BOB TREBILCOCK: Welcome to the Rebound where we'll explore the issues facing supply chain managers as our industry gets back up and running in a post COVID world. This podcast is hosted by Abe As...

Imagine you’re a purchasing manager at a company in a high-wage country and you’re tasked with sourcing an important component. You have one quote from an offshore supplier and one from a dom...

For more than 50 years , “Sesame Street” has taught children educational basics and important social skills to help them navigate the world. Now, two Sesame Street characters are navigating A...

If you’ve ever been responsible for leading change in an organization, you know how difficult it can be. Corporate change-management programs fail most often because of employee resistance and ...

COVID-19 has shown organizations that their frontline workers are key to keeping the business moving. Moreover, their participation, support and engagement are necessary for the global supply cha...

The Biden administration has completed its 100-day comprehensive review of semiconductor, high-capacity battery, pharmaceutical and critical minerals supply chains. The 250-page report details t...

Early in the pandemic, when companies and people were feeling blindsided by current events, we all just wanted to return to normal. Normal schooling, normal workplaces, normal grocery shopping; i...

Evolving business practices, laws and regulations, and technology continuously create new legal risks for companies. Small changes across different areas of business can open up an organization t...

Imagine being at work like any other day, but you suddenly discover that hackers have infiltrated your network. Worse yet, they’re demanding millions in ransom before they’ll release your sys...

Like other technologies and practices, 5G mobile communication technology is rolling out at different speeds in different markets around the world. Communities need to invest in both technology a...

Commercials for Verizon, T-Mobile, AT&T and other mobile phone carriers have been teasing the great new advances in service that will be made possible by 5G technology. Although many of the capab...

After an exceptionally tough year, more and more restaurants are finally at full capacity once more. Unfortunately, now they’re being squeezed by food shortages and escalating prices. Recentl...

EDITOR’S NOTE: Herbert Pechek, CSCP, CLTD, SCOR-P, earned the 2020 ASCM Award of Excellence —Supply Chain Leader, which recognized his pioneering efforts to implement a supply chain managemen...

Every executive and manager wants a magic wand that instantly makes their asset-management practices more effective, efficient and profitable. Of course, this magical solution doesn’t exist; ye...

All across the world, we’re seeing some pretty amazing applications of blockchain. Certainly, it’s helping build greater trust in all kinds of commercial transactions, contracts and data-shar...

; BOB TREBILCOCK: Welcome to The Rebound, where we'll explore the issues facing supply chain managers as our industry gets back up and running in a post COVID world. This podcast is hosted by A...

I’m happy to announce the launch of the May/June 2021 SCM Now magazine! Inside this issue, you will find stories that explore a new take on backorder excellence what 5G means for your supply ...

EDITOR’S NOTE: Boeing Co. was the winner of the 2020 ASCM Award of Excellence — Learning and Development. This award recognizes an organization’s commitment to productivity and advancement ...

As we gradually emerge from the rumbles of COVID-19, the world of work has been profoundly altered. Within this shifting environment, many supply chain inefficiencies have been revealed or accele...

Supply chain is all about connecting people, organizations and communities with the goods and services they need. Warehouse clerks, material handlers, assemblers, forklift and machine operators, ...

Efficient supply chain management depends on two key factors: the ability of information technology (IT) systems to manage data; and the ability of the people using those systems to know how to o...

Phone, tablet and laptop touchscreens are turning people into more visual consumers of information. We swipe, scroll and tap our way through the many messages, articles, apps and games that infor...

U.S. manufacturing activity is at a tipping point. In March, national factory activity reached its highest level in nearly 40 years. On top of that, U.S. President Joe Biden has promised to make...

BOB TREBILCOCK: Welcome to The Rebound where we'll explore the issues facing supply chain managers as our industry gets back up and running in a post-COVID world. This podcast is hosted by Abe...

Imagine living in a city where traffic flows smoothly, crime is almost nonexistent, power is inexpensive and always available, fires are largely prevented, and contagious viruses are quickly iden...

Heath departments, hospitals, pharmacies, and vaccination and distribution centers face myriad challenges when deploying last-mile, cold-storage infrastructure for COVID-19 vaccines. The vaccines...

Everywhere you look, raw material prices are skyrocketing — if you can find the materials you need at all. The Financial Times is warning consumers to brace themselves for climbing costs for e...

Most forecasts are wrong. They can be especially wrong when confronted with an extremely dynamic economy, constantly shifting competitor offerings and customer preferences, and myriad natural dis...

No sane person likes waste. However, in times of crisis — such as the twin emergencies of a pandemic and a global recession that we are experiencing right now — the often-hidden problem of wa...

This week, the world celebrated Earth Day, known as a time to take positive action toward advancing global, national and local environmental policy. The battle to protect and preserve our enviro...

Tackling climate change was a cornerstone of President Biden’s election campaign, and he has been quick to act on his promises. Within days of taking office, Biden signed an executive order to ...

In its 2019 global chief procurement officer (CPO) supply chain survey , Deloitte found that 54% of surveyed CPOs believed the skills and capabilities of their current teams were insufficient to ...

This past week, President Biden signed yet another executive order on the subject of the nation’s supply chains. This latest directive is related to the global shortage of semiconductors, whic...

One important supply chain lesson from the COVID-19 pandemic is that supplier relationship management is critical. It can make the difference between having the inventory you need or having empty...

For a long time, I have wrestled with how to make sales and operations planning (S&OP) strategic. Not because it is difficult conceptually, but because S&OP maturity truly exists along a continuu...

A “reset” is needed when it comes to the procurement professionals of the future, according to Forbes . “Expectations for procurement’s performance are high and growing higher.” The s...

BOB: Welcome to The Rebound, where we'll explore the issues facing supply chain managers as our industry gets back up and running in a post -COVID world. This podcast is hosted by Abe Eshkenazi...

Procurement specialists play a key role in supporting supply chains around the world. They serve as a critical link between suppliers and buyers and ensure that parts, inventory and products flow...

Supply chains have been around in various forms for decades. However, with the rise of digitization, artificial intelligence and countless other disruptive technologies, things are changing at an...

The lack of diversity in top corporate echelons has come into sharp focus in recent months. Protests for racial justice and an alarmingly disproportionate number of minorities being brutally st...

The recent blockage at the Suez Canal once again highlights the importance of freight visibility, as well as planning ahead with near-real-time updates and taking action whenever possible. Of cou...

The past year brought a range of challenges to industries across the globe. From remote work to rolling supply chain disruptions, the implications of a global pandemic are still being felt, often...

On Tuesday evening, a 200,000-ton tanker ran aground in the Suez Canal, and it is expected to block traffic through the weekend. One of the world’s most important waterways, 12% of global trade...

BOB TREBILCOCK: Welcome to The Rebound where we'll explore the issues facing supply chain managers as our industry gets back up and running in a post-COVID world. This podcast is hosted by Abe A...

When manufacturing and distribution businesses talk with bankers, the conversation often turns to customer concentration. This is a major risk factor for companies because their future sales, cas...

Are you more likely to be killed by a cow or a shark? How many muscles are in the trunk of an African elephant? Your fantasy baseball player with a .335 batting average had no hits in the las...

Around this time last year, SCM Now Impact discussed the many ways in which the lockdowns of COVID-19 led to plummeting pollution levels. In fact, subsequent research has shown that we were expe...

To call 2020 a difficult year would be an understatement. The world experienced its first pandemic in more than a century, with COVID-19 infecting 100 million and killing more than 2 million peop...

EDITOR’S NOTE: Sheila Birungi, CPIM, CSCP, earned the 2020 ASCM Award of Excellence — Emerging Supply Chain Leader, which recognized her efforts in driving innovations, enhancing master data...

The first day of spring is about a week away, and daffodils aren’t the only thing sprouting up in front lawns. For-sale signs have also begun their annual propagation, as spring is notoriously ...

BOB TREBILCOCK: Welcome to The Rebound, where we'll explore the issues facing supply chain managers as our industry gets back up and running in a post-COVID world. This podcast is hosted by Abe A...

EDITOR'S NOTE: F. Hoffmann La-Roche Ltd. was the winner of the 2020 ASCM Award of Excellence — Corporate Transformation. This award recognizes an organizational transformation that elevates the...

Welcome to the March/April 2021 SCM Now magazine! To keep the supply chain content fresh and relevant for our readers, the ASCM editorial staff is excited to be publishing bimonthly. Here's a tas...

On Monday, the world will observe International Women’s Day , a celebration of the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women everywhere. Importantly, the day also marks a c...

Polarity management is the process of governing the relationship between two paradoxical challenges. In procurement, when cost is at one end of the polarity, any number of factors could be at th...

EDITOR’S NOTE: Jalayna Bolden, CPM, earned the 2020 ASCM Award of Excellence — Diversity and Inclusion Champion, which honors a professional who displays exceptional commitment to diversity a...

According to the APICS dictionary , employee empowerment is the practice of giving nonmanagerial employees the responsibility and the power to make decisions regarding their jobs or tasks. Empowe...

This past week, President Biden signed an executive order that aims to fortify America’s supply chains, protect workers and avoid future shortages of critical components. Four key sectors were ...

BOB TREBILCOCK: Welcome to the Rebound where we'll explore the issues facing supply chain managers as our industry gets back up and running in a post-COVID world. This podcast is hosted by Abe ...

CHALLENGE: Reducing the cost, time and risk of bringing electric vehicles to market SOLUTION: IndustryStar Supply Chain as a Service COMPANY: May Mobility Inc. HEADQUARTERS: Ann Arbor, Mich. ...

This week, a winter storm battered numerous regions of the United States — including many areas that are inexperienced with, and ill-equipped to handle, frozen roads and bitter cold. As tempera...

Work-execution-management planning and condition-based maintenance are getting a lot of attention these days — as well they should. The internet of things combined with big data analytics and a...

Over the past few years, organizations around the world have made environmental innovation and disclosure a key part of their business models. The reasons are varied: Some companies care deeply a...

This is Black History Month, a time when we honor the accomplishments and contributions of Black people throughout U.S. history. According to National Geographic , the celebration honors all Blac...

BOB TREBILCOCK: Welcome to the Rebound, where we'll explore the issues facing supply chain managers as our industry gets back up and running in a post-COVID world. This podcast is hosted by Abe E...

When I attended Purchasing 101, the instructor emphasized that successful buyers must master three key things: cost reduction, cost reduction and cost reduction. Over the years, however, I’ve a...

Over the past few decades, I’ve held a variety of roles in operations, and I’ve worked for and with many different types of leaders. Many were quite effective. Others? Not so much. Some lea...

In each edition of SCM Now Impact, I write about the power of supply chains to positively influence global economies, communities and individuals. Over the years, I’ve explored the importance o...

EDITOR’S NOTE: La-Z-Boy Inc. was the winner of the 2020 ASCM Award of Excellence — Making an Impact. This award recognizes an initiative that creates a better world through supply chain as a ...

Unforeseen events are a fact of life. When it comes to inventory management, safety stock helps fill the gap when cycle stock is insufficient. The task for inventory managers is to calculate the ...

The importance of ecological stewardship, social responsibility and economic sustainability continues to intensify for businesses everywhere. According to a new report by the World Economic Foru...

The COVID-19 pandemic has changed how people work, shop, and connect with others. It’s also changed how people see doctors and get other medical services. The recent rise of telehealth and tele...

BOB TREBILCOCK: Welcome to The Rebound, where we'll explore the issues facing supply chain managers as our industry gets back up and running in a post-COVID world. This podcast is host...