The Brief – February 2020

AI in Supply Chain—Some Definitions

By Ann Grackin

Thursday, February 13, 2020

Plenty of obtuse definitions exist on the web, but none of them tell you what AI does for Supply Chain. These definitions definitely will. [ Read: AI in Supply Chain — Some Definitions ]

The Ethical Supply Chain Practitioner — Part Two: Labor and Ethical Business Practices

A look at how to ensure that suppliers are treating their workers fairly, paying living wages, not using forced labor, providing a safe working environment, allowing collective bargaining, have non-discriminatory hiring practices, and ethical business practices. These are required not only to minimize reputational risk, but to underpin a company’s purpose and identity as a force for good in the world.  [ Read: The Ethical Supply Chain Practitioner — Part Two ]

Infrastructure Is the Starting Point

Retail and Supply Chain with warehouse fulfillment, service management, and manufacturing are going through a vast make-over. Why? We need the data. And we need it now. It’s great to talk about IoT, but you need the infrastructure in place to collect that data. And that can be expensive — really expensive. Therefore, we need a range of solutions appropriate for each facility and pocketbook. [ Read: Infrastructure Is the Starting Point ]

Telematics Transformation: Part Seven — What to Look for in an ELD Solution Provider

Selecting the right solution provider is one of the most important decisions for a successful ELD/telematics implementation. We discuss what to look for in a solution provider and the value-add applications and services they provide. [ Read: Telematics Transformation: Part Seven ]

Geospatial Intelligence: Part Five — Traceability and Provenance Assurance

Traceability has become increasingly important in supply chains, whether it’s pharmaceuticals, food, lumber, electronic parts, conflict minerals, and other commodities. The goals of traceability are diverse, such as anti-counterfeiting, rapid response/recall when tainted goods are discovered, brand protection, fair trade, environmental protection, and prevention of diversion/grey market sales. [ Read: Geospatial Intelligence: Part Five ]