Supply Chain Networks are evolving to become increasingly autonomous, letting intelligent software agents make simple decisions.
Strategy, Business Models
Organizational strategies related to supply chain, including performance management, policies, best practice/processes, business models, innovation, the global economy, etc.
Freshness Wars — Part Two: Challenges and Solutions for Improving Freshness
Maintaining freshness of produce and other fresh products is challenging for grocers and their suppliers. Here we discuss why, and how some of these challenges can be solved.
Supply Chain Networks Revealed — Part 2B: Comparison of Supply Chain Network Technologies
We examine integration, interoperability, and extending supply chain networks. Then we compare enterprise applications vs. integrator networks vs. Real-time SVoT networks.
Freshness Wars — Part One: Freshness, the Foundation of Competitiveness in Grocery
The quality of fresh food is the prime determinant of where consumers decide to shop for their groceries. Here we discuss why that is so and the role of freshness in competition for grocery market share.
Direct Materials P2P—Part One
The procure-to-pay process (P2P) for direct materials resists standardization and automation. As the critical execution phase of source and procurement, it is where the rubber meets the road for inbound materials. This is the first in a series on direct P2P, based on our primary research interviews and surveys we conducted.
Supply Chain Networks Revealed: Origins and Architectures of Supply Chain Networks — Part 2A
Here we discuss the origins and architecture of the two major types of supply chain networks: 1) Integrator Networks, and 2) Real-time SVoT Networks. As well, we explore the challenges of master data management for a supply chain network.
The Case for Autonomous Long-Haul Trucking
Predictions for rollout of driverless cars have shifted from “before 2020” to “after 2030”. Here we explore the many reasons we will likely see driverless long-haul trucking in a hub-to-hub model well before driverless cars are plying our city streets.
Space-Based Manufacturing and Logistics — Part Three: Mining and Logistics
In this final article of the series, we discuss current activities and future potential in space-based mining, as well as the various kinds of logistics that will be required for the emerging, diverse, space economy.
Supply Chain Networks Revealed: What They Do — Part 1B
Here we take a process-centric view of supply chain networks and show how they support end-to-end demand through fulfillment. This includes an example of how network-wide optimization can be accomplished.
Space-Based Manufacturing and Logistics: Part Two – Examples of Types of Manufacturing Being Pursued Now
We explore examples of space-based manufacturing that are currently being considered or pursued, such as ZBLAN optical fibers, biomanufacturing, construction of large structures, space-based farming, drugs, microfabrication, carbon nanotubes, and perfect spheres.
Last Mile Delivery Excellence – Part One: Perfecting the Customer’s Experience
Customers’ expectations for delivery excellence continue to climb for faster, error-free delivery, more granular visibility, more convenience, and increased flexibility. Here we discuss specific strategies and capabilities that leading companies are using to try and perfect the customer’s delivery experience, such as via hyperlocal delivery, dynamic dispatch and routing, adaptable workflows, dwell time reduction, real-time visibility, expanding the range of delivery windows, locations, and options, sustainable delivery, last minute rescheduling, and more