Ask the Experts

Ask the Experts

• How will self-driving vehicles affect the environment?

  Autonomous vehicles are on track to change logistics forever. Some believe that might be a good thing for the environment.  Continue Reading

• How is e-commerce packaging waste an issue, and what can be done?

  As the world turns to online shopping for convenience, a pressing issue is developing -- packaging waste. Here are some considerations to get the conversation started.  Continue Reading

• Which companies could use inventory optimization software?

  Inventory -- although necessary -- is expensive to keep and needs fine-tuned management. Here's a look at why inventory optimization software can help.  Continue Reading

• Three top logistics trends companies should be researching for 2018

  E-commerce is having a powerful effect on logistics and the supply chain. Here are three trends that are happening today that are likely to affect your company.  Continue Reading

• Can warehouse robots help solve supply chain issues?

  The direct-to-consumer model is transforming warehouse management and, in turn, supply chain management. Here's a look at how robotics is helping to solve some of the issues.  Continue Reading

• What are some reasons to use inventory optimization software?

  Knowing how much inventory to keep on hand can make or break your customer service. Here's a look at software that can help you get it right.  Continue Reading

• How can production leveling help companies become lean?

  Eliminating waste is an important principle in lean production. Here's a look at how heijunka, or production leveling, can help achieve that.  Continue Reading

• How can advanced planning and scheduling software trump ERP?

  Production planning, production scheduling and other supply chain tasks are challenging. Advanced planning and scheduling can provide nuanced calculations to help.  Continue Reading

• How can advanced planning and scheduling software help meet demand?

  MRP can be a great tool for estimating lead times and other critical information, but its logic rests on averages. Here's how a different option provides more nuanced estimates.  Continue Reading

• What is the role of demand shaping in supply chain planning?

  In the age of omnichannel, an effective demand shaping process is critical. Here's what you need to know about the strategy and collaboration that process requires.  Continue Reading

• What are some applications that qualify as digital manufacturing technologies?

  Digital manufacturing is a broad term that embraces a concept of data-driven connectedness. Here are two areas of enterprise technology that can help create it.  Continue Reading

• Should your company consider a dual-sourcing strategy?

  Turning to more than one supplier can be critical in a business landscape marked by disruption and complexity. Here's what you should know.  Continue Reading

• What do digital manufacturing technologies gain from IoT technologies?

  IoT technologies can support a digital manufacturing approach in a myriad of ways, especially in data gathering. Here's a deeper look.  Continue Reading

• How can SMBs begin to implement digital transformation technology?

  Ray Boggs, IDC vice president of SMB research, offers some advice for SMBs as they begin to think about implementing digital transformation technology.  Continue Reading

• What are today's most critical supply chain management issues?

  Savvy supply chain managers need to take stock of the issues affecting today's supply chains so they can be proactive about strategy. Here's what they should know.  Continue Reading