U.S. actions under Section 301 and Section 232 have significantly altered sourcing and factory locations. From 2018 to 2025, companies have reevaluated costs and risks due to global trade impacts. Boards must now quantify the effects of trade policies on pricing, lead times, and working capital. A tariff tool shows U.S. tariffs on China and…
In the United States supply chain, executives face a critical decision: Warehouse vs Distribution Center. This choice impacts cost, speed, and visibility. A warehouse focuses on storage and inventory control for extended periods. On the other hand, a distribution center emphasizes quick processing, packing, and shipping to customers. Grasping these differences is key to better…
Direct vs Indirect Procurement outlines how companies manage their purchases, risks, and operations. Direct procurement involves buying inputs that directly become the product, such as raw materials and machinery. Disruptions here can halt production and revenue. Indirect procurement, on the other hand, covers goods and services essential for business operations. This includes IT equipment, facilities…
Inventory management leaders must choose between ongoing counts or a full snapshot. This choice affects compliance, operational impact, and financial control. The goal is to enhance inventory accuracy, maintain warehouse efficiency, and fulfill reporting needs without unnecessary costs or disruptions. Cycle counting is a continuous process. Teams focus on specific SKUs on set days, often…
For leaders managing tight margins and volatile demand, understanding Just-in-Time (JIT) inventory is critical. This article offers a balanced look at JIT inventory management, backed by evidence from established manufacturing and supply chain sources. It aims to provide practical insights, highlighting the benefits of JIT while also outlining the risks that can impact the United…
The last mile is the most complex and expensive part of the US logistics market. Costs rise due to labor, fuel, and other factors like congestion and emissions. Research from McKinsey and the Baymard Institute highlights these issues. This section outlines the main challenges and how to improve delivery efficiency while keeping customer satisfaction high….
In the United States, supply chain management is built on a foundation of logistics levels. These levels, from 1PL to 5PL, indicate the extent of outsourcing a company undertakes. Each level offers unique logistics solutions and freight management capabilities, tailored to meet growth objectives and service complexity. At the base, 1PL signifies no outsourcing. Here,…
Many organizations confuse procurement and purchasing, seeing them as interchangeable terms. Yet, they represent distinct disciplines with different scopes, intentions, and levels of control. This section aims to clarify the differences for business leaders who oversee budgets, suppliers, and compliance. Procurement is a strategic process that guides decisions before, during, and after a purchase. It…
In supply chain management, the distinction between receiving and sending is clear. Inbound vs Outbound Logistics encapsulates this divide. Inbound encompasses sourcing, expediting, receiving, inspection, materials handling, stock control, and transport into plants, warehouses, or retail nodes. Outbound, on the other hand, involves warehousing, selection, packaging, order fulfillment, transport, last-mile delivery, and customer communication to…
The 5S Methodology offers a clear path to creating organized and productive workspaces. It emerged in the 1950s within the Toyota Production System to combat waste. This waste includes unnecessary search time, excess motion, and misplaced materials. The methodology’s steps—Sort, Set in order, Shine, Standardize, Sustain—encourage daily discipline. This discipline supports continuous improvement, known as…