Today, the boardrooms in the United States view supply chain strategy as a fundamental driver of business value. The COVID-19 pandemic, trade tariffs, port blockages, and shipping shortages have prompted a shift. Leaders now focus on a disciplined, end-to-end approach. They aim to align all aspects of the supply chain to cut costs and enhance…
Procurement is the complete process for acquiring goods and services by organizations. It involves defining needs, selecting suppliers, making contracts, purchasing, receiving, and paying for goods. This process is vital for both strategy and execution in procurement. The procurement meaning goes beyond a single purchase. It includes policies, market analysis, and risk management to ensure…
U.S. shippers are grappling with rising costs, labor shortages, and unpredictable service levels. Executives seek supply chain solutions that streamline planning, execution, and compliance without increasing complexity. This section explores how logistics management, backed by technology integration, can enhance speed, accuracy, and control in both national and cross-border networks. Descartes offers cloud-based logistics platforms that…
In the U.S., supply chains operate under tight margins, unpredictable demand, and fluctuating lead times. Companies require a tool that bridges planning with execution, demonstrating immediate value. This piece explores how supply chain planning software acts as a practical solution for logistics. It aims to lower costs while maintaining service quality. Three platforms stand out…
Supply chain risk management has become a critical concern for boards of directors. The COVID-19 pandemic revealed vulnerabilities in global supply chains, turning minor delays into significant disruptions. Research by Amy David, PhD, at Purdue University highlights that while disruptions are unavoidable, losses can be mitigated. Companies that prepare effectively use risk assessments, stress tests,…
Supply chains in the United States are under immense pressure to improve speed, reduce errors, and manage costs. Artificial intelligence is now a game-changer, bringing significant benefits to planning, logistics, and execution. Gartner predicts a doubling of machine automation in supply chain organizations within five years, marking a significant shift towards widespread adoption. Investment in…
Modern supply chains significantly influence corporate environmental outcomes. CDP research shows that supply chain emissions can be up to 11.4 times higher than direct emissions. This often exceeds 90% of a company’s total footprint. For consumer sectors, more than 80% of greenhouse gases and over 90% of impacts on air, soil, and land arise beyond…
A supply chain is the complete system that brings a product or service from its initial stages to the final delivery. It involves coordinating various organizations, individuals, activities, information, and resources. These elements transform raw materials into finished goods. Key U.S. references, such as NIST SP 800-37 Rev. 2 and NIST SP 800-53 Rev. 5,…
Supply chain collaboration involves strategic coordination among trading partners to enhance the flow of goods, services, and information. It transforms traditional transactional relationships into integrated cooperative partnerships. Through real-time data sharing and joint decision-making, value is created that isolated operations cannot achieve. In today’s globalized business environment, coordination among suppliers, manufacturers, distributors, and retailers is…