Operations Management: Page 70
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UNFI expects automated DCs to double pick speed
The wholesaler has been working to optimize its distribution network since 2019, consolidating its footprint on the West Coast from 10 facilities to six.
By Matt Leonard • March 16, 2021 -
Vaccine factories churn out millions more doses, speeding US rollout of coronavirus shots
Initially, making one batch of Pfizer's vaccine took roughly 110 days, a timeline the company has now worked down to an average of 60 days.
By Ned Pagliarulo • March 16, 2021 -
Explore the Trendline➔
Sean Gallup via Getty ImagesTrendlineInventory Management
Read how retailers and brand manufactures are rethinking inventory management.
By Supply Chain Dive staff -
Aldi to cut back packaging by 15%, convert to sustainable materials by 2025
The grocer aims to eliminate Styrofoam from produce packaging, sustainably source two coffee brands and add solar panels to some warehouses.
By Catherine Douglas Moran • March 16, 2021 -
E-commerce, transparency, sustainability key for CPG manufacturers in 2021
E-commerce will remain popular — redefining the consumer goods space — with 77% of consumers indicating they'll continue online shopping, said the Consumer Brands Association.
By Lauren Manning • March 15, 2021 -
Mondelez pledges to reduce new plastic use in packaging
The company is tackling its plastic sustainability commitments through use and reuse. One executive said federal infrastructure for recycling food packaging waste could support changes at scale.
By Barbara Smith • March 12, 2021 -
Big Lots to add 2 distribution centers to speed replenishment of palletized, big and bulky inventory
The retailer faces extended lead times with inventory stuck in-transit in a clogged ocean freight network.
By Matt Leonard • March 11, 2021 -
Dick's fulfills 70% of orders from stores, cuts delivery estimates 10%
The retailer's cost of goods sold — which includes shipping, freight and distribution, along with the cost of the merchandise — was up nearly 11%.
By Matt Leonard • March 10, 2021 -
Opinion
Rethink labor management. Peak no longer operates on a set schedule.
With a holiday season like no other, many companies found that their preparation left them unprepared to make frequent pivots.
By Carl Schweihs • March 9, 2021 -
Starbucks' real-time alerts allow for disruption response in days, not weeks
Supply chains are working to integrate risk management systems into their operations to provide visibility before disruptions occur.
By A.B. Brown • March 8, 2021 -
Foot Locker cites port congestion for nearly 24% drop in inventory
The retailer is working with its vendors to find alternative routings, and it expects its inventory position to improve this quarter, an executive said.
By Matt Leonard • March 8, 2021 -
Column
Reading between the supply chain lines: Walmart invests in talent, the supply chain lands on Mars
There is often more to a headline than meets the eye. These news stories may impact supply chain managers in unexpected ways.
By Rich Weissman • March 8, 2021 -
Hershey threatens to suspend non-compliant suppliers in effort to cut deforestation
A companywide policy to end deforestation across its supply chain by 2030 applies to all Hershey's raw material suppliers.
By A.B. Brown • March 4, 2021 -
A growing appetite for EVs tasks the supply chain to scale
Vehicle manufacturers are investing in redundant suppliers and regional networks to keep up with the demand for electric vehicles and boost resiliency.
By Aaron Perryman • March 4, 2021 -
Inventory mismatch squeezes Nordstrom's holiday quarter
To correct the issue, the retailer is canceling orders and returning goods to vendors, the CFO said.
By Daphne Howland • March 3, 2021 -
Inventories drop with no signs of softening demand: ISM
Shortages in ocean freight, corrugated boxes, gloves and dozens of other products are pushing up the prices for many commodities.
By Matt Leonard • March 3, 2021 -
'Right thing to do,' financial benefits drive supply chain investments in sustainability: Gartner
Waste reduction and water-efficiency improvements were the sustainability goals perceived as most likely to have a financial benefit.
By Matt Leonard • March 2, 2021 -
Target expands sortation center model to optimize store fulfillment
The retailer will also expand its distribution-center footprint in 2021, while using predictive inventory planning on more of its assortment.
By Matt Leonard • March 2, 2021 -
Lowe's fulfills 60% of online orders from stores, moving 6-times faster
The retailer is transitioning to a market-based model, with distribution centers and dozens of cross docks that allow more flexible fulfillment.
By Shefali Kapadia • March 2, 2021 -
Wayfair cites ocean shipping disruption, port congestion for in-stock issues
The retailer expects it could take a "few months" to get back to the in-stock levels it usually tries to maintain, one executive said.
By Matt Leonard • March 1, 2021 -
Cold storage construction heats up amid pandemic
Supply chain disruption, new competition and the need for specialty subcontractors are some of the challenges cold storage contractors face, but they aren't slowing them down.
By Kim Slowey • Feb. 26, 2021 -
Kohl's investor group proposes sourcing, inventory changes to win back margins
The group said the retailer is overpaying for purchases in a sourcing agreement it has with a third-party agent, which accounts for 20% of its total purchases.
By A.B. Brown • Feb. 25, 2021 -
White House delves into supply chain problems
Biden orders review of US supply chains after a year of shortages, delays
The review will start with understanding where suppliers are located, but experts say that making big changes could require government assistance.
By Matt Leonard • Feb. 25, 2021 -
Boeing supplier Spirit AeroSystems consolidates warehouse space with digital logistics center
The new Global Digital Logistics Center brings what was 500,000 square feet of warehouse space into a seven-story, 150,000-square-foot facility.
By Matt Leonard • Feb. 24, 2021 -
Packaging manufacturers compete for raw materials as takeout shakes up food service
One company has seen its lead times double for the materials it needs to make packaging.
By Jen A. Miller • Feb. 23, 2021 -
Deep Dive
Why the automotive supply chain is in a semiconductor jam
A shortage with no quick fix is shutting down production lines around the world, and capacity constraints at tier 3 put automakers' lean operations into question.
By Matt Leonard • Feb. 23, 2021