Round 1: NAFTA talks open with ambitious goals

The first of seven rounds of negotiations begins today, with Canada, Mexico and the U.S. discussing more than 30 topics — many of which are bound to be contentious.

By Edwin Lopez • Aug. 16, 2017

Grocers struggle to adopt new tech, procurement strategies

In the face of stiff competition from Amazon and Walmart, grocers need to take a closer look at their internal processes to find a way to keep profits up.

By Jennifer McKevitt , Kate Patrick Macri • Aug. 11, 2017

Explore the Trendline➔

Inventory Management

Read how retailers and brand manufactures are rethinking inventory management.

By Supply Chain Dive staff

Procurement tech may lower labor costs, but staffing only tells part of the story

World class organizations know how to leverage tech to reduce the most routine functions, but procurement professionals never rest in finding new ways to increase supplier performance margins.

By Rich Weissman • Aug. 11, 2017

Walmart joins Chemical Footprint Project to reduce toxic substances

The retail giant's participation could help drive hazardous chemicals out of the market.

By Jennifer McKevitt • Aug. 8, 2017

Report: SMEs are adopting procurement earlier, but still as reactionary measure

Small businesses are more eager than ever to adopt holistic supply chain strategies, but procurement often is left out of the initial transition stages.

By Rich Weissman • Aug. 4, 2017

After factory explosion, Bangladesh pledges a digital map of garment industry by 2021

The map will include detailed data to help brands assure supplier compliance with codes of conduct and international standards.

By Edwin Lopez , Jennifer McKevitt • Aug. 2, 2017

Reuters: Walmart's sourcing strategy defies 'Made in America' promises

The retail giant has been pushing its pro-U.S. credentials, but the need to keep its online channel stocked with cheap, diverse products has the company turning to foreign vendors.

By Jennifer McKevitt • July 31, 2017

Deadly salmonella outbreak from imported papayas exposes food safety issues

At least 46 people have gotten sick and one has died from contamination federal regulators believe originated from tree fruits imported from Mexico.

By Megan Poinski • July 31, 2017

Survey: Most retail professionals use outdated methods for sourcing

Despite the availability and benefits of digital sourcing tools, a new survey reveals retail professionals are lagging in implementation.

By Rich Weissman • July 27, 2017

Central America emerges as leading source for value-added products

Nixed trade deals, improved logistics infrastructure and the pressure for speedy fulfillment are positioning the region as an alternative to Asia.

By Edwin Lopez , Jennifer McKevitt • July 27, 2017

Shrinkflation hits UK as cost-reduction schemes minimize packaging

A government survey of more than 3,000 products found 80.4% had decreased in size over the past year without comparable size reductions.

By Jennifer McKevitt • July 25, 2017

In trade victory, US will begin exporting rice to China

The agreement is a big win for the Trump administration, although grain exporters may face challenges convincing Chinese buyers to prioritize their product.

By Jennifer McKevitt • July 24, 2017

Survey: Finance says procurement savings do not reach the bottom line

A disconnect between the two department hampers accurate reporting on the value of procurement initiatives.

By Rich Weissman • July 21, 2017

Case study: How a trade deal will affect pharma R&D, supply chains

Canada's recent drug patent reform shows how modern trade deals go beyond tariff reduction to push for regulatory changes that benefit certain industries.

By Edwin Lopez • July 20, 2017

Canadian timber prices rise as fires consume product

Wildfires may limit wood availability, driving up prices and depressing the construction industry.

By Jennifer McKevitt • July 18, 2017

FDA struggles to trace contamination within complex food supply chains

The FSMA helps to identify sources of food contamination more quickly, but the burden of the risk of food poisoning still falls on the consumer.

By Jennifer McKevitt • July 17, 2017

IBM, Automation Anywhere want to automate rote, data-intensive tasks

The collaboration is intended to help companies improve processes and free employees to focus on more creative aspects of their jobs.

By Justine Brown • July 14, 2017

Group purchasing saves healthcare supply chains up to 18% of costs

A new study conducted by a former FTC chairman defends GPOs' use of vendor funding and warns Congress against changing the funding mechanism, saying it could increase costs for healthcare supply chains.

By Rich Weissman • July 13, 2017

Walmart will fine suppliers for late, early deliveries in push for inventory control

The new rule may have unintended consequences at Walmart's loading docks, however, as carriers will lose a time-based risk buffer to account for traffic, weather and hours-of-service delays.

By Jennifer McKevitt • July 12, 2017

How contracts help define supplier performance

Too often contracts are negotiated, signed, celebrated and then filed away — never to be seen again. But managing contracts well may help improve performance.

By Rich Weissman • July 11, 2017

Supplier financial risk lies at the core of disruptions, per procurement pros

A survey of executives at ProcureCon Indirect East revealed that more than half the respondents did not track supplier financial health after onboarding, but recent events suggest it is a good time to start.

By Rich Weissman • July 7, 2017

GSK taps suppliers, Schneider to meet emission targets

The British drugmaker aims to be carbon neutral by 2050 and will need help from its hundreds of suppliers to help cut down on emissions.

By Edwin Lopez • July 6, 2017

Butter spot prices surge to new global high, brand buyers panic

What was previously a glut based on artificially low prices turns to a shortage and a spike in demand.

By Jennifer McKevitt • July 6, 2017

McCormick hopes to capitalize on good relationship with Amazon

The spice company knows that maintaining strong vendor-seller relationships can present new selling opportunities and purchasing options.

By Jennifer McKevitt • July 6, 2017

Logistics professionals must step up to help stem influx of opioid drugs

A united pharmaceutical effort is required to stem the flow of fentanyl and its imitators.

By Jennifer McKevitt • July 5, 2017