What you need to know about smart manufacturing

New technologies and connected networks affect supply chains both upstream and downstream, changing everything from sourcing to logistics.

By Shefali Kapadia • May 21, 2018

Next-generation technology raises the bar for logistics managers

Experts say we've reached a tipping point for technology, shifting executives' focus beyond the factory walls.

By Craig Guillot • May 21, 2018

Explore the Trendline➔

AI in Supply Chain Management

Warehouse automation, logistics management and procurement processes are just a few of the ways companies are using AI to streamline their supply chains.

By Supply Chain Dive staff

Smart manufacturing challenges businesses to rethink sourcing

Buying sensors and software for Industry 4.0 requires a fundamental change in mindset and relationships with suppliers. 

By Shefali Kapadia • May 21, 2018

What factors contribute to a climate ripe for smart manufacturing?

Smart manufacturing is a "leap forward from more traditional automation to a fully connected and flexible system," but transition barriers must be dealt with to realize value.

By Deborah Abrams Kaplan • May 21, 2018

11 technologies set to shape smart manufacturing

New tools like 3D printing and artificial intelligence have created a paradigm shift in technology and revealed a new world of supply chain efficiencies yet to be unlocked.

By Jordan Branch , Edwin Lopez • May 21, 2018

Chain Reaction: (Un)happy Infrastructure Week!

Ports are frustrated by the lack of funding options, even as one railway gets what it needs.

By Kate Patrick Macri • May 18, 2018

Treating supply chain as a cost center leaves value on the table

A survey from Accenture found the department is seldom involved in new technology investment decisions, which hinders strategic execution.

By Edwin Lopez • May 16, 2018

HSBC, Cargill successfully complete blockchain trade-finance transaction

The transaction could propel interest in blockchain, as worldwide spending on the tech solution is forecast to reach $2.1 billion in 2018.

By Barry Hochfelder • May 15, 2018

Warehouse robotics are catching on, but to a limited scale

Tough ROI calculations, cost and implementation barriers mean the top adapters of the new tech are logistics providers, while others lag behind.

By Edwin Lopez • May 15, 2018

Tech's benefits for procurement are endless, but useless without baseline data

Procurement leaders' frequent interactions with suppliers can help them gather external data needed for their companies to innovate.

By Shefali Kapadia • May 15, 2018

4 takeaways from ISM 2018

Technology and mitigating supply chain disruptions are top of mind for many procurement professionals.

By Shefali Kapadia • May 14, 2018

Chain Reaction: White House organizes AI summit

On Capitol Hill, Maersk and UPS were among the industry representatives testifying to Congress on blockchain's use cases.

By Kate Patrick Macri • May 11, 2018

Alphabet, FedEx, Uber to participate in DOT drone program

Ten local municipalities with private partners will develop drone pilot programs to help the Department of Transportation craft regulation for drone use.

By Kate Patrick Macri • May 10, 2018

Can government solve the industry's cyber woes?

Former NSA and CIA directors think the private sector should share more information with government agencies so agencies can help protect them from cyberattacks.

By Shefali Kapadia • May 9, 2018

Two Volvo companies to share real-time data, advancing safety tech

The technology is a continuation of vehicles “talking” to each other about traffic, fuel usage, driver hours of service and route optimization. 

By Barry Hochfelder • May 9, 2018

Payments through Outlook could revolutionize procurement

Automatic payments could help companies pay suppliers on time (and vice versa) and maintain a positive cash flow.

By Rich Weissman • May 9, 2018

More delivery robots could soon hit DC streets

The Council of the District of Columbia approved a bill that would expand the pilot program citywide and allow more than five on the street at once.

By Chris Teale • May 9, 2018

Blockchain baffles pharma supply chains

At an event hosted by the Center for Supply Chain Studies, the FDA, biopharma industry and blockchain service providers gathered to discuss practical implementation for the drug supply chain.

By Kate Patrick Macri • May 8, 2018

E-tail pioneer QVC refashions its supply chain in digital age

Amazon and Walmart may dominate the e-commerce conversation, but the third largest multiple product-category e-tailer has been selling direct-to-consumer for decades.

By Deborah Abrams Kaplan • May 8, 2018

Toyota announces autonomous vehicle research facility

The new site will recreate urban environments to test AVs safely and improve the technology.

By Barry Hochfelder • May 7, 2018

White House considers executive action against Chinese telecom companies

The telecom supply chain is in for upheaval if the U.S. cracks down on Chinese suppliers over national security concerns.

By Rich Weissman • May 4, 2018

What does the future of in-store payments look like?

Most major retailers are adopting scan-and-go options, but just walk out technology, facial recognition and personalization are all likely to guide the future of the tech.

By Corinne Ruff • May 4, 2018

Chain Reaction: Localizing the auto supply chain may not work

With NAFTA negotiations winding down, the U.S. is still pushing "America First" policies. In other news, Nikola sues Tesla over electric truck patent infringement.

By Kate Patrick Macri • May 4, 2018

Campbell Soup's plan to train 200 supply chain leaders begins with software

The company said Monday it would use CorpU, a leadership development and workforce analytics platform, to train and evaluate its supply chain and manufacturing employees.

By Edwin Lopez • May 2, 2018

HP 3D prints a new supply chain

Better printer speed, life cycle management and additive design. HP's Chief Supply Chain Officer Stu Pann explains why the company does not just make 3D printers, but uses them, too.

By Craig Guillot • May 1, 2018