Introduction to Logistics & Supply Chain Management

whitePaper | November 22, 2019

The vision and industry initiatives working toward what is known as the “physical Internet” started with the concept of transforming the transportation industry operating model into an open logistics system, where goods in the supply chain flow as freely and cost-effectively as data across the Internet. Regardless of whether the vision is realized completely or only partially, global supply chains will continue to evolve toward synchronizing all aspects of supply and demand, from shipments to capacity.

whitePaper | November 10, 2022

Following the 2015 adoption of the Paris Agreement, the International Maritime Organization (IMO) set targets to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from the shipping industry. The IMO is aiming for a minimum 50% reduction in total annual GHG emissions by 2050, as compared to 2008 levels. Many shipping industry bodies and IMO members, however, are advocating for a net zero target for 2050. This would require much more ambitious interim objectives for 2030 and 2040 to stay on track to meet the Paris Agreement.

whitePaper | June 3, 2022

Production and intralogistics in the consumer goods industry are currently undergoing significant changes. This is the result of rising cost pressures and the need for greater automation as well as increasing product variants and customization. The changes that are taking place also relate to the goal of digitization: Every sensor, every machine, and all people involved in the production and intralogistics processes should be able to communicate with each other at all times. The vertical and, in the next step, horizontal networking of sensors, machines and factories is the systematic further development of this digitalization.

whitePaper | May 18, 2022

in March 2021, the Minnesota Legislature introduced legislation that aims to establish a clean fuels standard. This legislation would entail a 20% reduction in the carbon emissions of the transportation sector within the state by 2035 when compared to a 2018 baseline. Minnesota’s freight transportation system plays a critical role in supporting the region’s economic competitiveness and quality of life (Metropolitan Council 2020). However, concerns over GHGs have led state government authorities to create a plan for electric freight vehicles to replace conventional diesel trucks

whitePaper | January 9, 2023

There are many risks associated with employing individuals with invalid motor vehicle records to drive on company time. At the top of the list is public safety. That’s why commercial driver license holders are mandated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulation (FMCSA) to notify their employer of any motor vehicle violations within 30 days of conviction. If the driver’s commercial driver’s license (CDL) is suspended, revoked, canceled, or if he/she is disqualified from driving, the employee must notify the employer within one business day.¹ This allows the employer to take action immediately.

whitePaper | February 28, 2022

While our inboxes are flooded on a daily basis with news about how the pandemic has created supply chain and commodities issues, global organizations must think about more than just near-term issues. Although the pandemic will recede, long-term factors like geo-politics, evolving governance standards, changes in regulations, environmental and tax laws, and implementation of new trade agreements will force a reorientation of global supply chains. Gone are the days where “lean” metrics were the sole drivers of supply chains, as a multitude of factors must be considered moving into the future.