The storm that blanketed the U.S. had impacts that reverberated throughout the supply chain. Artificial intelligence and advanced technologies can refocus efforts from reactive to proactive and improve the outcome for people and mitigate further supply chain disruptions.
Greenland has been in the news as Trump has insisted that the U.S. should own it, and Denmark is not willing to give it up. Regardless of how that debate works out, Greenland has been highlighted as strategic in the global supply chain, from a shipping route, defense, and rare earth elements standpoint.
U.S. labor productivity soared at a 4.9% rate in the most recent quarter as compared to the typical annualized rate of 2% during the current business cycle. We are seeing productivity gains across the board as manufacturers utilize predictive processes such as SIOP and advanced technologies such as AI, robotics, and the automation of processes and better utilization of ERP.
Global supply chains started a full transformation in 2025 spurred on with geopolitical risk and encouraged by tariffs, and the pace accelerates as the New Year kicks off with geopolitics dominating the conversation and fundamentals making a comeback. We review learnings from the prior year and priorities for success in 2026.
As we close in on year-end, successful manufacturers are focused on executing proactive plans. Learn about the strategies the best companies are using to accelerate the pace and separate from the pack. The ability to scale, provide customer value and gain EBITDA will drive success in the New Year.
Smart proactive companies are moving supply chains from global to local - or regional at a minimum. Yet the best companies are doing that while also focusing on resiliency. Our best clients are getting ahead of the pack with proactive strategies to move towards local with resiliency.
Although it starts with a depressing state of affairs for manufacturers, there is vast opportunity on the horizon. Manufacturing investments have been pouring into the U.S. and the three pillars of economic success are trending positive. Companies must prepare to scale and for success.
Geopolitics have been driving significant changes in supply chains. For example, stemming from the China threat, GM has just announced that it wants parts makers to pull supply chains from China. As supply chains evolve, it creates an expansive effect. As companies evaluate supply chain network changes, there are many items to take into account
Companies are only as strong as the weakest link in their supply chain. If you dig further into your supply chain, it is likely you will find dependencies on rare earth minerals. Read about strategies to scale rare earth production rapidly.
The economy has a distinct impact on manufacturing. Although U.S. manufacturing has gone sharply down with offshoring for lower wages, less regulations, and fewer hurdles, there remains a base crux of manufacturing might that is turning into a renaissance with favorable tax, tariff and interest rate policies.
