A cargo spill can cause more than a mess — it can delay shipments, raise safety concerns and disrupt the supply chain. In this Supply Chain Byte, Lisa Anderson breaks down how to plan for the unexpected, coordinate with partners and adjust plans through SIOP to minimize disruption.
Distributors play a critical role in the supply chain in connecting manufacturers to customers with inventory, logistics, and fulfillment. As tariffs, geopolitical risks, and tax and regulatory changes take place, supply chains will evolve. Forward-thinking distributors are determining how to mitigate risks and take advantage of the opportunities that emerge with artificial intelligence and advanced technologies.
The Southern California ports had a record-breaking month as the tariffs smoothed out and companies started preparing for peak season. As supply chains evolve significantly over the next several years, logistics systems will evolve. Companies must think ahead, predictively evolve their networks, modernize and upgrade their facilities, processes, and technologies.
Lisa Anderson participated on a panel for the Lou Desmond radio show to discuss the record-breaking month for the Southern California ports, the latest economic indicators for manufacturing and supply chain, impacts related to tariffs, and likely interest rate cuts in the fall as well as the importance of critical minerals in driving global supply chains.
Increasing inventory levels is seen as a trade-off with service and efficiency levels; we find that a win-win-win is achievable. The key: Have the right inventory in the right place at the right time and gain a predictive view of demand to optimise your schedules to reduce inventory while increasing service and efficiency.
When disruptions hit, transportation often takes the blame. But now, it's also where opportunity hides. As transportation and trucking are expected to emerge from the freight recession, there is a short window of opportunity for companies to evaluate supply chain reconfigurations and develop transportation strategies.
Where do we stand with imports & exports? The U.S. broke records with the highest trade deficit (imports - exports) on record in 2024 at $1.2 trillion. Q1's trade deficit set records at a massive $465 billion, as companies pulled goods in early to mitigate the potential impact of [...]
Congress passed what has been referred to as the "One Big Beautiful Bill (OBBB)", and it has been signed into law. There are far-reaching implications for manufacturers and supply chain organizations. The bottom line is that it is expected to spur growth and success with tax benefits and supporting incentives.
Tariffs continue to cause great stress in the financial markets and with certain industries. In fact, it divides manufacturers from distributors, logistics, and goods movement industries largely dependent on imports and trade.
The Strait of Hormuz is a geopolitical chokepoint — and a critical reminder of why advanced supply chain planning is non-negotiable. In this Supply Chain Byte, Lisa Anderson highlights the ripple effects that disruptions in this narrow strait can cause and how strategic planning, risk assessment and scenario modeling help companies stay ahead.
