I believe that the average American over the last three decades has become progressively more aware of global supply chains and the distinction between an American company and an American made product. However, I also believe that information on country-of-origin is still very opaque in many cases. But the automotive supply chain is an exception due to the regulations and reporting required. In 2006 I engaged in a conversation with a friend from high school, […]
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Author Archive for Clint Reiser
Last year after the MODEX exhibition I stated that autonomous mobile robotics (AMR) had moved from the concept phase to commercial availability and practical consideration. At this year’s Promat show I set out to evaluate the commercial progress of AMR in the warehouse. Ideally the progress would be confirmed by referenceable customers willing to discuss their operational success along with the financial feasibility of the solutions. Just yesterday I had the pleasure of speaking with Cindy Traver, the senior director of operations at […]
Read More →In March I provided a brief overview of the global trade management (GTM) solutions market and discussed some of the factors that encourage companies to invest in these solutions. There are a few “independent variables” that can explain GTM sales. Among them are regulation and compliance complexity, regulatory fine risks, supply chain complexity, and tariff costs. Public policy is a major determinant of trade tariffs and regulatory compliance risks. However, trade volumes affect total tariff […]
Read More →The political environment and public policy decisions are central determinants of global trade patterns. But political risk seems especially heightened in today’s international business environment. From the Brexit vote, to Trump’s trade renegotiation rhetoric, to Marine Le Pen’s promise of intelligent protectionism, there has been an undeniable trend of political intent to reexamine trade policies and free trade agreements. I am in the process of updating ARC’s Global Trade Management (GTM) market study and have […]
Read More →The Panama Canal is quite the engineering feat, described by some as the eighth wonder of the world. It is especially interesting to those in supply chain and logistics, as it is a critical resource in support of today’s vast international trade. It is also a complex operation subject to high levels of traffic with numerous constraints that can impact many company’s supply chain schedule. Modern supply chain planning applications model complex planning and scheduling […]
Read More →Last week’s ProMat trade show in Chicago exhibited many more interesting warehouse technologies than I could possibly view in one day. Thankfully, I was able to touch upon most, but not all, of my “must see technologies.” My high-level take away is that the show exhibited everything from the next high-profile, technical innovations to those that deliver less of a “gee wiz” emotional response, but also are likely to deliver a quicker payback to those companies […]
Read More →Global trade and free trade agreements – they’re hot topics today and they are responsible for tectonic shifts in various industries and the economic welfare of many. But they’re also topics that require ongoing management by today’s multinational companies and their trading, logistics, and finance partners. Luckily, there is a software application for that. A quick primer as I embark on the update to ARC’s Global Trade Management Market Research Study Trade Compliance That darn tax wedge. I consider trade […]
Read More →The ProMat show will begin in less than two weeks. I thoroughly enjoyed the show two years ago and personally believe it is (still?) a more comprehensive trade show than its Atlanta-based twin, Modex. I have spent a good amount of time over the last week setting up interviews and otherwise planning my time for ProMat 2017. Those of you that have attended the show in the past will understand how easy it is to […]
Read More →There are many sayings that tout experiential learning as superior to learning from a book. Well I must agree. I can tell you that there are many stories about consequential supply chain disruptions that have made an impact on me. But none of these made an impact on me comparable to running out of baby formula, baby antacids, or one of the many other items required to keep my infant twins happy. The lungs on these kids […]
Read More →I woke up on Sunday morning, made some coffee, and then logged on to Amazon.com and conveniently made a purchase from my couch. This simple set of two common daily tasks got me thinking about additive manufacturing (3D printing) and its potential to transform both current business models and their supply chains. My colleague Steve Banker has written on Logistics Viewpoints about 3D printing, its use for additive manufacturing and potential impact on logistics, and […]
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Supply Chain Brief
