Conversations that center around the supply chain inevitably get stuffed quickly with buzzwords, ones that we don't always stop to consider carefully. So when we decided to spotlight supply chain efficiency, we thought it was important to get back to basics by asking ourselves the most fundamental question: What is efficiency, really? We turned to the Merriam-Webster Dictionary to get us started. Something that's efficient, the dictionary stated, is "capable of producing desired results with little or no waste (as of time or materials)." When you put it that way, it's no wonder that professionals all over the world are chasing this ideal when managing [...]

Larger companies are well-known for devoting significant resources to supply chain management. By hiring executives to create entire departments devoted to working with suppliers, streamlining operations, and uncovering efficiencies, these companies reap the benefits, which include lowering expenses, while increasing revenue—and profits. Supply chain management is just as important for small businesses, who can enjoy these same benefits. In fact, you might even argue that supply chain management is even more important to smaller enterprises, which operate on tighter margins and rely heavily on customer satisfaction for future success. In that spirit, our experts have put together four tips to guide small businesses as they [...]

The logistics world has a language all its own (we even have a glossary to help you decode it!). Within the logistics lexicon, the phrases "supply chain" and "supply chain management" are two that get thrown around frequently, and, yet, many might struggle to explain them quickly and easily. To shed some light on the topic, we're going to answer the frequently asked questions we hear around these two buzzwords. When you finish this article, you'll be able to explain exactly what these terms mean—and why they're so vital to businesses today. #1: What Is a Supply Chain, Exactly? The early months of 2020 brought [...]