All Columns

The hard job of teaching soft skills

Wednesday, November 20, 2024 · SCMR Staff Advanced technology is driving the need to improve so-called soft skills such as communication, leadership and problem-solving.

Unlocking retention: The role employee engagement plays

Tuesday, November 12, 2024 · Brian Straight Employee engagement is a tricky proposition for many companies, but starting with communication is one way to jumpstart retention.

5 common communication issues

Friday, November 1, 2024 · SCMR Staff Since procurement touches all aspects of an organization, effective communication with both internal and external audiences becomes paramount to organizational success.

DEI remains a force in business success

Thursday, October 17, 2024 · Brian Straight While DEI has become a divisive topic in the current political environment, studies have found that businesses that employ DEI education are more likely to have supply chain success.

Insider knowledge is the key to advocating for resources

Tuesday, October 8, 2024 · SCMR Staff Supply chain managers have new-found leverage in organizations post-Covid, but that leverage requires broader knowledge of the organization to effectively advocate for the necessary resources.

Embracing process mining as part of your digital transformation

Tuesday, September 10, 2024 · Brian Straight With SAP discontinuing support for some legacy products in 2027, the rush is on for companies to transform their digital processes for new technologies.

Delivery costs continue to drive shopper preferences

Monday, August 26, 2024 · Jeff Berman Driven by high levels of online shopping and e-commerce activity, consumers’ ongoing desire for free and fast shipping remains in high demand. But for retailers unable to meet these demands, consumers will not hesitate to turn to other alternatives.

Why succession planning is key to retaining supply chain expertise

Tuesday, August 13, 2024 · Brian Straight When many people think of business succession planning, often they are speaking of the CEO’s chair. But succession planning within departments is a critical part of ensuring business continuity.

Managing procurement in a price-sensitive environment

Friday, August 2, 2024 · Brian Straight Chief procurement officers face challenges in securing materials and supplies in a volatile supply chain yet still controlling that spending.

Boeing reins in spending; Education; Sustainability and Hurricane Beryl

Wednesday, July 31, 2024 · Brian Straight Earlier this year, Boeing’s Tiffany Andrews joined Fairmarkit’s Erin McFarlane on stage at the ISM World Conference to discuss how the aircraft giant has leaned into artificial intelligence to get better control of its tail spend and land its out-of-control spending.

When disaster strikes, the supply chain becomes the key to life

Monday, July 22, 2024 · Brian Straight Humanitarian supply chains are the key to survival for many following disasters, but the planning involved begins long before a disaster ever strikes.

An educated workforce is loyal, but what type of education is best?

Wednesday, July 17, 2024 · Bridget McCrea In supply chain, an alphabet soup of certification credentials is available to employees, who must weigh which ones offer the best career opportunities.

Keys to staying ahead of the competition

Tuesday, July 9, 2024 · Brian Straight The unique role supply chains play in an organization means they can have an outsized impact on the market competitiveness of the company.

The key to good data management? Start with good data

Friday, July 5, 2024 · Brian Straight As more companies turn to AI to manage and analyze their data, the concept of clean data sometimes gets pushed to the side.

Assessing the e-commerce supply chain as sales, imports grow

Monday, June 24, 2024 · Brian Straight Retail sales continue to grow, albeit at slower rates, and as a result, brands are taking advantage of excess cargo capacity in bringing in merchandise earlier than normal.