General

Geopolitical tensions, new legislation, cyberattacks or natural disasters – global supply chains are constantly exposed to new challenges and risks. A company’s ability to respond effectively to unforeseen events often determines its long-term success. Since the Covid-19-pandemic at the latest, it has become clear that within a supply chain context, resilience is not a luxury, but a necessity for any forward-looking company. In this article, we present five strategies that can be applied to increase the resilience of supply chains.

In our global economy, the management of complex supply chains is crucial to a company’s success. The Supply Chain Operation Reference Model (SCOR model) provides a comprehensive framework for this matter and aims to improve supply chain performance: SCOR was developed by the global non-profit organization Supply Chain Counsil (SCC) and is used worldwide to review and optimize supply chain performance. We explain which parameters the model uses, how it supports strategic risk management and what challenges can arise during implementation.

The logistics industry faces numerous challenges when it comes to reducing the environmental impact of global goods movements. Companies must continually adapt to reduce their environmental impact while remaining economically viable. Many supply chain managers are therefore increasingly shifting their strategic focus towards the so-called Big 5 of sustainability: procurement, packaging, storage, transportation and returns. In this blog article, we explain how each of these areas can contribute to a more environmentally conscious and responsible approach.

The complexity of international trade and the associated logistical challenges are constantly increasing. Cross-border movements of goods are the backbone of our global economy. However, their efficiency and security depend crucially on the ability to track and control shipments accurately. The use of IoT, advanced tracking systems and data analytics is becoming increasingly important to optimize these processes. In this blog article, we explain how providing real-time data and visibility improves the control and monitoring of global supply chains, thus enabling companies to respond proactively to change and strengthen their competitiveness.

The adoption of the European Green Deal marks a turning point in the shaping of our economic future. Through new standards for sustainability, green logistics and environmentally friendly business, Europe is to become the first climate-neutral continent by 2050 and decouple its growth from the use of resources. As part of this transformation strategy, existing laws are constantly being adapted or redrafted – with serious implications for global supply chains. We explain what companies can expect and what role digitalization will play in this context.

In cross-border logistics, the ability to transport goods cost-efficiently, quickly and sustainably from origin to destination is crucial. With intermodal transport management that strategically links modes of transportation such as rail, water, air and road, companies can meet complex supply chain requirements. By combining the respective advantages, an intelligent transport system is created that harmonizes ecological and economic efficiency. In our latest article on the blog, we discuss the advantages of intermodal transport management and explain which technologies support the seamless integration of different modes of transportation.

In order to meet delivery deadlines, legal regulations and contractual agreements, the seamless digitalization of logistics processes is becoming a strategic advantage in almost every industry. The integration of high-performance technologies and the networking of all relevant players form the basis for greater transparency, efficiency and flexibility in the supply chain. This development requires not only a reassessment of existing processes, but also an adaptation to the dynamic requirements of the market. In our latest article on the blog, we discuss the three pillars that are fundamental for an intelligent, adaptive and sustainable supply chain management.

In order to meet the ever-changing requirements of international goods movements, companies must constantly improve and develop their logistics and transportation strategies. Real-time monitoring and integrative aspects are becoming increasingly important in the context, as digital solutions are essential for managing physical goods. The trend towards Smart Logistics is likely to gain further momentum in the coming years: According to recent studies many companies are planning to maintain or increase their investments in the digitalization of logistics by 2026. In our latest article on the blog, we discuss how companies are benefiting from the use of digital technologies such as transportation management, collaborative platforms and artificial intelligence.

In view of increasing legal requirements, sanction regulations and heightened public interest, companies are strategically strengthening their focus on sustainability. Under the Supply Chain Act or the new EU CSR Directive, it is therefore not just a matter of a company’s direct environmental impact, but also of Scope 3, i.e. the indirect emissions along the supply chain. Hence, if companies seek to achieve a net-zero objective, their efforts to reduce emissions must also focus on Scope 3. We discuss how environmental aspects can be integrated into the SCM strategy in order to advance the decarbonization of the entire value creation process.

Supply chain management encompasses all the steps involved in delivering a product or service from production to the end consumer. The longer and more complex a global supply chain is, the greater the risk of disruption between the extraction of raw materials and the point of sale (POS). So how can companies set up to be as resilient as possible in order to respond to volatile consumer behavior and rapidly changing economic conditions? In our latest article on the blog, we discuss the Lean and Agile models for supply chain management and explain how companies can benefit from the advantages of both strategies with a hybrid approach.