Adrian Gonzalez

Women grow and make so much of the world’s food and goods but still face many challenges that inhibit their potential -- harassment and violence, lack of access to education and healthcare, hunger and malnutrition. All of these factors negatively impact women’s ability to earn income and supply chain resilience. We know that such negative effects are mitigated when gendered risks are addressed -- productivity and retention get better, as do long-term relationships with suppliers and overall brand reputation. Check out CARE’s private-sector playbook for prioritizing women in the supply chain. #NationalSupplyChainDay https://lnkd.in/gwDPQnrc

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Unraveling Supply Chain Mysteries: Insights from Expert Jason Miller What's the real story behind the recent turmoil in the supply chain industry? Join us as we uncover the truth with Jason Miller, a professor at Michigan State University. This episode kicks off with Jason's riveting analysis of a Census Bureau graph showing dramatic shifts in manufacturing plants' material supply since 2021. By leveraging economic theory and robust data, Jason debunks common industry myths and reveals the profound implications of these trends for retailers and logistics professionals alike. Seasonality in logistics and the evolving landscape of the trucking industry take center stage as we explore the impact of fluctuating demand for frozen desserts and the growth of non-employer trucking businesses. Jason provides a compelling contrast between large carriers and owner-operators, highlighting their unique challenges and the surprising resilience of smaller firms. We wrap up with an insightful discussion on forecasting models like ARIMA, their predictive prowess, and their limitations during volatile periods. This episode is a treasure trove of expert insights for anyone navigating the complexities of the modern supply chain. Matt Waller Be sure to check out the full episode on our YouTube: https://lnkd.in/g6g2bNpE and everywhere you get your podcasts! Don't forget to head over to our website: https://lnkd.in/gsTFWBMg and subscribe to the e-newsletter to stay up to date on the latest episode releases. #podcast #supplychain #logisitics #retail #data

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Blue Yonder survey: Executives invest millions into their sustainability and AI-driven supply chains  http://mvnt.us/m2416687 @BlueYonder #Fulfillyourpotential #GoBYond #SupplyChain #AI #AISupplyChain 

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Supply Chain Disruptions: Never-Ending Story! Supply chain disruptions have become the norm rather than the exception. Being proactive will continue to be mission critical - especially for fast-growing #CPGBrands. Like all things disruptive, they seem to just show up out of the blue and completely alter the landscape. And the events that can cause disruption, continue to appear. Weeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee. Whether it’s delayed raw material shipments, unexpected demand surges, or global logistic challenges, every disruption has the potential to completely derail a business... sometimes for a long time. Too long. For brands looking to strengthen their supply chain resilience, here are some actionable steps: ⚡Conduct a thorough risk assessment: Understand where your supply chain is most vulnerable and prioritize these areas. ⚡Diversify suppliers: Avoid dependence on a single supplier for critical materials. ⚡Invest in technology: Use software that provides real-time visibility across your entire supply chain. (do this after processes are solid) ⚡Develop contingency plans: Have clear, actionable plans that can be implemented quickly in response to various scenarios. #SupplyChainResilience #InventoryManagement #Operations #GoodTimes What else would you recommend to mitigate disruption?

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The Supply Chain Update (June 18, 2024) posted by the "Border States"! Key Takeaways: Overall Supply Chain Situation - Improvements in supply chain resilience and stability, but challenges remain in core markets. - Ocean freight rates are rising due to high U.S. import demand and disruptions in the Red Sea and Suez Canal. Market Trends and Economic Factors - Section 301 tariffs on steel and aluminum imports from China will increase from 7.5% to 25% later in 2024. - Inflation remains above the Federal Reserve's 2% target, prompting the Fed to hold current interest rates steady. - May's Consumer Price Index (CPI) showed inflation at 3.3%, down slightly from April. Material Lead Times - Average lead times have decreased by 23% across core markets over the last 14 months. - Key areas still experiencing potential volatility include:  - Distribution equipment (e.g., circuit breakers, load centers)  - Electrical categories (e.g., wire and cable, transformers)  - Natural gas and communication categories (e.g., gas regulators, underground cable accessories) Logistics and Freight - Ocean Freight:  - Container rates increased over 50% in May compared to April.  - Red Sea and Suez Canal traffic was significantly impacted, causing rerouting and increased transit times and costs. - Over-the-Road (OTR) Freight:  - Excess capacity and lower shipping rates in the U.S. trucking market.  - Diesel prices have softened, contributing to lower trucking spot rates. - Rail:  - Potential rail strike in Canada could cause ripple effects in U.S. railways and ports. Commodity Updates - Copper: Prices hit a record high in May, driven by demand from data centers and EVs. - Aluminum: Prices increased, with higher tariffs and anti-dumping duties impacting imports. - Steel: Tariff increases on Chinese steel imports are expected to support domestic suppliers. - Crude Oil: Prices increased slightly, with OPEC+ maintaining production cuts. - Resins and Lumber: PVC market remains soft; lumber prices decreased due to high interest rates and lower demand. Market and Inflation - Job growth higher than expected in May with 272,000 jobs added. - Unemployment rate increased to 4%, breaking a 27-month streak of being under 4%. - Robust consumer spending continues to fuel the economy, complicating inflation reduction efforts. Customer Support and Initiatives - Border States is investing in inventories and improving supply chain integration, forecasting, and planning. - The company remains committed to transparent communication and working closely with customers and vendors to navigate ongoing challenges. Please let me know if you would like more posts like this one 👇 #SupplyChain #Logistics #FreightRates #Shipping #OceanFreight #OTRFreight #RailFreight https://lnkd.in/g6_mnZET

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Sudden container crunch sends ocean freight rates soaring, setting off global trade alarm bells; BMW, Jaguar Land Rover, VW used parts made with Chinese forced labor, Senate report finds; Amazon is reviving its logistics expansion and reshaping its U.S. distribution; Deutsche Bahn gathers bids for €15 Billion logistics arm; Trucking industry groups cheer House bill to fight freight fraud; PepsiCo to expand EV fleet in California with Tesla semis, Ford vans; Nikola Corporation and AiLO Logistics announce order for 100 hydrogen fuel cell electric trucks; and the rest of this week's #supplychain and #logistics news -- plus Song of the Week: “Hurricane” by Eden Golan https://lnkd.in/eEtUQDDp

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Limited Spots Remain! Supply Chain Leadership Summit 📢 🗓 May 22 📌 The Helicon, London ⏲ 09:30 AM - 2:15 PM Attention Directors, Heads of, VPs and SVPs in supply chain, procurement, HR and finance roles... The response to the Supply Chain Leadership Summit has been phenomenal, but don't worry – we still have a few spots left! Register now to secure your place and avoid disappointment. This FREE event offers a unique opportunity to learn from the best: Unilever, Cranfield University, Reckitt, and Oracle will share their expertise on achieving supply chain excellence. Network with industry thought leaders and gain valuable insights. Discover cutting-edge strategies for collaboration, AI integration, and future-proof leadership. Here's what awaits you: Unilever & Reckitt C-Suite Leaders: Hear firsthand their strategies for fostering collaboration and achieving supply chain success. Cranfield University Research: Explore thought-provoking research on the future of supply chain leadership and its transformation in the next five years. Harnessing the Power of AI: Gain practical knowledge on leveraging artificial intelligence to optimize your supply chains. Industry Panel Discussion: Learn from leaders as they share real-world experiences and insights on overcoming visibility challenges and navigating the evolving landscape of leadership. Register now: https://lnkd.in/eBbCD_RN

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From just-in-time model to just-in-case: the shift in supply chain models Tim Cook's unexpected return to China this year sheds light on Apple's struggles with declining demand and supply chain complexities in a critical market, emphasizing the urgent need for supply chain resilience amid global uncertainties. As CEOs grapple with these challenges, it's evident that supply chain management has transformed from a functional concern to a strategic priority at the CEO level. Recent research by EY reinforces this shift, revealing that 88% of UK CEOs are adjusting their supply chain or geographical profile in response to disruption. In his #IbyIMD article, Carlos Cordon delves into strategies for CEOs to navigate the intricate landscape of supply chain management amidst today's challenging geopolitical environment: https://bit.ly/3Uvypcz #IMDImpact #SupplyChain

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Blue Yonder survey: Executives invest millions into their sustainability and AI-driven supply chains http://mvnt.us/m2416687 @BlueYonder #Fulfillyourpotential #GoBYond #SupplyChain #AI #AISupplyChain

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BevNET.com/Nosh did a great job of outlining the debate over UNFI's new Simplified Supplier Approach (SSA). Here's a breakdown of the changes and their pro's/con's to give you a better idea of why the debate rages: Key Changes in UNFI's SSA 1. Consolidation of Fees: ✏Change: UNFI has replaced its previous, complex multiple fee structure with a single flat rate of 2.5%. 🔍Effect: Simplified, flat rate pricing. ✅Pros: Reduces administrative and financial unpredictability, allowing for easier budgeting ❌Cons: Potentially leads to higher cost for suppliers who were subject to lower combined fees under the old system. 2. Access to Critical Data: ✏Change: The SSA provides suppliers with better/broader access to data to manage their supply chain. 🔍Effect: This enables suppliers to make more informed decisions regarding inventory management, transportation/logistics, and market strategies. ✅Pros: Improves operational efficiencies and can help optimize supply chain. ❌Cons: Data privacy! There could also be some hurdles with systems integrations and how these data are ingested by ERPs, IMS/OMSs, TMS, etc. 3. Streamlined Processes: ✏Change: UNFI aims to "reduce complexity" in its interactions with suppliers through more transparent and straightforward policies. 🔍Effect: This one's a little more qualitative, but new and existing suppliers can expect a more predictable and less cumbersome supplier<>customer experience. ✅Pros: Encourages new suppliers to onboard and helps existing suppliers in adapting to new and variable markets. ❌Cons: In theory, none; however, streamlining processes often comes with growing pains, and adapting to new procedures can cause potential oversights in addressing specific supplier needs. What are your thoughts?

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Great read from Tim Payne on his “aha moments” about #antifragility. For a supply chain to respond with the right level of agility and responsiveness, it must deeply understand the impact of uncertainty. The challenge is that most supply chains lack this knowledge, causing them to struggle when faced with major uncertainties. Highly encourage you to read in full! https://lnkd.in/gUYqxpEd #gartnersupplychain #supplychainleaders #supplychain

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Lora Cecere, Supply Chain Insights Founder and friend of Nulogy, is conducting research for her next book, which will delve into why supply chains should define excellence by focusing on outcomes. Read on (and subscribe to Lora's newsletter!) to learn more about her research plans into this critical topic. https://lnkd.in/gTewKbRS #SupplyChain #SupplyChainPlanning

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The experts at Gartner shared highlights from their Supply Chain Symposium/Expo last month. You can check out the opening keynote, areas of focus, and top trends in the industry coming out of the event. For me, the standout takeaway was Ankur Mehta‘s discussion on the need for better real-time decision execution in the face of disruptions. With only 7% of supply chain leaders reporting successful real-time decision execution, it’s planning solutions like those from Valizant, Inc. that are most needed in the industry. https://lnkd.in/gJzWw32v #gartner #supplychainleaders #supplychain

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Get ready to hack your supply chain! Tune in on June 19 at 10:00am ET for Supply Chain Unfiltered Episode 5, featuring Dr. Elouise Epstein. Hosted by Christine Barnhart and produced by Let's Talk Supply Chain, this is one episode you don’t want to miss. Click below to join us! #LetsTalkSupplyChain #SupplyChainUnfiltered #SupplyChain https://lnkd.in/gm7r29gA

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Fear is an ugly thing at work. When I first started in Supply Chain/Operations, I heard the saying: "People are only motivated by fear or competition" Being young and new to the industry, I accepted that as fact. And I used fear and competition to drive me. I had yet to work in environment where collaboration and Teamwork were the focus. And it took me many years to be able to recognize all the downsides to working in a fear/competition based culture. There is only so much space in one's mind to allocate. That space can be given to creativity, problem solving, execution or it can be given to worry, suspicion, and... fear. You cannot have both: fear and creativity. I've seen firsthand what can be done when there is trust and camaraderie at a company. And it's light years away from environments trapped in doubt and climbing. Thoughts? #Teamwork #Operations #CompanyCulture #SupplyChain

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Mark your calendars for the upcoming 2024 Supply Chain Analytics Institute Annual Conference hosted by Rutgers Business School! This event promises a deep dive into the latest trends and innovations shaping the future of supply chain analytics. Join industry leaders, experts, and peers as they explore cutting-edge strategies, best practices, and emerging technologies in supply chain management. Register today to secure your spot: https://ow.ly/b9xo50RztbZ #SupplyChain #Analytics #Conference

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Join #ProvisionAi at #Kinexions. Hear supply chain executives discuss their use of innovative technology to address current challenges and add value. #transportationplanning

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When the manufacturing line moves slower than a snail on a leisurely stroll. Speed things up at www.supplychainreport.org. #SnailPacedProduction #Supplychainnews #Supplychainreport #Globalsupplychains

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