SupplyX-Blog

International

A Local Hero in India – 125 Years of Experience in a Dynamic Market

Supply Chain India and SupplyX’s Partnership with Jeena & Company – including an interview on the market and trust.

27. May 2026 Anna Stoffel 6 Min

Supply Chain Management

Growth Without Logistics Chaos: How to Professionalize Your Supply Chain

Growth makes supply chains more complex. Without effective SCM, they can quickly become a hindrance.

28. April 2026 Jörn von der Fecht 5 Min

Supply Chain Management Digitalization

A Stable Supply Chain, Strong Performance: Why Data Is Becoming a Competitive Advantage

Supply chain stability is becoming a strategic driver of growth and customer loyalty – and data quality is key.

14. April 2026 Anna Stoffel 6 Min

Digitalization

How AI Provides Planning Certainty in Growing Supply Chains

Rapid growth often leads to gaps in the supply chain. AI-powered systems close these gaps and make logistics scalable.

31. March 2026 Anna Stoffel 6 Min

Digitalization

Supplier Screening with AI: Identifying Risks Early On

Geopolitics and ESG are increasing pressure on supply chains. AI detects instabilities early and makes risk management data-driven.

18. March 2026 Anna Stoffel 6 Min

International

Vietnam as a Manufacturing Hub: Opportunities, Risks, and Strategic Prospects

Vietnam is becoming an increasingly important procurement market. The report highlights opportunities and offers tips for getting started.

04. March 2026 Anna Stoffel 3 Min

Purchasing and procurement Supply Chain Management

Real-Time Order Prioritization: Smartly Balancing Capacity Bottlenecks

Global supply chains require rapid prioritization. Intelligent systems manage orders in real time and increase flexibility.

26. February 2026 Anna Stoffel 6 Min

International

Local Hero Pakistan – SupplyX and WWGC: Global Logistics, Local Expertise

With WWGC, SupplyX delivers efficient logistics in Pakistan. Mr. Madni on collaboration and opportunities.

18. February 2026 Anna Stoffel 6 Min

Sustainability

Cybersecurity: New Regulation for Connected Supply Chains

Connected supply chains boost efficiency but increase cyber risks. Since 2025, NIS-2 has tightened security and resilience requirements.

28. January 2026 Anna Stoffel 6 Min

International

Opening up New Markets – Emerging Production Location Bangladesh

Bangladesh offers both opportunities and challenges – the 2025 Country Report provides an overview.

18. December 2025 Anna Stoffel 4 Min

Sustainability Digitalization

Reducing Overstock in the Fashion Industry through Digital SCM

The fashion industry is fast-paced and complex. Digital SCM optimally manages inventory and prevents overproduction.

16. October 2025 Anna Stoffel 6 Min

Digitalization

Big Data, Smart Moves: How Logistics Becomes a Competitive Advantage

Supply chains today generate more data than ever before. Transport status, inventory levels, customs clearances, purchase prices, CO2 emissions – every movement of goods is recorded, and every transaction and every scan provides information. But data alone does not create added value. Only when it is processed in real time, put into context, and translated into actionable insights does a true management advantage emerge. Modern big data approaches transform operational supply chain management (SCM) from a reactive control process into a learning, predictive system that makes decisions where it counts: in day-to-day logistics operations.

02. October 2025 SupplyX Redaktion 4 Min

Sustainability Purchasing and procurement

Circular procurement replaces linear “throw-away” philosophy

Traditional purchasing strategies focus on availability, efficiency, and price. Yet, with a view to reducing dependence on primary raw materials, rising world market prices, and ESG commitments, a new procurement concept that is based on the principles of the circular economy is coming into focus: circular procurement. Instead of disposing of resources after a single use, the focus is set on recycling, reuse, and value-preserving processes such as remanufacturing. In this context, raw materials become circulating assets, and products become temporary resource stores. We discuss how this paradigm shift in purchasing creates a sustainable connection between materials, products and processes.

23. September 2025 SupplyX Editorial 5 Min

Supply Chain Management

Adaptive Supply Chains: Rapid response to real-time data and market changes

Fluctuating demand, raw material shortages, delivery delays – modern global supply chains operate in an environment characterized by constant change. Your company therefore needs structures that are both stable and adaptable. And here’s where adaptive supply chains come in. After all, they combine real-time data and digital networking with intelligent control mechanisms to convert a purely reactive response to events into proactive, forward-looking action. This turns the supply chain into a strategic tool that cushions disruptions and actively opens up new business opportunities.

11. September 2025 SupplyX Editorial 5 Min

Digitalization

Digitalization in SCM rethought: integrated, standardized, in real-time

For most companies, the digitization of Supply Chain Management (SCM) is no longer uncharted territory – on the contrary, it’s firmly anchored within their strategies. However, obstacles remain, as those strategies are often not yet consistently put into action. This fact is shown by the results of the 22nd SupplyX Barometer. Many of the 150 companies surveyed do know that they need to become more digital in order to remain resilient, efficient, and competitive. Yet, when it comes to implementation, it becomes apparent that the potential of digital technologies is only being partially exploited at this point.

28. August 2025 SupplyX Redaktion 3 Min

Digitalization

Digital transformation in SCM: Investing, networking, moving forward

The digitization of the supply chain is gaining importance in German companies – at least at the strategic level. So what’s the status when it comes to implementation? Insights into the matter are delivered by the 22nd SupplyX Barometer. The Barometer is based on a survey conducted among 150 logistics managers. Key findings include the fact that while the desire to digitize is widespread among companies, practical progress often falls short of expectations – there is still a long way to go between digital aspirations and operational reality. Structural, technical, and organizational hurdles are slowing many companies down when it comes to the implementation of their digitization strategies.

07. August 2025 SupplyX Editorial 2 Min

International

Offshoring vs. nearshoring: location strategies in transition

Global supply chains are undergoing structural change. What was long taken for granted as location logic is now being discussed under new preludes: Efficiency, resilience, ESG requirements, transportation costs and digital controllability are shifting the parameters of production and sourcing decisions. The debate is no longer just about wage levels and volume prices – instead, two different location strategies are facing each other: Nearshoring, and thus the relocation of production and procurement to geographically close locations, and offshoring: the tried and tested access to global manufacturing capacities in more distant regions. Yet, what is the right approach considering today's complex market conditions?

29. July 2025 SupplyX Editorial 5 Min

Digitalization

Digitization in SCM: Challenges and opportunities

How far have German companies advanced when it comes to the digital transformation of their supply chains? What obstacles exist in the implementation of digital strategies? And: In which core operational areas is added value being created? Based on a survey conducted among 150 logistics managers on the topic of "Digital Change in Supply Chain Management", the 22nd SupplyX Barometer provides current insights from practice – with interesting results.

17. July 2025 SupplyX Editorial 2 Min

International Digitalization

Digital multilingualism: local data, global logistics

In international supply chains and networked production structures, companies are increasingly encountering an underestimated success factor: digital multilingualism. This term does not just refer to the translation of content, but the ability to integrate different data languages, formats, standards and cultural logics in such a way that fragmented information is turned into a uniform, controllable overall context. If your company is able to intelligently network locally differentiated data, it creates global decision-making intelligence – a basic prerequisite for sustainable growth in complex markets.

08. July 2025 SupplyX Editorial 5 Min

International

Channel Coordination: The intelligent management of global supply chains

International supply chains do not consist of isolated services. They are networks in which manufacturers, suppliers, logistics service providers and trading partners create value together. And yet, it is precisely this diversity of participants that poses a central challenge: How can all players and processes be coordinated in such a way that the entire supply chain operates more efficiently, more resiliently and more customer-oriented? A key solution to this challenge lies in channel coordination – a strategic approach that goes beyond simple coordination and strives for genuine partnership-based collaboration along the supply chain.

30. June 2025 SupplyX Editorial 5 Min

Sustainability Digitalization

How algorithms can make social supply chain risks visible

Global supply chains are caught in a field of tension between efficiency, transparency and social responsibility. Due to legal requirements such as the German Supply Chain Act, the CSRD and growing public pressure, labor standards are becoming the focus of corporate responsibility worldwide. Many companies are faced with a key challenge: How can social risks in widely ramified supply chains be identified at an early stage – especially in areas where there is currently no direct insight? The answer lies in an intelligent combination of big data technologies, digital SCM models and algorithm-based predictions.

24. June 2025 SupplyX Editorial 5 Min

Supply Chain Management

Rethinking Lean Logistics: Achieving measurable efficiency with digital SCM

In the volatile logistics environment, lean, agile and optimally interlinked supply chains are becoming the focus of entrepreneurial activity. The application of lean principles – or lean logistics – is a strategic key to increasing value along your entire supply chain. After all, minimizing waste, shortening throughput times and intelligently managing inventories today will secure competitive advantages and long-term resilience tomorrow. Lean logistics is particularly effective when combined with Digital Supply Chain Management (SCM). In this article, we discuss what rethinking lean logistics entails and the benefits it brings.

17. June 2025 SupplyX Editorial 6 Min

International

Optimizing furniture logistics: Efficient strategies for bulky goods

Large, heavy and fragile: furniture poses a particular challenge for logistics specialists. And it's not only about dimensions and mass. The furniture industry combines volatile demand, internationally distributed value creation, a wide range of products and demanding customer expectations. In consequence, there are complex requirements for the supply chain: shipments must be consolidated for safe transportation, scheduling must be flexible and deadlines need to be met. Standardized general cargo and parcel processes quickly reach their operational and economic limits in the Home & Living sector. What is needed instead are specialized logistics services such as International Industry Solutions, as they are highly integrated, multimodally optimized and precisely tailored to the furniture industry.

28. May 2025 SupplyX Editorial 5 Min

Sustainability

Q&A: How your company can embrace green logistics

The need for sustainable strategies in logistics has never been more evident. From low-emission transport solutions to innovative packaging concepts, there are numerous approaches when it comes to switching to green logistics and minimizing the environmental and social impact of supply chains. But what challenges does this transition entail and how can your company witness progress that is measurable and future-proof? In our Q&A, Tobias Ruscheweyh, Head of Branch at SupplyX, answers these and related questions.

20. May 2025 SupplyX Editorial 6 Min

Sustainability Purchasing and procurement

Sustainable purchasing: How to select suppliers according to ESG criteria

Procurement is much more than an administrative process: those who purchase, shape – and those who select suppliers, set standards. Companies that integrate ESG criteria into their procurement strategy recognize that every order represents a business decision – environmentally, socially, reputationally and legally. While ESG reporting is already firmly established in many companies, operational implementation in procurement often remains imprecise: there is a gap between strategic objectives and actual supplier selection. This gap can be closed if sustainability is given the same importance as an evaluation criterion as quality, delivery capability or price.

08. May 2025 SupplyX Editorial 6 Min

Digitalization

AI in document processing – from complexity to clarity

The processing of documents is a central component of every supply chain. However, the increasing complexity of international processes means that manual processing is not only inefficient, but also prone to errors. Companies are faced with the challenge of processing large volumes of data from a wide variety of documents quickly and accurately. Delays or a lack of transparency can not only disrupt operational processes, but also jeopardize the trust of customers and partners and thus the company's own competitiveness. In our Q&A, Jörn von der Fecht, Chief Digital Officer at SupplyX, explains how Artificial Intelligence (AI) opens up new possibilities in this important area.

29. April 2025 SupplyX Editorial 6 Min

Supply Chain Management

Focussing on processes: The Theory of Constraints in digital SCM

Whether capacity limits in production or a delayed transfer of information – to a large extent, bottlenecks determine the performance level of the entire supply chain. The Theory of Constraints (TOC) provides a simple yet powerful conceptual approach: instead of combatting complexity with complexity, it focuses on what limits overall performance – and thus on the lever that promises the greatest effect. As a result, your supply chain becomes efficient not by maximizing every resource, but by synchronizing around the bottleneck. In this article, we explain how this principle can be integrated into digital supply chain management and used as a tactical management tool.

15. April 2025 SupplyX Editorial 6 Min

International

Transportation of sensitive goods: Meeting the highest standards for your logistics processes

The transportation of sensitive goods poses particular challenges for companies. Whether biopharmaceutical products, high-precision electronic components or temperature-sensitive foods – the slightest error in the supply chain can result in a loss of quality and, in a worst case scenario, safety-critical consequences. Given the increasingly stringent regulatory requirements and rising customer expectations, your company must be able to guarantee the integrity of the products while ensuring complete transparency and traceability. We discuss the best possible transport solutions in the following article.

08. April 2025 SupplyX Editorial 5 Min

Purchasing and procurement

Collaborative sourcing: How to strengthen cooperation with suppliers

Geopolitical tensions, volatile commodity prices, increasing sustainability requirements and the need to shorten innovation cycles: Global supply chains are facing multiple challenges. In this environment, traditional procurement strategies with a focus on cost minimization and short-term efficiency gains are hardly sufficient. Here’s where collaborative sourcing comes into focus – a modern procurement concept that focuses on long-term, partnership-based cooperation with suppliers. We discuss the idea behind it and explain how your company can benefit from innovation, quality assurance and flexibility along the supply chain.

01. April 2025 SupplyX Editorial 6 Min

Digitalization

"Where are my goods?": Voice-activated systems for your supply chain

The digital transformation has fundamentally changed supply chain management. In this context, data and analytics have long been the driving force that guides strategic decisions and enables operational excellence. However, the more complex the supply chain, the more necessary technologies become that simplify and accelerate access to important information. Voice-activated systems offer a promising solution. We discuss how they operate and what benefits they might bring to your company.

25. March 2025 SupplyX Editorial 6 Min

Purchasing and procurement

Multi-source procurement and diversification: How to reduce risks in volatile markets

Raw material shortages, geopolitical tensions and market fluctuations are creating a volatile trading landscape that poses immense challenges for companies in the logistics sector. The uncertainties not only affect the availability of goods, but also the predictability and stability of global supply chains – the risk of production downtime and rising procurement costs is increasing. In this context, two strategies are becoming significantly more important: multi-source procurement and diversification. We explain how your company can avoid dependencies and how you can increase the resilience of your own supply chain.

18. March 2025 SupplyX Editorial 6 Min

Sustainability

Sustainable Distribution: Strategies for your environmentally friendly Supply Chain

How can we reduce CO2 emissions, conserve resources and make our supply chain more efficient at the same time? These questions are increasingly setting the agenda for companies that want to make their distribution processes more sustainable. Transportation and packaging are among the most significant causes of environmental pollution – while at the same time, they offer enormous potential for improvement. We explain how innovative strategies and technologies can make distribution not only more environmentally friendly, but also future-proof.

11. March 2025 SupplyX Editorial 6 Min

Supply Chain Management

Supply Chain Orchestration: How to design your supply chain future-proof

In view of global markets, volatile demand and increasing customer requirements, efficient and flexible supply chains are becoming a decisive competitive advantage. However, traditional supply chain approaches are increasingly reaching their limits, as fragmented data, isolated processes and limited transparency prevent smooth collaboration along the supply chain. Thanks to fully integrated platforms, supply chain orchestration offers a key solution in this context. After all, it does not only enable you to actively control your supply chains, but also optimize them, minimize risks and achieve sustainable increases in efficiency.

04. March 2025 SupplyX Editorial 6 Min

Sustainability

Science-Based Targets for Supply Chains: Implementation and Challenges in Logistics 

Climate targets are no longer a nice-to-have, but a mandatory exercise for companies that want to ensure their survival in international competition. In this context, science-based targets (SBTs) offer a clear, scientifically proven framework for reducing negative environmental impacts. But how can companies integrate the ambitious targets into their complex and often globally distributed supply chains? The challenge involves not only operational aspects, but also the strategic integration of environmental protection and cost efficiency. We discuss how your company can implement SBTs in its processes and what challenges need to be overcome.

25. February 2025 SupplyX Editorial 6 Min

International Sustainability

Reverse Logistics: Challenges and solutions that you should be aware of

International trade comes with enormous opportunities. And yet, it also entails considerable challenges – especially when it comes to the (sustainable) return of goods. Reverse logistics, i.e. the smart organization and optimization of return processes, can support your company in this field. In addition to handling returns, reverse logistics also includes the repair, refurbishment, recycling and environmentally friendly disposal of products. However, especially in an international context, reverse logistics can be quite complicated due to complex customs regulations, high costs and a fragmented network of suppliers and service providers. So how can efficient and environmentally friendly solutions be developed that also meet legal and economic requirements?

18. February 2025 SupplyX Editorial 5 Min

Digitalization

E-commerce logistics – Here’s why digital solutions do make the difference

In recent years, the e-commerce industry has become one of the driving forces behind innovations in supply chain management. However, with the high growth rates, the requirements for speed, precision and efficiency in logistics are also increasing. Companies need to manage complex supply chains, meet customer requirements and operate sustainably at the same time. Hence, digital solutions are not just a tool in this context. They are a necessity in order to remain competitive. We discuss how smart tools can automate your processes along the supply chain and thus create resilience and transparency in a volatile market environment.

11. February 2025 SupplyX Editorial 5 Min

International

GDP – Here’s what’s important for the worldwide transportation of your pharmaceutical goods

Pharmaceutical logistics is subject to the strictest requirements – and rightly so. After all, products that can save or improve lives must maintain their efficacy and safety from the production site to the patient. The high quality requirements are based on clearly defined, comprehensive standards that are anchored in Good Distribution Practice (GDP). Only selected logistics companies such as SupplyX, which have GDP certification, are permitted to carry out these highly sensitive transports. We explain which standards apply and where the challenges lie.

04. February 2025 SupplyX Editorial 4 Min

Digitalization

Q&A: How to effectively avoid demurrage and detention 

Demurrage and detention charges are incurred when containers remain in the port beyond the agreed release time (demurrage) or are returned to the depot late (detention). These fees serve to ensure the availability of containers and compensate for delays in logistics – yet, they can result in high costs for companies. In our Q&A, Ralf Boelicke, Head of Product & Partner Management at SupplyX, highlights the main causes of demurrage charges and explains how companies can ensure optimized supply chain processes with effective D&D management.

28. January 2025 SupplyX Editorial 6 Min

Purchasing and procurement Supply Chain Management

DDMRP – an effective part of modern SCM

Demand-Driven Material Requirements Planning, DDMRP for short, is a dynamic and responsive method for optimizing supply chain processes and managing inventories more efficiently. As global supply chains are becoming increasingly complex and therefore more susceptible to disruptions, DDMRP is an effective tool that helps to respond adequately to demand. In this article, we discuss how the method functions as an integral part of supply chain management and helps to strategically manage inventories.

21. January 2025 SupplyX Editorial 6 Min

Supply Chain Management

Greater agility: Here’s how you can increase the reaction time of your supply chain

The increasing volatility of global markets and the constantly growing demands on supply chains mean that traditional, rigid supply chain management approaches are reaching their limits. In this context, agility is becoming the decisive factor for a resilient and adaptable supply chain that adjusts flexibly to new market conditions and sudden changes – a quick reaction time being a key element in this regard. The use of agile strategies in SCM and Freight Forwarding allows you to combine efficiency, speed and flexibility across your company.

14. January 2025 SupplyX Editorial 5 Min

Digitalization

Cognitive Supply Chains: How to optimize your Supply Chain using AI 

The global economy is characterized by volatile market influences, rising customer expectations and unforeseen events. To overcome these challenges, companies need dynamic and adaptable supply chains that go far beyond traditional optimization approaches. The use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) can be a key solution in this context. With the integration of AI, Cognitive Supply Chains offer an intelligent solution that enables supply chains to be managed autonomously, react quickly to changing conditions and implement continuous improvements. We explain how these predictive systems work and present best practices for self-optimization.

07. January 2025 SupplyX Editorial 6 Min

International

Q&A: How can optimized customs processes help companies improve their supply chain performance?

In global trade, efficient customs clearance is a key factor for a company`s economic success. Legal requirements, rising costs associated with logistics and international trade barriers demand a precise and efficient approach. Even small adjustments can potentially lead to significant cost savings and improved process quality. In our Q&A, Damaris Lutz, Senior Sales Executive Customs Solutions at SupplyX, discusses the aspects that companies should consider in order to benefit from optimized customs clearance.

02. January 2025 SupplyX Editorial 5 Min

Digitalization

Robotic Process Automation (RPA): Transformative force for purchasing and warehouse logistics 

Companies with global supply chains face the constant challenge of increasing their efficiency and boosting their sales at the same time. Robotic Process Automation (RPA) is an innovative solution that supports these requirements. In purchasing and warehouse logistics, in particular, RPA offers enormous potential for automating routine processes and reducing costs. Our article explains the concrete benefits of the transformative technology.

17. December 2024 SupplyX Editorial 6 Min

Supply Chain Management Digitalization

21st SupplyX Barometer: these are the keys to successful supply chain optimization

For many companies, optimizing the supply chain is a decisive factor for long-term success and therefore a strategic necessity. Two measures stand out in particular: Close collaboration with suppliers and partners and the use of digital technologies. The results of the 21st SupplyX Barometer, formerly the Hermes Barometer, on the topic of "Optimization needs in the supply chain" illustrate how essential these two aspects currently are for companies.

10. December 2024 SupplyX Editorial 3 Min

Digitalization

Q&A: How can transportation bookings be specifically controlled with carrier allocation?

The freight space is booked and the rate is agreed. Nevertheless, the dynamics of the markets and unforeseen events or fluctuations in demand require continuous adjustment or reassessment of the freight allocation in order to avoid dead freight and possible penalties. So how can transport bookings be managed in the best possible way, taking into account your own requirements and contractual agreements with carriers? Ralf Boelicke, Head of Product and Partner Management at SupplyX, answers this question in our Q&A.

03. December 2024 SupplyX Editorial 5 Min

Purchasing and procurement Supply Chain Management

Optimizing the supply chain: These are the measures companies are focusing on 

The growing demands for flexibility and efficiency lead to companies increasingly focusing their strategic orientation on their supply chains. The optimization of processes is becoming a key success factor in order to remain competitive and to assert oneself in a dynamic market environment. But which measures have proven successful and which are considered to be particularly effective? The 21st SupplyX Barometer, formerly the Hermes Barometer, on the topic of "Optimization requirements in the supply chain" provides exciting insights into the strategies that companies are pursuing today to strengthen their supply chains.

26. November 2024 SupplyX Editorial 3 Min

Supply Chain Management Digitalization

Q&A: How can companies benefit from Order Transparency?

The integration of Order Transparency into supply chains has become a key factor for companies to be successful in the highly competitive and customer-oriented business world. The resulting transparency serves as a key lever for optimizing internal processes and reducing risk in complex, multi-level logistics networks. Ralf Boelicke, Head of Product & Partner Management at SupplyX, explains in our Q&A how companies benefit from Order Transparency and what they should consider when implementing it.

19. November 2024 SupplyX Editorial 5 Min

Supply Chain Management

Hurdles and challenges: Why supply chain optimization often falters

Optimizing their own supply chain is an important strategic task for many companies. But where do they currently stand in implementing their goals and what challenges do they have to overcome? The 21st SupplyX Barometer, formerly the Hermes Barometer, on the topic of "Optimization requirements in the supply chain" provides some insightful answers. The survey shows that although companies are increasingly recognizing the importance of an efficient and flexible supply chain, they are also confronted with considerable obstacles.

12. November 2024 SupplyX Editorial 2 Min

Supply Chain Management Digitalization

How can an SCM system be used to efficiently manage multiple (sales) platforms?

Order processing, warehouse management, transportation – for companies, the seamless coordination of a supply chain across different platforms is a complex task. A supply chain management system that allows logistics processes to be controlled centrally is certainly helpful. However, careful planning and integration are required in order to benefit from the advantages of centralized processing. In this article, we explain which SCM systems and platform solutions are available and discuss the steps that are necessary in order to manage a smooth and efficient supply chain.

05. November 2024 SupplyX Editorial 7 Min

Supply Chain Management

Q&A: What role does document management play in supply chain optimization?

In global supply chains, large amounts of data and documents are generated daily for transport, customs clearance and supply chain management, which need to be managed, analyzed and tracked. A digital approach helps to reduce error rates and establish a resilient and responsive logistics infrastructure. In our Q&A, Ralf Boelicke, Head of Product & Partner Management at SupplyX, explains how companies benefit from document management and how interoperability issues can be overcome.

23. October 2024 SupplyX Editorial 5 Min

Digitalization

Smart Contracts: Automation and Security in Freight Forwarding

Efficiency and security are essential in the logistics industry. After all, companies operating on the international market face the challenge of managing complex supply chains efficiently while ensuring the highest security standards. One promising solution that is becoming increasingly established is the use of smart contracts. These contracts, which are based on blockchain technology, can have a lasting impact on workflows in freight forwarding. We explain how they open up automation potential, improve transparency and security standards – and are thus able to lead to optimized and future-proof logistics.

15. October 2024 SupplyX Editorial 5 Min

Supply Chain Management

Bullwhip effect from a supply chain perspective: transparency and communication are crucial

The Bullwhip effect, also known as the whip effect, is a widespread phenomenon in supply chain management (SCM). This undesirable dynamic leads to inaccurate planning, full warehouses, higher costs and inefficient supply chains, which can have a negative impact not only on the company concerned, but also on its customers. In our latest blog article, we explain what`s behind the Bullwhip effect, how it is caused and how companies can protect against the consequences.

08. October 2024 SupplyX Editorial 6 Min

Digitalization

Advanced Analytics in SCM: Proactively identifying and avoiding supply chain risks

Transparency, tracking, interconnections – supply chains are increasingly transforming into dynamic, data-driven systems. Thanks to the ongoing digitalization of the logistics industry, companies now have access to a wealth of data that is available in real time. In order to make this information usable for operational processes, logistics experts rely on highly developed analytical technologies that enable them to act with foresight and make data-based decisions. In our latest article on the blog, we discuss how Advanced Analytics as an integral planning tool in supply chain management contributes to reformulating and solving supply chain problems and why it is worth combining it with Advanced Reporting.

01. October 2024 SupplyX Editorial 5 Min

International

International Trade: Challenges and Solutions in Customs Clearance

Customs clearance is one of the most significant challenges for internationally operating companies. In order to avoid delays in trade, logistics managers must plan proactively and obtain relevant information at an early stage. However, various factors such as legal requirements, trade agreements and local regulations increase the complexity and require constant adaptation and updating of internal processes and systems. In this article, we discuss what companies need to consider when moving goods across borders and what solutions are available for fast and secure customs clearance.

26. September 2024 SupplyX Editorial 6 Min

Digitalization

Supply Chain as a Service for efficient Supply Chains

The supply chain management ecosystem has changed significantly in recent years. From global supply chains and new legal requirements to increased customer expectations – companies are facing increasingly complex challenges. Business leaders are therefore looking for efficient and cost-saving ways to optimize and manage their supply chains. One solution that is becoming increasingly important in this context is "Supply Chain as a Service" (SCaaS). In our latest article on the blog, we discuss the added value for companies and the challenges that need to be overcome.

24. September 2024 SupplyX Editorial 5 Min

Supply Chain Management Digitalization

Q&A: How does the Booking Control Tower help to secure transports?

The ability to deliver goods reliably and on time to their destination is a key factor in building a strong brand reputation and customer satisfaction. The Booking Control Tower acts as a central monitoring and control system that enables companies to effectively manage their transportation and logistics activities. Essentially, the aim is to check quality standards and identify deviations from contractual agreements in real time. So, how does the Booking Control Tower work, which technologies is it based on and how can companies implement this intelligent solution? Ralf Boelicke, Head of Product & Partner Management at SupplyX, provides the answers.

17. September 2024 SupplyX Editorial 4 Min

Purchasing and procurement Digitalization

Predictive Analytics in purchasing: Forecasting trends and procurement risks

Fluctuations in raw material prices, new laws, supply chain disruptions – the external conditions for purchasing and procurement are challenging. Companies must continuously find a good balance between costs, quality, sustainability and rapid responses to market changes. Predictive Analytics offers an advanced solution for making precise prognoses and responding effectively to these challenges. In this blog article, we explain how this works and what opportunities it opens up for strategic risk management.

10. September 2024 SupplyX Editorial 5 Min

Sustainability Supply Chain Management

CSR as a key factor for sustainable supply chains

With the concept of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), ever more companies are fulfilling their responsibility to make a positive contribution to ecological and social development. This responsibility also extends to the logistics sector, where issues of sustainability and ethics are coming to the fore: In short, contemporary supply chains should be designed to create long-term ecological, economic and social value, minimize environmental impact and improve the working conditions of people along the supply chain. In this article, we discuss how companies use CSR to design sustainable supply chains and which areas can be optimized.

03. September 2024 SupplyX Editorial 6 Min

Supply Chain Management

Q&A: How do Bypass Solutions contribute to an improved supply chain performance?

Bypass Solutions can increase a company's operational efficiency and have a significant impact on customer satisfaction: By allowing goods to be accessed before their final delivery – for example in response to the situation in the Red Sea or changing market conditions – they provide an answer to the high requirements of the volatile logistics environment. In this Q&A, Ralf Boelicke, Head of Product & Partner Management at Hermes International, explains how Bypass Solutions work in practice and what challenges can arise during implementation.

27. August 2024 SupplyX Editorial 4 Min

Supply Chain Management Digitalization

The Role of Cloud-based Platforms in the Freight Forwarding Sector

Digitization has significantly transformed many industries in recent years – not least the freight forwarding sector. Cloud-based platforms in particular are becoming increasingly important in the logistics industry, which is characterized by tight timeframes and complex supply chain activities. Cloud technology enables freight forwarders and other service providers to operate more efficiently by improving communication along the supply chain and thus optimizing processes. So how are operational activities improved through the use of cloud-based systems? And what effect do they have on collaboration across companies and national borders?

20. August 2024 SupplyX Editorial 6 Min

Supply Chain Management

Risk Management Survey: Every Second Company Sees Need for Optimization

A holistic approach to risk management is crucial for companies to avoid unforeseen disruptions – such as supply bottlenecks or shortages – in today’s dynamic market landscape and to ensure product quality and customer satisfaction. However, the results of the 20th Hermes Barometer on “Risk Management in the Supply Chain” show that only about half of the companies surveyed actually consider their own preventive measures to be effective. This underscores how important it is to continuously review and refine existing security strategies in order to meet evolving requirements.

13. August 2024 SupplyX Redaktion 2 Min

Sustainability Supply Chain Management

Sustainability reports on the Supply Chain – Strengthening transparency and consumer confidence

Transparency along the supply chain is not only important from an efficiency perspective. It’s also crucial for consumer confidence and sustainable development: After all, modern companies are facing the challenge of ensuring that their supply chain is designed not only efficient in terms of costs and time, but also environmentally and socially responsible. This responsibility requires companies to report transparently on their efforts in order to gain and maintain the trust and support of their stakeholders. In this article, we shed light on the role sustainability reports play in this context.

06. August 2024 SupplyX Editorial 7 Min

Supply Chain Management

Resilience in the Supply Chain – 5 Strategies for Resilient Supply Chains

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.

23. July 2024 SupplyX Redaktion 5 Min

Supply Chain Management Digitalization

More External Risks: Supply Chain Risk Management is Becoming More Important for Supply Chains

Global supply chains are increasingly exposed to complex risks. While the digital transformation offers immense opportunities, it also brings with it growing threats from cyberattacks and other risk factors. The latest findings from the 20th Hermes Barometer, which surveyed 150 German companies on the topic of “Risk Management in the Supply Chain,” underscore just how crucial preventive measures and strategies have become for maintaining stable and secure supply chains.

16. July 2024 SupplyX Redaktion 2 Min

Supply Chain Management Digitalization

Digital twin technology within the supply chain – simulation and optimization in real time

Advancing digitization has profoundly changed the logistics industry by opening up new opportunities for greater transparency and efficiency: Modern technologies enable seamless networking and data integration along the entire supply chain. This allows companies to optimize their operational processes and react quickly to dynamic market conditions. As a virtual representation of physical supply chain processes, the AI-based digital twin is also playing an increasingly important role in the management of complex supply chains. We discuss how a digital twin works, what advantages the approach offers and how it can be implemented in practice.

09. July 2024 SupplyX Editorial 5 Min

Supply Chain Management Digitalization

Global e-commerce: "Limits of growth not foreseeable"

03. July 2024 SupplyX Editorial 2 Min

Sustainability Supply Chain Management

Freight Forwarding: Sustainable practices in cross-border logistics

As the volume of global trade increases, so does the environmental impact associated with the transportation of goods over long distances. Sustainable practices in cross-border logistics are therefore becoming increasingly important in Freight Forwarding: they are not only crucial for reducing CO2 emissions, but also for ensuring a sustainable global supply chain in the long term. In our blog article, we present various ways in which companies can act more sustainably in the international movement of goods.

25. June 2024 SupplyX Editorial 6 Min

Purchasing and procurement Digitalization

Purchasing: Blockchain Technology for transparent procurement processes

The use of blockchain technology in procurement is transforming the way companies handle transactions, orders and the verification of product authenticity. Thanks to its decentralized network, which ensures transparency and security, blockchain technology makes a decisive contribution to optimizing procurement processes. In our blog article, we look at the many possible applications of this advanced technology and discuss how it can increase the efficiency and reliability of supply chains.

18. June 2024 SupplyX Editorial 5 Min

Supply Chain Management

SCOR model metrics in SCM: Increasing efficiency in logistics

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.

11. June 2024 SupplyX Editorial 5 Min

Sustainability Supply Chain Management

Big 5 of Sustainability – Strategies for responsible Supply Chains

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.

04. June 2024 SupplyX Editorial 5 Min

International Digitalization

International Trade: How to successfully monitor cross-border shipments

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.

28. May 2024 SupplyX Editorial 5 Min

Sustainability Digitalization

Study shows: These are the challenges and trends in SCM 2024

New legal regulations, geopolitical tensions, digitalization – companies with global supply chains are exposed to multifactorial events. In order to avoid disruptions or failures along the supply chain, they are well advised to proactively develop strategies that enable them to adapt quickly to changing conditions. The study "Supply Chain Plans 2024" conducted by Software Advice explores how specific approaches to strengthening resilience could work. We have summarized the most important results for you.

23. May 2024 SupplyX Editorial 4 Min

Supply Chain Management

Q&A: How can freight rates be structured transparently in volatile times?

Global goods movements reflect the complexity and dynamics of contemporary trade. However, the resulting fluctuating market prices also pose challenges for transportation companies. Especially in volatile times, when freight rates are strongly influenced by external factors such as seasonal peaks, political events, economic changes or supply chain adjustments, an approach that enables both market-driven pricing and transparency pays off. Sebastian Glenschek, Head of Sales at Hermes International, explains how this approach works and discusses the role played by the Shanghai Containerized Freight Index (SCFI).

14. May 2024 SupplyX Editorial 4 Min

Sustainability Supply Chain Management Digitalization

Digital transformation: How the European Green Deal is redefining supply chains

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.

07. May 2024 SupplyX Editorial 6 Min

Supply Chain Management Digitalization

Intermodal Transport Management – Using and combining different Modes of Transportation effectively

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.

23. April 2024 SupplyX Editorial 5 Min

Supply Chain Management Digitalization

For more transparency: Three pillars of the digital Supply Chain

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.

16. April 2024 SupplyX Editorial 5 Min

Digitalization

Smart Logistics – networked systems and real-time data for managing the flow of goods

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.

10. April 2024 SupplyX Editorial 6 Min

Supply Chain Management

Push and Pull Strategies in SCM: Hybrid Model as a Formula for Success

Effective supply chain management is a key concern for all companies operating in a global business environment. Push and pull strategies form the backbone of supply chain management and determine how companies manufacture, store and deliver their products to customers. But how do managers find the right balance between supply and demand to avoid risks and remain flexible at the same time? We discuss the difference between push and pull strategies and why ever more companies are adopting a hybrid approach.

02. April 2024 SupplyX Editorial 7 Min

Supply Chain Management

Q&A: How does Supply Chain Visibility contribute to the optimization of logistics processes?

The complexity of global supply chains and the need to collaborate with a wide range of partners and stakeholders increases the importance of Supply Chain Visibility (SCV). In our Q&A, Ralf Boelicke, Head of Product & Partner Management at Hermes International, explains what is necessary for companies to use SCV profitably and what challenges need to be overcome when implementing a visibility strategy.

26. March 2024 SupplyX Editorial 4 Min

Sustainability Supply Chain Management

Scope 3 – Integrating environmental aspects into the SCM Strategy

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.

19. March 2024 SupplyX Editorial 6 Min

Supply Chain Management

Creating flexible Supply Chains: These are the resulting Synergies of Lean and Agile Strategies

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.

12. March 2024 SupplyX Editorial 5 Min

Supply Chain Management Digitalization

Real-time Transparency in SCM: Optimizing the Supply Chain from the Customer's Perspective

In the globalized business world, supply chain optimization is crucially important for companies. The focus has shifted significantly in recent years: instead of concentrating exclusively on raising internal efficiency, meeting customer expectations is increasingly becoming the focus of strategic corporate alignment. Nowadays, customers appreciate being able to trace the route and origin of goods in order to make fact-based decisions about their purchases. In our blog article, we explain how real-time transparency in supply chain management (SCM) can help to significantly improve the customer experience.

05. March 2024 SupplyX Editorial 5 Min

Supply Chain Management Digitalization

Digital Transformation and Technologies in Supply Chain Sourcing

The increasing digitization of global supply chains is also having an impact on Supply Chain Sourcing: Companies are turning to smart technologies and strategies to optimize their procurement processes and better adapt to ever-changing market demands. The digital transformation in sourcing offers a multitude of opportunities and is fundamentally changing how managers identify, select, manage and interact with suppliers. We discuss how companies can optimize the different elements of Supply Chain Sourcing with the help of various technologies.

27. February 2024 SupplyX Editorial 6 Min

International Digitalization

Study shows: Digitalization and Offshoring enhance resilient Supply Chains

In the wake of technological change and global challenges, many companies need to rethink production processes and realign their supply chains in order to remain competitive. Digitalization, automation, cybersecurity: According to the "Smart Manufacturing Survey" conducted by IT company Avanade, there are many topics on the transformation agenda of the companies surveyed. We have summarized the most interesting results for you.

20. February 2024 SupplyX Editorial 4 Min

Sustainability Digitalization

Digital SCM: Optimizing processes for more sustainability

Digital supply chain management represents a paradigm shift in the design and management of supply chains. In order to overcome the challenges and complexity of today's value chains, companies are increasingly relying on innovative technologies and analytical tools. The latter enable them to monitor the entire supply chain in real time and react immediately to changes. We discuss how digital SCM is changing operational processes and what role predictive analytics plays in this context.

13. February 2024 SupplyX Editorial 5 Min

International Supply Chain Management

Q&A: What advantages does the rail connection between China and Europe offer for the transportation of goods?

Rail transportation is considered a fundamental pillar in the global movement of goods. Not least due to the current logistical challenges in the Red Sea region, companies appreciate the reliability and efficiency of transporting goods from China to Europe by rail. Sebastian Glenschek, Head of Sales at Hermes International, explains how this particular rail service works and why the connection is a safe and cost-effective alternative to sea and air freight.

06. February 2024 SupplyX Editorial 4 Min

Supply Chain Management

Hybrid Supply Chains – Finding the Balance between Flexibility and Control

Global business processes are in a constant state of flux. This means that the requirements for modern supply chains are becoming increasingly complex. In order to maintain a balance between corporate stability and security on the one side and a flexible adaptation to changing market conditions and technological developments on the other side, business leaders are increasingly turning to hybrid supply chains. The latter combine different logistics approaches to ensure efficiency, resilience and flexibility. In this article, we explain which models of hybrid supply chains are available and what advantages and challenges they entail.

30. January 2024 SupplyX Editorial 5 Min

International Supply Chain Management

From Sialkot in Pakistan to the world: The Logistics behind the Export of Surgical Products

Sialkot in Pakistan is a major player in the global market for medical products and exports to numerous countries. The city has made a name for itself among many medical institutions and specialists as a reliable supplier. And yet, before the surgical instruments can be used at their destination, they need to be transported across many national borders. Hermes International supports its customers in the export of these important healthcare goods and maintains a strategic partnership with the local logistics service provider WWG. By combining local and international logistics expertise and intermodal transportation capabilities, the two companies ensure a smooth and efficient supply chain from Sialkot to anywhere in the world. Tariq Jehanzeb, Branch Manager at WWG, provides insights into the work on site and reveals what is planned for the trade route to Germany.

23. January 2024 SupplyX Editorial 5 Min

Supply Chain Management

Transparent Supply Chain: These Challenges Companies Must Overcome

A lack of human resources for more intensive collaboration with trading partners is a barrier to achieving a transparent supply chain for more than half of all companies (53 percent). This is one of the key findings of the 19th Hermes Barometer, a survey of 150 logistics decision-makers on the topic of “Transparency in the Supply Chain.” The continuous exchange of data forms the basis for informed decisions, sustainability monitoring, and risk management. However, larger companies with more than 500 employees, in particular, still do not feel sufficiently connected to suppliers and other stakeholders.

16. January 2024 SupplyX Redaktion 2 Min

Purchasing and procurement Supply Chain Management

Strategic Supplier Management: The Key to Procurement Optimization

As a key component of Supply Chain Management, Supplier Management refers to the strategic management and control of a company's relationships with its suppliers. Punctuality, quality and sustainability in particular play a decisive role in the selection and evaluation of the right suppliers, as these aspects automatically impact procurement. In this article, we explain how you can utilize smart supplier management and thus optimize purchasing processes. Further, we discuss the role that data exchange and transparency play in this context.

09. January 2024 SupplyX Editorial 5 Min

Sustainability Supply Chain Management

Transparency in the Supply Chain – these are the advantages for companies

Global supply chains must adapt to internal and external changes at an ever-faster pace – this adaptability often makes the difference in a competitive environment and is based on a flexible and transparent data infrastructure. For about two-thirds of German companies (64 percent), therefore, improved responsiveness to unexpected events is one of the key benefits of a transparent supply chain. This is one of the key findings of the 19th Hermes Barometer, a survey of 150 logistics decision-makers on the topic of “Transparency in the Supply Chain.”

03. January 2024 SupplyX Redaktion 2 Min

Supply Chain Management

Accelerating complex Supply Chain Processes with Order Management

Today's customers expect a seamless shopping experience: Orders should be placed without major hurdles and returns must be processed easily. It’s the task of logistics to move the required goods from one place to another as safely, efficiently and sustainably as possible. For this to succeed, orders need to be optimally planned and coordinated, and the individual sections of the supply chain must be precisely matched. We explain the key role of an active Order Management in this context and discuss how companies benefit from intelligent Order Management.

19. December 2023 SupplyX Editorial 5 Min

Supply Chain Management Digitalization

Transparency along the Supply Chain: Digital Technologies are of crucial importance

Digital technologies make a decisive contribution to increasing supply chain transparency: This view is held by more than two thirds of a total of 150 logistics managers at German companies surveyed for the 19th Hermes Barometer "Transparency along the Supply Chain "*. According to the poll, end-to-end visibility of the supply chain through multilateral data sharing leads to numerous benefits, such as an increased quality of deliveries and higher customer satisfaction.

13. December 2023 SupplyX Editorial 3 Min

International Supply Chain Management

Demurrage and Detention Management: Reducing Port and Terminal Handling Charges

Delays in freight transportation are not always avoidable and sometimes they do lead to high additional costs. Disruptions to the unloading and collection of containers in the port and delays on the subsequent journey can result in significant surcharges. In our latest article on the blog, we explain the benefits of demurrage and detention management and discuss how it helps to reduce demurrage times, as well as the over-utilization of storage and freight capacity in order to avoid unnecessary charges.

05. December 2023 SupplyX Editorial 5 Min

Supply Chain Management Digitalization

Advanced Reporting – Visualization of supply chain data in real time

In many companies, data from the various phases of the value chain is increasingly being generated and combined for analysis. To avoid confusion and to be able to draw profitable insights from the digital information, it is crucial that the sometimes highly sensitive data is strategically managed and processed. With Advanced Reporting, companies can collect and process the real-time data on their goods movements and receive proactive reporting on the current status of their supply chain processes through appropriate tools.

21. November 2023 SupplyX Editorial 5 Min

Supply Chain Management Digitalization

Smart logistics: How digital technologies are transforming freight forwarding

Coordinating and monitoring international supply chains and cross-border logistics is a challenge. Freight forwarders need to deal with different customs regulations, trade agreements and laws, while at the same time demands for environmentally friendly and sustainable transport solutions are rising. Freight forwarding is therefore increasingly using technology in order to simplify and streamline processes: Digital transformation has significantly changed the way goods are moved. We discuss how the different areas of freight management can be optimized with the help of digital solutions.

14. November 2023 SupplyX Editorial 5 Min

Sustainability Supply Chain Management

Green logistics along the supply chain – Potential and challenges

Not only are companies constantly exposed to new challenges in their operating business – they also need to remain agile with regard to increasing sustainability criteria. This enhances the willingness to rethink and adapt supply chain processes: Green logistics aims to integrate environmental sustainability into all phases of logistics activities and thus makes a positive contribution to environmental protection. In our latest article on the blog, we discuss what options companies have to implement sustainability goals along their supply chain and what challenges need to be mastered in the process.

07. November 2023 SupplyX Editorial 5 Min

Sustainability Purchasing and procurement

ISO 20400 – International standard for sustainable procurement

In view of changing customer expectations and legal requirements such as the German Supply Chain Act or the new EU CSR Directive, companies are increasingly responsible for keeping environmental impacts and risks as low as possible when purchasing products or services. For sustainable procurement, the ISO 20400 standard is particularly helpful, as it addresses aspects of social and economic sustainability in addition to environmental protection. We have summarized the criteria and benefits of the ISO standard and explain what role the digitally designed supply chain plays in meeting sustainability criteria.

01. November 2023 SupplyX Editorial 5 Min

Supply Chain Management

Strategic SCM: Leveraging the potential of the Middle Mile

It is a long way from production to delivery of a product to the end consumer. For many companies, it’s a key priority to ensure that the ordered goods are available on the agreed dates. After all, the more efficient, reliable and punctual the transport of goods, the higher the level of customer satisfaction. To achieve this, it is worth focusing on the middle mile. As the interface between procurement and the final provision of the goods, the latter represents a crucial and complex section of the supply chain. Find out here how strategic supply chain management can help to optimize transport between warehouses with the help of digital solutions in order to shorten delivery times, better manage inventories and meet customer expectations.

24. October 2023 SupplyX Editorial 6 Min

Supply Chain Management

How SCV and SCRM reduce upstream and downstream effects

Supply chains are becoming ever more complex: legal regulations, increasing sustainability requirements and higher customer expectations entail that the individual phases of a product cycle from manufacture to delivery can now no longer be viewed in isolation from one another. To ensure that a product is available at the right time in the required quantity and quality, upstream and downstream processes must interlock seamlessly and smoothly. This requirement is supported by a symbiosis of Supply Chain Visibility (SCV) and Supply Chain Risk Management (SCRM), as it not only provides companies with valuable knowledge about their supply chain processes, but also gives them planning security and enables them to benefit from greater resilience to unexpected events.

17. October 2023 SupplyX Editorial 6 Min