We are in an increasingly digital world. Consumers are attached to their mobile devices everywhere they go, and the companies they buy from are racing to become their favorite brands. These companies are raising their digital battle cries as they attempt to connect with their audiences. And at the enterprise level, the move is on to ‘become digital.’ What does that mean for supply chain participants? Read more...

According to a survey recently released by Canon Business Process Services, a majority of account payable (AP) departments are overwhelmed by the volume of paper and investment of time necessitated by conventional billing practices. The survey also revealed that both elements decrease efficiency while increasing the likelihood for errors and late payments.  Read more...

HP, the world’s largest computer manufacturer, has also become a leader in the fight against exploitative labor practices worldwide. In a November 10, 2014 press release, HP announced it will now require direct employment of foreign migrant workers in its supply chain. The additional standard “combines this direct employment requirement with rights relating to worker retention of passports and personal documentation and the elimination of worker-paid recruitment fees,” according to the release. Read more...

We've bemoaned (rightfully) the loss of blue collar manufacturing jobs from the US for the last several decades. And if all else were equal it would seem the distances between US and our remote suppliers would be even less an issue than they have been because of the increased efficiency of our supply chain technology. Turns out those assumptions are wrong.

Read more...