The Supply Chainer

By Robert Handfield, Bank of America University Professor of Supply Chain Management Everyone seems to be developing a new AI platform that will forever change the world of supply chains. But will it really? Let’s review a few facts about AI and what it means for retail business strategies. Artificial Intelligence is the study of the “general principles of rational agents and components for constructing them” (Russell and Norvig 2016). On the other hand, agents are systems th

February delivered a focused set of confirmed supply chain leadership transitions across food manufacturing, distribution, and electric vehicle production. Rather than sweeping overhauls at global logistics giants, the month reflected structural reinforcement in sectors where margin control and execution discipline remain paramount. Hormel Foods Names New Chief Supply Chain Officer Hormel Foods appointed Will Bonifant  as Group Vice President and Chief Supply Chain Officer, e

As logistics, materials handling, and industrial services companies grapple with skills shortages, apprenticeships are increasingly viewed as a practical pipeline for building long-term technical capability. For many employers, the challenge is not just attracting young talent, but offering training paths that translate quickly into real operational contribution. Choosing Skills Over University In response to a query from The Supply Chainer, Harvey Swan, a newly qualified pai

Every link in the supply chain is under pressure—but few more so than the warehouse. As e-commerce volatility, labor shortages, and fulfillment expectations intensify, distribution centers are scrambling to adapt. The problem? They’re often doing it with systems that weren’t built to speak to each other. That’s the warning AutoScheduler.AI CEO Keith Moore delivered in a recent episode of the Supply Chain Now  podcast, titled “The Logistics Problem No One Talks About: How Dis

Last edited: 02/12/2026 Procurement teams are under growing pressure to deliver savings faster while managing volatility across energy, industrial, and manufacturing supply chains. As cost pressures persist and sourcing cycles remain slow in many organizations, interest is rising in AI-driven procurement tools that promise not just visibility, but execution speed and measurable financial impact. Why Speed And Savings Matter Now Traditional sourcing processes often stretch ove

Fast-fashion giant Shein has quietly leased a massive warehouse near Ho Chi Minh City—its first in Vietnam—in a strategic hedge against rising U.S.–China trade tensions. Already, companies are feeling the ripple effects: logistics teams are recalibrating transport routes, customs processes, and inventory buffers to accommodate this new sourcing node. Citing unnamed sources, Reuters reports Shein’s move aims to sidestep U.S. duties imposed on Chinese shipments by rerouting thr

Global container markets have moved decisively beyond the pre–Lunar New Year bump, and pricing behavior suggests the industry has already entered the traditional late-winter lull. Despite operational disruptions in both the US and Europe, underlying demand signals remain muted, reinforcing concerns about capacity oversupply and margin compression across major east–west lanes. The most striking development has been the speed of the correction. Asia–US West Coast spot rates fel

As logistics operators seek broader asset visibility without adding infrastructure, software-based approaches to tracking are gaining momentum. The latest example comes from Blecon, which has launched a solution designed to convert existing frontline mobile devices into a distributed Bluetooth tracking network. Turning Existing Devices Into The Network London-based Blecon announced the launch of Blecon Agent, a software application developed for devices from Zebra Technologie

As procurement leaders push for diversification amid geopolitical exposure and supplier concentration, many are discovering that multi-sourcing strategies do not automatically translate into operational resilience. The execution layer between contract signature and day-to-day delivery is increasingly where risk accumulates. While supplier portfolios may look balanced on paper, coordination complexity grows with every additional partner. Without disciplined governance, sourcin

Aera Technology and Lokad both argue that supply chains struggling with volatility are facing a decision-making crisis—not a data shortage. Decision-Making Is the Real Bottleneck For all the talk of digital transformation, many supply chains today are choking on complexity. There’s no shortage of dashboards, alerts, or reports. What’s missing, according to two companies pushing the frontiers of decision automation, is the ability to turn all that data into coordinated, reliab

Escalating geopolitical tensions in the Gulf are forcing governments to reassess how energy policy underpins broader supply chain resilience. With maritime chokepoints, regional infrastructure, and cross-border energy flows exposed to disruption, continuity planning is increasingly treated as an operational discipline rather than a strategic abstraction. Why Energy Policy Matters For Supply Chains Now Energy availability remains a foundational input for logistics, manufacturi

Global freight markets entered February under renewed pressure as winter weather disruptions, easing pre–Lunar New Year demand, and persistent trade policy uncertainty combined to weigh on both ocean and air cargo dynamics. While operational disruptions mounted across key regions, pricing trends underscored how fragile demand remains across major trade lanes. Disruptions Rise As Rates Continue To Slide Severe winter weather has complicated logistics on both sides of the Atlan