Trouble in Egypt Could Raise Shipping Costs Through Suez Canal

Trouble in Egypt Could Raise Shipping Costs Through Suez Canal

Supply chains dependent on shipping between Europe and Asia could see even higher costs in the coming months. The government in Cairo is seeking ways to increase revenues. Revenues have fallen recently due to a slump in Egypt’s tourist industry and other factors. As President Mohamed Mursi and officials seek a loan from the International…

Court Fails to Rule on New Hours of Service Rules: What Will the Cost Be?

Court Fails to Rule on New Hours of Service Rules: What Will the Cost Be?

On Monday, July 1, the hotly contested new hours of service regulations imposed on the trucking industry by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) went into effect. Carriers and drivers hoped the Federal Appeals Court would rule in their favor before the new rules took effect, and even requested that the FMCSA hold off…

May Sales Numbers Look Good for U.S. Manufacturers of Durable Goods

May Sales Numbers Look Good for U.S. Manufacturers of Durable Goods

Durable goods manufacturing, seen as a key indicator of market strength and business confidence in the economy, rose in May for the third consecutive month. This is the third time this sector has seen a three  month straight increase in orders since the fall quarter of 2011. According to the report by the U.S. Commerce…

Want a Solid Career Choice? Supply Chain Offers Earning Potential, Job Security, and Much More

Want a Solid Career Choice? Supply Chain Offers Earning Potential, Job Security, and Much More

Not long ago, people became supply chain employees through another outlet such as an MBA. Now, more schools are responding to job opportunities in the industry and are offering degree programs to fill the needs within the industry. Businessweek suggests that careers within the supply chain are “the next big thing.” Here’s everything you need…

Rising Floodwaters on Mississippi River Force Lock Closings, Drive Up Corn and Soy Prices

Rising Floodwaters on Mississippi River Force Lock Closings, Drive Up Corn and Soy Prices

Reuters news agency reports that the Army Corps of Engineers is being forced to close numerous locks along the Mississippi River due to rising flood waters. According to spokespeople for the Corps, it is unclear when barge traffic will be allowed to resume due to chances of even more rains in these regions in the…

U.S. Rebounds as Manufacturing Jobs Return, But There’s Still a Long Way to Go

U.S. Rebounds as Manufacturing Jobs Return, But There’s Still a Long Way to Go

As production costs and energy prices rise overseas, the U.S. is looking more attractive to companies looking for low-cost areas to manufacture goods. Top manufacturers such as Caterpillar, GE and Ford, which led the way towards moving manufacturing overseas, are once again considering the U.S. for new manufacturing facilities. This growth in U.S. manufacturing jobs…

Supply Chain Disruptions are on the Rise: One Consultant Explains Why

Supply Chain Disruptions are on the Rise: One Consultant Explains Why

Since 2000, supply chain disruptions have been on the rise. Dr. Alan Punter, a risk management consultant with 25 years’ experience, carefully studied the rise to try to identify reasons. The study examined business-to-business processes and how automating these processes can benefit companies in the long run.

Study Reveals Biggest Challenge to MES Deployments

Study Reveals Biggest Challenge to MES Deployments

According to a new report released by two Gartner analysts in conjunction with MESA International determines the single largest obstacle to deploying MES applications is a lack of clarity on the costs and benefits these systems can offer. This came as a surprise to Gartner analysts Simon Jacobson and Michael Doran because these issues were…

The Do’s and Don’ts That Destroyed the Dot Coms
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The Do’s and Don’ts That Destroyed the Dot Coms

Nowhere is the failure of the dot comes more clearly illustrated than with the bankruptcy of Webvan. This company had everything it should take to be a success: a long list of large-pocketed investors, a bankroll of cash, and some of the most brilliant management minds money could buy. But without the right research and…

Smartphones Squelch Market Demands for Several Key Consumer Electronics Supply Chains

Smartphones Squelch Market Demands for Several Key Consumer Electronics Supply Chains

In an uncertain world, there were still things people believed they could depend on. Some of these things included our need for consumer electronics like alarm clocks and home telephones. However, the introduction of the smartphone to the market has uprooted a number of key supply chains, leaving once-thriving industries wondering what’s to come.