Case Studies - Inbound Logistics

Case Studies.

TMS Brings the Power. Celestica improves visibility, controls costs and seeks greater logistics flexibility with MercuryGate’s transportation management system solutions. Moving Forward and Upward. Profile of David Goldberg, CEO of DHL Global Forwarding U.S. Inventory System Makes Mama and Data Proud. After Carter's implements a cloud-based platform, inventory management and supply chain visibility become child's play. Fail Fast, Then Move On. Jim Barnes did not have a mentor at the start of his career. "No one taught me how to become a leader," recalls Barnes, chief executive officer of enVista, an Indianapolis-based supply chain consultancy and software firm. Erik Snyder Keeps His Spirits Up. Erik Snyder, president of North America supply and procurement with Diageo, oversees Diageo's end-to-end supply chain and procurement operation in North America, including sourcing raw materials, distillation, manufacturing, packaging, planning, and customer service. Footwear Chain Steps Up E-Commerce Efficiency. Independent footwear chain Browns Shoes reduced order lead time and more quickly filled e-commerce orders with an order management system. Automated Compliance: Allied's Stock-in-Trade. Due to the sensitive nature of the products Allied exports, the distributor turned to automation to stay on top of increasingly complex and rapidly changing international trade policies, regulations, sanctions, and restricted party lists, which in some cases change overnight. Fulfillment Makeover Reveals A Glowing Supply Chain. Faced with rapidly-accelerating demand for its products, skin care company Rodan + Fields, an e-commerce merchant, chooses a distribution solution that includes a new location and automation. Jack Buffington: Here for the Beer. Jack Buffington, supply chain leader with MillerCoors and professor at the University of Denver, manages a complex beer supply chain. Admiral of the Fleet. How John Burke, CEO of Armada reached his position and guides his company. People and Culture First, Strategy Second. Dan Curtis of BNSF Logistics discusses his leadership strategies and priorities. Cookware Company Stirs Up a Sizzling Supply Chain. Even after adding a third production shift to its foundry, Lodge Manufacturing Company couldn’t manufacture enough cast-iron cookware to fill orders. To meet demand, the family-owned business in southern Tennessee invested $85 million in a second foundry, a modern 212,000-square-foot distribution center, and the company’s first warehouse management system, mobe3 from EVS. Sunset's Rising Star. When Lindsey Graves joined Sunset Transportation in 2006, the founder and CEO—who happens to be her father—asked her to learn the business by spending some time in every possible role. As the years progressed, that didn't mean dealing just with the company's freight operations. Joel Kamp: Never Out of Gas. Profile of Joel Kamp, head of the bulk scheduling center, Americas region, with The Linde Group, a gases and engineering company. A Cool Supply Chain Solution. A 3PL's cold call leads to a cool technology solution that streamlines processes and minimizes service disruptions. Fueling Transportation Breakthroughs. Profile of Doug Mueller, CEO of Breakthrough Fuel, Green Bay, Wisconsin. Michele van Krieken: Formulating Supply Chain Clarity. Profile of Michele van Krieken, global supply chain manager with The Chemours Company. Running a Global Organization Like Family. Profile of Frank Guenzerodt, president and CEO, Dachser USA. Mike Parsley: Supply Chains Suits Him Well. Profile of Mike Parsley, senior vice president of distribution with Tailored Brands, Inc., a U.S.-based retail holding company for Men’s Wearhouse, Jos. A. Bank, and other men’s apparel brands. Average Is for Other People. Profile of Derek Leathers, president and CEO of Werner Enterprises, Omaha, Nebraska. Howie Mann: Helping to Train a New Generation. Profile of Howie Mann, a founder and a board member with the Urban Assembly School for Global Commerce in New York City. Sourcing Packaging Globally Boxes Up Savings. Church’s chicken was in the market to lower packaging material costs so they partnered with a food packaging specialist for a more cost effective solution. Fashion Icon Designs Supply Chain Solution. With its distribution center approaching capacity, Michael Kors had several options to consider, including one that would expand the existing facility. The fashion company turned to supply chain software company LLamasoft for help evaluating possible solutions. The collaboration also led to Michael Kors developing a core supply chain decision-making capability as well as systems it could use for other purposes. Outsourcing Distribution: Good For What Ales You. Partnering with a third-party logistics company enabled to Velour Imports to sell regional products on a global scale. Steve Ahern: Supply Chain Strategist. Profile of Steve Ahern, manager of supply chain operational design with BASF, a leading chemical company. The Son Also Rises. Profile of Ryan Wall, president and CEO of FHI (Freight Handlers, Inc.) in Fuquay-Varina, North Carolina. From Top Waffle to Top Rhino. Profile of Kevin Nolan, founder and CEO of Nolan Transportation Group, Atlanta. Billy Duty: Formulating a World-Class Supply Chain. Profile of Billy Duty, head of North American supply chain with BYK USA, Inc., a division of Altana, a specialty chemicals company. Better Routing Takes Root. This case study tells how Weatherford Farms increased efficiency in its delivery network by switching from manual routing to an automated routing system. New Pallet Program Better by Half. When Jel Sert needed to improve on the half-pallets it was using to deliver product displays for in-store promotions, CHEP developed a better solution. Leadership: Fashion Leader. Profile of Brent Beabout, executive vice president of supply chain, Nordstrom. Marianne McDonald: Stand and Deliver. Profile of Marianne McDonald, vice president, global transportation for Avnet, a $17.4-billion global technology distributor headquartered in Phoenix, Arizona. Finding the Right Strategy for Each Situation. Profile of Denis Reilly, president and CEO of Kenco Logistics. Tim O’Brien: Exuding Star Power. Profile of Tim O’Brien, senior director, supply chain, with Purchasing Power, a specialty e-commerce retailer that provides goods and services to customers who make payments through payroll deductions. Yone Dewberry: Engineering the Supply Chain. Profile of Yone Dewberry, chief supply chain officer, Land O’Lakes. BluJay Solutions CEO Doug Braun: Leading with Compassion and Conviction. Profile of Doug Braun, CEO of BluJay Solutions. Golf Ball Maker Hits Supply Chain Sweet Spot. With a pull instead of a push replenishment strategy, golf ball maker Acushnet increased supply chain efficiency. Betting the Farm on YRC's Success. James Welch, CEO of YRC Worldwide, discusses his leadership philosophy. Chris Ward: Get the Food to Church's On Time. Chris Ward, vice president of supply chain with Church’s Chicken, focuses on delivering the right products at the right cost. e-Tales Deborah Abrams Kaplan. Warehouse Upgrade: Of Boxes and Briefs. To prepare for the holiday rush, apparel retailer MeUndies is adopting a more automated, efficient system to provide better tracking, quality control, and more efficient labor usage. Empowering the Shipper. Profile of Dan Clark, founder and president of the logistics technology firm Kuebix, in Maynard, Mass. Joe Bobko: Not Boxed In. Profile on Joe Bobko, vice president of transportation with Boxed Wholesale, an online wholesale shopping club. Improving Food Distribution: Knife, Spoon, and Forklift. Technology from Crown Equipment helps a fine foods supplier optimize its order-picking process. Sofa So Good: Software Upgrade Bolsters Furniture Company’s Growth. Furniture retailer upgrades its warehouse management system to furnish growth. e-Tales Rosie Wolf Williams. Green E-tailer Fertilizes the Bottom Line. Sustainable products company Grove Collaborative grows its bottom line by using a data analytics platform to cut shipping costs and optimize fulfillment. Paul Nugent: Feed the Flow. Profile on Paul Nugent, director of logistics for Kitchen and Bath Americas with Kohler Co. REO Logistics CEO Rebecca Polan: In Line to Succeed. Profile of Rebecca Polan, CEO of REO Logistics in Huntington, West Virginia. Casebook Elaine S. Silver. Supply Chain Challenge: Getting Employees on Board. Agilent Technologies, a global high tech life sciences, diagnostics and applied chemical company applies sophisticated scientific methods provided by CorpU to implement sweeping new order fulfillment and supply chain strategies. Using the CorpU platform, and its precision tools, procedures and metrics for both engaging and educating employees, Agilent's transition from design to implementation for new supply chain plans was reduced from months to just 10 days. Inbound Logistics Staff. Port Everglades Gets Approval for Largest Expansion Project in Its History. Broward County's Port Everglades received unanimous approval from the Broward County Board of County Commissioners to begin a $437.5 million expansion project to add new berths for larger cargo ships and install crane rail infrastructure for new Super Post-Panamax cranes. From the Front Lines to the Boardroom. Profile of David Congdon, CEO, Old Dominion Freight Line. Customized App Puts Bat Distributor in the Big Leagues. When a paper-based order management system slowed a baseball bat manufacturer’s growth, the company digitized for out-of-the-park growth. Valerie Young: 2020 Vision. Profile of Valerie Young, vice president of global supply chain services and operations, 3M. Hitting a Freight Management Bull’s Eye. Ben E. Keith maximized freight management with help from ArrowStream’s Crossbow technology. No Shortcuts to Success. Profile of Jeffrey Silver, CEO of Coyote Logistics in Chicago. Carrier Network Plants Seeds of Delivery Efficiency. Produce distributor SunTerra Chicago uses technology to boost on-time deliveries and cut costs. GOOD QUESTION | What part of working in supply chain do you find the most rewarding? Readers share the best part about working in the supply chain. Clear Direction, Abundant Communication. Profile of Manny Calandrino, president and chief operating officer, Consolidated Fastfrate. Tom Ciepichal: Centered On Supply Chain Strategy. Profile of Tom Ciepichal, vice president, operational excellence and supply chain, with Dover Energy, a segment of Dover Corporation. GOOD QUESTION | Who would be on your Mount Rushmore of transportation and logistics visionaries? IL readers reimagine Mount Rushmore with transportation and logistics visionaries. Sound Strategy, Talented Team. Profile of Cliff Otto, president and CEO of Saddle Creek Logistics Services. Jonathan Parks: Planning is Key, to Say the Leased. Profile of Jonathan Parks, VP, global logistics and distribution, with Rent-A-Center. Casebook Michael D. White. Caldwell Hospital Gets a Lean Bill of Health. A North Carolina hospital improves patient care by prescribing a lean and healthy supply chain. Aaron Leach: A Bird’s Eye View of the Supply Chain. Aaron Leach is senior director of supply chain with Wayne Farms, LLC, in Oakwood, Ga. He has held this position since 2013. Wayne Farms is the sixth largest vertically integrated producer and processor of poultry in the United States. Russ Smyth: Geared Up for Growth. Profile of Russ Smyth, CEO of HAVI. Also: CEOs in the supply chain sector reveal what it takes to be a great leader. Routing Software Separates Losers from Weiners. Kowalski Sausage implements a new in-house routing and dispatching system to improve how the piggies get to market. DC Solutions Dinah Wisenberg Brin. Hardware Upgrade Unwraps DC Improvements. Kelli’s Gift Shop Suppliers deployed Janam’s mobile computers and transformed its distribution center operations. From improving efficiency and productivity, find out how the handheld devices boosted inventory control and customer satisfaction for the wholesale distributor. How Ariens Weathers Seasonal Demand. Ariens' tailored transportation planning solution from Redwood Logistics has led to efficiency gains, delivery improvements, increased visibility and cost reductions. Winning, With Integrity. Profile of Kirsten Hall, CEO of Logistics Planning Services in Woodbury, Minn. Joanne Wright: Turning Data Into Insight. Profile of Joanne Wright, Vice President of Supply Chain, IBM. Right on Target. Profile of Mike Wagner, CEO of Target Freight Management. Bert De Winter: Springing Forward with Innovation. Profile of Bert De Winter, director of EMEA logistics with HP Inc. Leading by Example and Empowerment. Profile of Marc Althen, president, Penske Logistics. Alan Sargent: A Sweet Confection Connection. Profile of Alan Sargent, supply chain and logistics director, Just Born Candy. Rogerio Branco: Powering the Supply Chain Team. Profile of Rogerio Branco, senior vice president, supply chain management, with Eaton. Doug Waggoner: Managing By Consensus and Common Sense. Profile of Doug Waggoner, CEO and chairman, Echo Global Logistics. Chainsaw Maker Massacres Supply Chain Inefficiencies. Oregon-based manufacturer Blount International was bleeding money from leaks all across its supply chain. It found that the correct application of the right data management technology provided and maintained by the right partner was the solution to the problem. Cross-Border Champion. Profile of John Costanzo, president, Purolator International. Peter Schuele: Injecting Life Into Supply Chains. Profile of Peter Schuele, head of global supply chain and distribution at the life science business of Merck KGaA, Darmstadt, Germany. Optimum Dental Extracts Transportation Cost Savings. A lack of route optimization software led to out-of-control logistics costs for Optimum Dental Studio, so the company turned to Maxoptra to optimize routing to serve dental offices and their patients. Build a Great Team and Get Out of Their Way. Profile of Mike Gardner, CEO of Kane Is Able. Diandra Hayban: Keeping New York City Prepared. Profile of Diandra Hayban, Logistics Shelter Support Program Manager, NYC Emergency Management. Delivery App Perks Up Coffee Sales. A new app helped a coffee merchant digitally transformed its retail sales and distribution processes. Making Scents of Demand Planning. Bedoukian Research improves forecasting, demand planning, inventory management, and logistics processes with the help of Smart Software. Girl Scout Cookie Sales Go Digital and Milk E-Commerce Innovation. The Girl Scouts of the United States of America (GSUSA) created and implemented a new way of taking and filling orders for its annual cookie drive. Here’s how it made sure cookie sales didn’t crumble.

AGT Global Logistics Founder and CEO Angela Eliacostas: Unstoppable Force. Profile of Angela Eliacostas, founder and CEO of AGT Global Logistics. Kendra Austin: Dedicated to Diversity. Profile of Kendra Austin, Director, Supplier Diversity, Express Scripts. Cloud-Based Route Planning? That Would Be Ideal! Wholesale distributor Ideal Supply re-routed its delivery network through the cloud with the help of logistics technology provider Descartes. INTTRA CEO John Fay: Trading Stocks for Ships. Profile of John Fay, CEO of the electronic supply chain platform, INTTRA. Dave Christensen: A Spirited Approach to Supply Chain Management. Dave Christensen, vice president, supply chain with Glazer’s, Inc., oversees demand planning, replenishment, logistics, and master data management. Sapa Puts a Dent in Freight Costs. Sapa Extrusions Americas achieves tremendous business benefits by implementing Cloud Logistics’ transportation management system (TMS). Jim Lambo: Eye on the Sky. Jim Lambo, director of supplier management and procurement at Insitu, manages procurement and suppliers for all goods and services. DSC Logistics CEO Ann Drake: AWESOME Outlook. Ann Drake, CEO of DSC Logistics, studies people for a living. Join her team at DSC Logistics, and she'll soon discover what makes you tick. Hospitality Supplier Reserves Room to Grow With WMS. Through automated, rules-based wave management and replenishment, American Hotel Register Company was able to eliminate manual sortation and create multiple, tailored options to proactively release orders by type. Richard Foley: Charging Hard Against Chargebacks. Richard Foley, logistics manager at SDI Technologies, controls and helps reduce chargebacks from customers. East Coast Warehouse & Distribution CEO Jamie Overley: Driven By Results and Big Dreams. Profile of Jamie Overley, CEO of East Coast Warehouse and Distribution. Whiskey, Bartender—and Make it Quick! If there’s one lesson that we’ve learned from fine bourbon or whiskey, it’s that good things come to those who wait. Distilleries know this better than anyone. But when it’s time to get that product out the door and in the hands of distributors, the last thing a distiller wants to do is wait. Michael Fries: No Small Potatoes. Profile of Michael Fries, senior business intelligence logistics analyst at U.S. Foods, drills into data to find opportunities to make or save money in the company’s logistics operations. All in the Family. Profile of Kristy Knichel, president and CEO of Knichel Logistics. Changes in Latitudes, Changes in Attitude. When an outdated warehouse management system was putting a dent in a distributor’s workflow, it turned to a technology partner to grow its e-commerce business. Al Morris: Perfect for the Part. Al Morris, director, global supply chain at TERiX, reviews accounts to determine what parts to buy and where to stock them to ensure the right part is always available. Steering with a Clear Vision and Open Mind. Profile of Bob Shellman, CEO of Odyssey Logistics & Technology. Lean Management: Ready, Set, Grow. Contract manufacturer Apex International had seen its growth halt as it struggled to deliver products on time and provide sufficient quality control. With the help of Simpler Consulting, Apex adopted Lean management principles to transform its culture and return the company to a path of growth. WMS Gives the Gift of Visibility. SendOutCards keeps its personal touch while improving its greeting card and gift order fulfillment processes with Snapfulfil’s warehouse management system. Coming in Out of the Cold. When Thermo Fisher Scientific wanted to improve worker safety in its bioproducts cold chain warehouse, it developed a novel deli-door solution that reduced the number of pickers in the cold storage and freezer spaces, dramatically improved picking safety and efficiency, and created more product storage space. Lin Ding: A Healthy Perspective on Procurement. Lin Ding, procurement manager at Ultimate Medical Academy, manages a team with a shared focus on procurement, supplier management, and contract management. Azteca Foods Craves Inventory Management System. When Azteca Foods outgrew its manual pallet tracking system in its production facility, Barcoding Inc. delivered a solution. People Person. Bobby Harris, President and CEO of BlueGrace Logistics, discusses the talent gap, entrepreneurship, the importance of keeping employees happy, and more. Sean Smith: Ingredients for a Great Career. Sean Smith, supply chain director at Agropur Ingredients, is always up for a logistics challenge. The Sweet Smell of Success. A system developed by The Smart Cube pulls and aggregates information from all Elizabeth Arden’s contract manufacturers, providing a consolidated, accurate view of data across the company’s supply chain. The cosmetics giant now can see, in real time, the purchases its network of manufacturers makes on its behalf. Tim Thoma Brings It In. Tim Thoma, international logistics and compliance manager at Northern Tool and Equipment, is responsible for moving product purchased from overseas. The Beauty of Global Logistics. EM Cosmetics brings its products to the global market through the use of international shipping and package consolidator MyUS.com. An Acquiring Mind. Inbound Logistics interviews XPO Logistics’ Brad Jacobs to discuss his vision for XPO Logistics, and shares insight into what it takes to be a successful leader in today’s business world. Reader Profile | Jeff Larson: A Gem of a Job. Jeff Larson, director of distribution engineering analysis at Tiffany & Co., works with the jewelry company’s international locations to help improve their operations. Nourishing a Healthy Supply Chain. Nutrabolt’s rapid growth created several logistics challenges, including processing orders efficiently and quickly; absorbing dramatic swings in order volumes to support promotional campaigns; and providing omni-channel fulfillment through a single warehouse. A third-party logistics partnership with Kane Is Able helped Nutrabolt meet these challenges. Growing Efficiency and Weeding Out Waste. With $20 million in plant products left for dead each year, Bell Nursery had to nourish and grow some better inventory management practices. Terri Anderson: Care and Feeding of the WMS. Terri Anderson, production warehouse management systems analyst at Houghton Mifflin Harcourt, configures, enhances, and tests the company's WMS by the book. DC Solutions Dinah Wisenberg Brin. Retail Collaboration: It’s All in the Jeans. Work with a team of service providers to get a new retail distribution center up and running in only six months? We should all be so lucky. BaubleBar Makes International Shipping Sparkle. When BaubleBar saw the untapped potential of the international market, they tapped an parcel shipping partner to help them succeed. NFL Intercepts Challenges, Tackles Data Collection. To deliver more information to the fans, the NFL turned to a logistics technology provider for help. Kelvin Miller: Home Away From Home for the Troops. Kelvin Miller, an equipment and mobility readiness spare parts allocation supervisor with the military contractor DynCorp International, manages inventory and gets it ready to deploy when the time comes. Ocean Spray: Tastes Good, Good for You and the Environment. When Ocean Spray wanted to reduce its carbon footprint, they found the answers they were looking for from an MBA student. Lori Harper: Running a Tight Ship. Lori Harper, vice president, supply chain management at Ingalls Shipbuilding, a division of Huntington Ingalls Industries (HII), is a natural leader who figures out solutions to unexpected challenges. Awake at the Wheel: Delivering Customer Satisfaction. When Sleepy's customers got tired of short notice and missed deliveries, the specialty mattress retailer brought in a technology partner and dreamed up a solution that put those problems to bed. Judi Griffin: Sinks Her Teeth Into Her Work. Judi Griffin, director of logistics at Burkhart Dental, is responsible for three distribution centers, purchasing and customer service teams, and inbound and outbound freight costs. On Your Mark, Headset, Go! To increase fulfillment efficiency and order picking accuracy, eBay Enterprise gives its warehouse a voice. Jim Young: Sourcing for a Startup. Jim Young, senior supply chain manager at Applied Microstructures, Inc., is responsible for everything from sourcing materials and services to shipping finished products. Lauren Corbett: Help is on the Way. Lauren Corbett, program assistant, acquisitions and logistics at International Relief and Development, secures donated supplies, and makes sure they get to people in need. The Kings of ACE. When it came time to face the ACE, HW St. John bet on an automated solution that streamlines processes and deals customers a winning hand. Eelco de Graaf: Four-Continent Career. Eelco de Graaf, vice president, supply chain operations at Lewis-Goetz and Company, is responsible for purchasing, shipping, manufacturing, and operational excellence. The Luxury of Logistics Excellence. To expand its footprint in the luxury accessories market, Royce Leather indulged in a solution that connects it to new customers and streamlines fulfillment. That’s how Royce rolls. Building a Bridge to Continuous Improvement. Tired of relying on e-mail blasts to place freight, L.B. Foster ups its game with a third-party solution that has transformed the enterprise. Christopher McGovern: Watch Him Soar. Christopher McGovern, vice president, supply chain management at Aero Precision, knows the importance of communication and data collection. Single Dashboard Streamlines Shipments. After struggling with outdated software that could not keep pace with increased sales, EAM-Mosca found a solution to streamline shipments. Andy Yablin Goes Back to School. Andy Yablin, vice president, transportation at Scholastic Inc., is responsible for transportation from manufacturing facilities to distribution centers, and from distribution centers to customers. Leslie Dean: Serving Up FroYo Mojo. Profile of Leslie Dean, senior director, supply chain, at Menchie’s Frozen Yogurt. Automation That’s Worth the Weight. When a merger required Nature’s Way to consolidate distribution facilities, it called on the services of system supplier The Numina Group for a new design and technologies. Today, the facility successfully distributes products to customers in 50 states, and overseas through five supply chain channels. Tamsen Fricke: Finding the Sweet Spot. For Tamsen Fricke, operations manager at Divine Chocolate USA, fair trade and logistics make a delicious combination. 3PL Partnership Provides The Total Package. Intertape Polymer Group outsourced transportation to gain control of its diverse product line and protect profit margins. Chet Mullen: Material Guy. When customers need products fast, Chet Mullen of lift truck manufacturer Raymond Corporation rises to the occassion. Diving Into Multi-Channel Fulfillment. Kaikini Bikini manages growth with integrated inventory control and shipping. Bruce Kulp Scores Big. When it comes to keeping up with demand, Game Stop's Bruce Kulp doesn’t play around. TMS: Getting in on the Ground Floor. TAJ Flooring used a transportation management system to improve shipment and freight spend visibility. Wheel Genius: Racing to Improve Data Collection. Bar-code reading errors slowed Champion Tire and Wheel’s operation; a new laser scanner got the company back on track. Senthil Arumugam: Building a Better Way. Senthil Arumugam, vice president of logistics & inventory management at US LBM Holdings, constructs a sturdy operation. Freight Bill Payment: Meeting the Pepsi Challenge. Pepsi Logistics Company Inc. automates the creation and delivery of carrier and shipper invoices. Bud Snodgrass: Oils Well That Ends Well. As director of logistics at Universal Lubricants, Bud Snodgrass keeps transportation and warehousing moving smoothly. Shipment Visibility: SilverStaff Passes the Test. SilverStaff, a medical testing lab, used a Web-based portal to improve shipment visibility of inbound specimens. Bob Kalland Knows the Drill. Bob Kalland digs his job as inventory and logistics manager for Atlas Copco Mining and Rock Excavation. Ax Torres: Plowing Ahead. Ax Torres supervises outbound shipping at agricultural machinery company AGCO Corporation. Cloud-based System Furnishes Supply Chain Visibility. Faced with long lead times and potential production delays, Badcock Furniture and More invested in a cloud-based tool. Jason Shefrin: Asset-Light, By Design. Jason Shefrin, executive vice president, global sourcing, at InterDesign Inc. streamlines global operations. Heroic Logistics Saves the Day for DC Comics. Special print production needs prompted DC Comics to seek an overseas partner and rework its logistics. Drafting a New Route Planning System. Molson Coors Canada’s new delivery planning system integrates routing, pallet building, and truck loading. DSW Tries On New SKUs and Stocks. Retailer DSW's new replenishment materials handling solution improves inventory control and reduces in-store markdowns. Sean Vasquez: Heard It Through the Grapevine. Sean Vasquez manages EDI and transportation for Sun-Maid Growers of California. Magaly Garza Takes on the World. As international business manager at Alarm.com, Magaly Garza supports global market growth and develops new distribution channels. Putting Stock in Retail Analytics Tools. Kimberly-Clark China uses retail analytics tools to manage inventory and avoid stockouts at stores like Walmart. Mara Gonzalez: Import Expert. As director of purchasing at wine company Vino del Sol, Mara Gonzalez squeezes supply chain data from a business intelligence solution. Belgium Travelog: Dispatched from Flanders. Inbound Logistics recently joined Flanders Investment & Trade on a tour of Belgium’s ports and distribution facilities. Enhancing Safety Up-N-Down. Fast food chain In-N-Out upgrades a new distribution center for improved loading dock safety and efficiency. Chris Carlson: All Charged Up. Chris Carlson, VP of Batteries Plus Bulbs, gets a jolt out of optimizing warehouse labor and inventory flow. Alana Miedrich: Making Wishes Come True. Alana Miedrich, inventory and logistics assistant at Kids Wish Network, Holiday, Fla., manages inventory to fulfill dreams. Route Planning Software: Mapping a Path to Savings. Route planning software from Paragon helped poultry supplier George’s gain efficiencies and cut transportation costs. Healthcare Logistics Gets a Shot in the Arm. Delivering temperature-sensitive flu vaccines to Laos required climate-controlled transport and impeccable timing. Hu Huang: Bright Light in Global Trade. Hu Huang of Kichler Lighting stays current on trade laws and keeps import/export activities transparent. Cintron Quenches Thirst For Order Management System. An order management system from DF Young and Superior Technology helps Cintron Beverage Company boost inventory accuracy, fulfill orders easily and quickly, and track products throughout the supply chain. Aerodynamic Trailer Add-ons Make Fuel Savings a Breeze. Exporter Anderson Hay & Grain saved on transport costs by installing trailer side skirts that boost fuel efficiency. Bringing Supply Chain Visibility to the Last Frontier. A Web-based shipping tool helped an Alaskan outfitter develop multichannel fulfillment operations. Matthew Wood: Finding a Cure for High Freight Costs. Matthew Wood, freight program and supply chain manager at Mayo Clinic, treats the company’s freight spend aches and pains. Dino Lanno: Best in Glass. Dino Lanno, senior VP of supply chain at Safelite AutoGlass, steered the company through a supply chain redesign. Delivery Scheduling Relieves Loading Dock Bottlenecks. Beer distributor Crescent Crown’s new appointment scheduling system gives it control over when trucks arrive at its DC. Inventory Optimization: A Natural Fit.

A new inventory management system by Manhattan Associates nurses Nature's Best's fulfillment operations back to health. Larry Montreuil: True Blue. Larry Montreuil, director of supply chain management at JetBlue Airways, negotiates sourcing and purchasing deals that let the airline soar. Going Green to Save Green. By switching to lighter-weight containers and consolidating inbound shipments, construction equipment manufacturer Caterpillar cut both carbon emissions and costs. Jason Mathers: Carbon Slasher. Directing motor carriers to more fuel-efficient decisions drives Jason Mathers, senior manager, corporate partnerships at the Environmental Defense Fund. Brian Morgan: Transportation Superconductor. As director of logistics at electrical wiring equipment manufacturer Leviton, Brian Morgan drives transportation efficiencies to meet complex customer requirements. Sander Eth: Putting Green Principles Into Action. As senior vice president, supply chain, at sustainable home goods company Bambeco, Sander Eth sows the supply chain with environmental principles. Cloud-Based WMS Fires Up Supermercados Supply Chain. Peruvian supermarket chain drives DC network realignment with a new cloud-based software as a service (SaaS) warehouse management system (WMS). Improved Warehouse Operations: Cause to Celebrate. A warehouse control system that integrates voice-directed picking technology, a high-speed sortation system, and scanning technology streamlined party goods supplier Oriental Trading Company’s picking, packing, and shipping operations. Inventory Replenishment: A Push in the Right Direction. Close-out retailer Tuesday Morning implemented Interlink’s WHSe-LINK warehouse management system to receive, store, and allocate its daily inbound shipments of unique SKUs. William Gregory: Into Africa. As global supply chain coordinator at satellite communications technology provider VT iDirect, William Gregory tunes into signals from trading partners in Africa to ensure regulatory compliance. Victor Hougan: Finding a Love for Logistics. Victor Hougan is set to soar in his new logistics position with aerospace supplier Primus International. DC Solutions Amy Roach Partridge. An Appetite for Refrigerated Warehousing Improvement. Food company Bob Evans entrusted Millard Refrigerated Services with its warehousing and distribution operations. The two businesses worked together to expand both their supply chain capabilities. Michael Smyers: Molecular Logistics. For Michael Smyers, associate director, logistics, at chemical and transportation fuel products manufacturer Amyris in Emeryville, Calif., the formula for a successful career relies on continuing education. Inventory Tracking: Crunching the Numbers. With store replenishment lagging behind sales growth, potato chip maker Golden Flake deployed a mobile inventory-tracking solution from AT&T to provide stock visibility. Emily Ross: Good Blood. As senior supply chain manager at blood management devices manufacturer Haemonetics Corporation, Emily Ross monitors the pulse of the company’s transportation and warehousing services sourcing. Putting Labor Management Systems to Work. Labor management systems help distribution centers and warehouse facilities monitor and measure worker performance to identify problems and improvement opportunities. Managing Mobile Devices By Remote Control. Far-flung warehouses in remote western Canada created mobile device upgrade issues for wholesaler Federated Co-operatives Limited, but remote support solutions from Wavelink provided instant access and facilitated an upgrade to Psion Omnii handheld computers. Amy Polt: Safety First. Amy Polt, operations supervisor of the Houston warehouse for The Mosaic Company, pieces together the elements of a safe and efficient supply chain. Sherry Askew: Beauty Calls. Sherry Askew, transportation manager at Revlon Consumer Products, the well-known maker of beauty and personal care items, negotiates freight rates that keep the company’s bottom line looking good. Data Warehousing System Puts an End to Paperwork. Faced with workflow inefficiencies, paper distributor and converter Roosevelt Paper implemented an automated data collection system from solutions provider Intermec that transformed its shipping and storage operations. Dennis Omanoff: Hard-Driving Man. Dennis Omanoff, senior vice president, supply chain and procurement, at hard drive and storage solution manufacturer Seagate, backs up his company’s supply chain to prevent service disruptions. Opening the Door To Real-Time Visibility. Door manufacturer The WHITING Group replaced siloed systems with integrated ERP, ushering in transparency and real-time decision-making across its multiple divisions. Stacker Cranes Cure Pallet Pain. Pharmaceutical manufacturer Catalent upgraded its Philadelphia packaging center’s high-bay warehouse with an automated storage and retrieval system (AS/RS) served by three aisle-changing stacker cranes developed by LTW Intralogistics. Mary Foster's Excellent Adventure. Mary Foster, vice president, supply chain management at automotive parts supplier Inteva Products, is riding high as part of the new company’s executive team. Supporting a Glass Act. Mexico-based automotive glassmaker Vitro Automotive opened a distribution center in the United States to serve Detroit automakers just-in-time requirements. Its long-time logistics service provider Evans Distribution Systems staffed the new DC for Vitro to ensure a quality workforce. With production already at capacity and limited room for expansion, visual technologies manufacturer Christie installed two Shuttle Vertical Lift Module (VLM) storage and retrieval systems from Kardex Remstar – recovering 70 percent floor space, doubling capacity, and cutting labor requirements in half. Michael Gilbert: A Fresh Start. As director of logistics and facilities at Indianapolis Fruit Company, Michael Gilbert enhanced the company’s refrigerated truck fleet with computers that provide navigation, tracking, and driver performance reporting. A New Recipe for Effective Warehouse Management. Developing a customized warehouse management system (WMS) was a collaborative process for packaged food products direct-sales company Tastefully Simple and technology provider Softeon. John Snider Does It Best. John Snider, vice president of retail logistics at Do it Best Corp. in Fort Wayne, Indiana, manages the company’s warehousing, and inbound and outbound transportation. Teamwork and communication play a major role in his management strategy. Cross-Border Shipping: The Road Now Taken. Electronics manufacturer Siemens switches from air freight to over-the-road transport for cross-border shipments from Mexico to the United States and Canada, cutting 35 percent from its transportation costs thanks to CFI Logistica. Capt. Kazimir Kostrubala: Winging It. Kazimir Kostrubala manages military resources as squadron operations officer and installation deployment officer with the 19th Logistics Readiness Squadron, 19th Airlift, at the Little Rock Air Force Base, Little Rock, Ark. Trying on a Tailor-made TMS. Ralph Lauren’s transport operations team lacked the ability to dynamically route international air freight according to real-time best service and cost options, and it showed in inflated shipping costs. When a market search found no suitable transportation management system (TMS) for international air freight, the company decided to create its own, with help from solutions provider Acuitive Solutions. Don Riley: Building for the Future. Don Riley, executive vice president of supply chain and technology at Denver, Colo.-based building materials supplier ProBuild Holdings, faces recessionary challenges by building the right organizational model and relationships – from suppliers to customers – to support the company today and into the future. John Hodge: Feeding a Need. John Hodge, director of supply chain at Prince Agri Products, creates organizational efficiencies, reduces costs, and optimizes material flow. Transporting Wind Turbines: An Oversized Challenge. Moving wind energy components requires considerable planning efforts and expense. Wind equipment manufacturer enXco Inc. tackles the challenge of transporting turbines and towers via truck and barge. The Scoop on Route Accounting Automation. Ice cream distributor Berliner scoops up savings with an automated direct store delivery solution that helps drivers manage customer information collected along their routes. High-Reach Lift Trucks: Moving On Up. Thanks to a fleet of new forklifts, Interstate Warehousing is growing upwards rather than outwards. The Crown RM 6000 lift truck is helping it expand capacity and eliminate wasted space. Jill Hesselroth: Opportunity Knocks. Jill Hesselroth, vice president, global supply chain at Nortech Systems, analyzes the company’s supply chain to identify opportunities for improvement and leads the implementation of those improvements. Managing Inbound Transportation: All On Board FOB. By helping tire importer TBC Corporation convert its inbound transportation to free-on-board (FOB) terms and control freight costs, American Global Logistics rolled out a supply chain transformation. Ryan Gellert: Climbing High. Ryan Gellert, vice president, supply chain management, at mountain sports products company Black Diamond Equipment handles global demand planning, sales and operations planning, global procurement, logistics, and in-house customer service. He views helping launch a new division in Asia as a pinnacle of his career. Getting a Handle on Transportation Costs. Plumbing fixture manufacturer TOTO Global Group’s U.S. division tapped third-party logistics provider Transplace to benchmark its truckload, less-than-truckload, and intermodal freight spend. Katie Reuland: Down to Business. Katie Reuland, director of operations at bedding manufacturer Down Etc., rests easy knowing she has optimized the company’s container shipments. CSA Compliance Through TMS: A Beauty of an Idea. CSA 2010 regulations inspire global cosmetics company L’Oreal USA to create a qualification program that holds its fleet of 80 carriers to higher safety standards. Angela Duesterhaus: Joining the Jet Set. Angela Duesterhaus, logistics and export compliance manager at PAS Technologies in North Kansas City, Mo., talks about her recent projects and describes how a disappointment in a previous job taught her a valuable lesson. Casebook Perry A. Trunick. Delivering a Slice Of Fresh Supply Chain Solutions. A new inbound/outbound logistics operations solution helps pizza chain Papa John's handle rapid expansion. David Fisher: Raising the Roof. David Fisher, director of global logistics at Johns Manville in Denver, promotes collaboration through the organization's supply chain departments worldwide and designates preferred carriers to promote strong partner relationships. Import Data: It’s in the Bag. Computer carrying case manufacturer Targus gets a handle on duty drawback with global trade management software. Ron Harris: Getting to the Essence. Ron Harris, chief logistics officer at Young Living Essential Oils, talks about some of the people and experiences that helped to shape him as a logistics professional. Distribution Network Optimization: Repairing Cracked Supply Chain Design. Vehicle glass manufacturer Safelite increased distribution efficiency, enhanced customer service, and lowered costs by transforming its supply chain. The Secret Ingredient For Inventory Accuracy. Tomato canner Red Gold achieves 99-percent inventory accuracy with QuikTrac data collection software from Integrated Barcoding Systems. Raising a Glass to Better Beverage Management. Faced with processing more than 63,000 orders each year, the Manitoba Liquor Control Commission turned to Aldata’s merchandizing optimization and demand-based replenishment. Jennifer Burkhardt: What's Brewing? Jennifer Burkhardt, transportation manager of the specialty coffee business at Green Mountain Coffee Roasters, takes charge of all movements into and out of the company’s manufacturing and distribution sites. When Just Enough Goes All the Way. In the midst of organizational change, furniture retailer Design Within Reach upgrades its demand forecasting and replenishment system to better control inventory. David Ayers: Embarking on an ERP World Tour. David Ayers, lead business analyst, warehouse management, for tool manufacturer Lenox, rolls out SAP enterprise resource planning systems at sites worldwide. Casebook Perry A. Trunick. Colgate Logistics Delivers Smiles. Colgate took more than four million miles out of its network while handling five percent more cases of product – and even managed to cut logistics costs, sharing the savings with customers and suppliers. Cheryl Harrity: Cooking Up World-Class Service. Cheryl Harrity, corporate director of supply chain for food product producer MGP Ingredients Inc., whets her appetite for improving sales and operations planning. Brian Hatfield’s Supply Chain Stylings. As vice president of supply chain at KPPS, Brian Hatfield oversees the network that brings the company's hair care products to salons across North America. PETCO’s Pet Project. For pet supply retailer PETCO, honoring its commitment to superior customer service meant finding a loyal logistics partner. Saara Chung: Dishing Up Souperior Service. Saara Chung, customer logistics manager at Campbell Soup Company, helps customers improve efficiencies, reduce costs, and boost their businesses. Eric Cohen: Making a Clean Sweep. Eric Cohen, vice president of logistics for Waxie Sanitary Supply, puts his military experience to work to help the company reduce costs, improve service and manage human resources. Unleashing Logistics Excellence. Natural pet food manufacturer WellPet partnered with Aspen Logistics and Kane is Able to improve its supply chain and warehousing operations. Joe Perillo: The Persuader. Joe Perillo, director of supply chain, logistics, and lean enterprise for PTR Baler and Compactor, leads through influence. Warehouse Slotting, Profiling: The Right Place at the Right Time. A warehouse optimization project enables leather goods distributor Tandy Brands to better serve customers. Todd Stewart: All Wired Up. As vice president of supply chain at WireCo WorldGroup, Todd Stewart looks for cost reductions while improving service and delivery to customers. Logistics Outsourcing: An Active Culture at Dannon. Dannon's network design provides flexibility and speed to serve customers quickly, reduces transport time and costs, and delivers on the company's sustainability initiatives, while ensuring product freshness. Randall Plost: Plugged Into the Pipeline. Distribution Manager Randall Plost boosted pick rates and forged carrier relationships to improve service at valve and pipe connector manufacturer Victaulic. Predicting Demand Levels Down the Road. Polymer and fibers manufacturer INVISTA turned to a new inventory planning tool to meet recessionary challenges. Xylophones, Checkerboards, and Gestalt Theory. Using colors, shapes, numbers, and mnemonics in warehouse signage can help reduce training and picking errors, while improving service. Gemma Fillmore: Supply Chain Advocate. To improve supply chain performance at Medco Health Solutions, Gemma Fillmore focuses on getting C-level executives to give logistics issues the attention they deserve. Kevin Miles: Supermarket Superstar. Collaboration and communication help Inbound Logistics Manager Kevin Miles manage more than $100 million in transportation spend for grocery chain owner Ahold USA. Brrr! It’s Cold in There! A voice-enabled picking system keeps ice cream company Dreyer's Edy's workers productive and equipment functioning in sub-zero environments. Flower Power: John Kuehn. ProFlowers' time- and temperature-sensitive shipments create plenty of challenges for John Kuehn, senior vice president of supply chain operations. Here's how he nips problems in the bud. Humanitarian Aid: The Logistics of Doing Good. Nonprofit organization MedShare distributes recovered medical supplies to the places of greatest need. Mapping Distribution to Demand. For a fictional company looking to expand its franchise nationally, DC network optimization is a measure of real success. Gregory Cross: Keeping the Wheels Turning. As director of logistics and operations at USA Cycling, Gregory Cross gives new meaning to the term "cycle counting." ALDO Boots Up a New System. Global shoe retailer ALDO implements a high-stepping, end-to-end inventory and distribution system. Alison Dennis: Local and Loving It. Alison Dennis, director of sustainability at fast food company Burgerville, promotes sourcing from nearby suppliers. Just Chill: Moving Live Tissue. A precise temperature-controlled packing and shipping procedure helps Advanced BioHealing ensure its biomedical product's safety and integrity. Jason Ballard: Distributing Ammo and Hot Chow. Ten years as an Army sustainment officer provided Major Jason Bullard a view of the military supply chain from just about every angle. William Cossey Jr.: Happy in the Middle of the Action. William Cossey Jr. moved military vehicles during the first Gulf War; civilian life finds him back in the supply chain hot seat. E-fulfillment: Finding the Perfect Fit. Online haberdasher Bonobos relies on its third-party fulfillment partner, Quiet Logistics, which operates warehousing facilities with Kiva's robotics materials handling solution. Kathy Zepaltas: Doing Fine, Moving Wine. As director of logistics at Regal Wine Company, Kathy Zepaltas consolidated her company's logistics operations and transitioned from an insufficient warehouse to an ultra-efficient 650,000-square-foot DC. Healthcare Logistics: A New Prescription for Medical Distribution. Linking bar-coded pharmaceuticals and electronic patient records using Zebra Technologies solutions helps the Sisters of Mercy Health System streamline supply chain operations. Learning by Example. Acquiring a warehouse and implementing a warehouse management system from Cambar Solutions helped The School Box earn top grades for its distribution operation. Scott Kingsley: The Personal Connection. Scott Kingsley, logistics manager at The Food Source International, believes good communication is key to strong relationships with service providers, suppliers, and customers. Bar Codes Rev Up Auto Supplier Operations. An end-to-end scanning solution with components from Integrated Barcoding Systems and Zebra Technologies helps Trelleborg Automotive Americas improve efficiency and accuracy, while providing real-time production data and lot traceability.