New developments in freight transportation, including innovations in fuel and infrastructure, could have a major influence on supply chain operations. But the biggest impact may come from advances in software.
By James A. Cooke, Editor | From the Quarter 3 2012 issue
The technology giant's global command centers coordinate parts logistics and field technicians to respond swiftly to customers' requests. They even monitor potential problems like natural disasters and work with customers to develop contingency plans.
This excerpt from a new book about "logistics clusters" tells how the fashion retailer Zara uses the regional cluster in Zaragoza, Spain, to support its unusual — and highly successful — manufacturing and distribution model.
With operational costs rising and sales declining, the global coffee purveyor implemented a three-step plan to improve supply chain performance, cut costs, and prepare for the future.