I am asking the question for a number of reasons.The most immediate catalyst was the fact that I recently saw reference to a book from 2007 titled Saving American Manufacturing by Mike Collins. More on that later. That, in turn... Link

Study highlights supply chain capabilities directly linked to cost effectiveness and superior customer service. Link

Video from Rich Karlgaard, Forbes.com author and future speaker at the 2009 IFDA Distribution Solutions Conference. Rich discusses which segments will recover... Link

Every so often, a post here at Back to B-school rouses controversy. Today’s post will likely draw similar disagreements, and I’ll be curious to see where readers stand. Link

According to Fisher, the partnership allows foodservice, convenience, retail and vending customers as well as distributors to consolidate their purchases through Dot. Link

Lankford Sysco Food Services LLC is being awarded a maximum $31,250,000 contract to service Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine and Cost Guard installations in its region. Link

Bucking the trend of many Southern California businesses during this difficult economic downturn, U.S. Foodservice-Corona has created new jobs and increased sales. Link

Global supply chain optimization provider Manhattan Associates, Inc. has achieved leadership status in two important and influential warehouse management systems industry analyst reports published in 2009 Link

Three U.S.-based companies from the logistics and transportation sector have earned spots on the 2009 Global Reputation Pulse list. Link

A volatile economy makes traditional budgets obsolete before they’re even completed. Here’s how companies can adapt more quickly. Link

Olin Business School at Washington University in St. Louis, has announced the September 2009 launch of a Master of Science in Supply Chain Management (MS/SCM) specialized program to give students a competitive edge in vital career sector. Link

A Virginia fish importer has been sentenced to more than five years in prison for selling $15.5 million worth of frozen Vietnamese catfish as flounder and other fish... Link

Hawkeye Foodservice Distribution of Iowa City recently agreed to buy assets of H & H Foodservice of West Union. Link

Many distributors big and small are taking a closer look at the strength of their customer relationships. Link

Jean-Claude Trichet signalled on Monday that the global downturn had bottomed out with some large economies already able to put the recession behind them and look forward to renewed growth. Link

Good risk management is crucial for companies in this opaque market. Link

Anyone who has followed the warehouse management system (WMS) industry has probably talked with Steve Banker, a supply chain analyst with ARC Advisory Group. Link

The Association of Seafood Producers is asking the fish price setting panel for the reasons behind its recent decision not to change the price of crab in the province. Link

Global real estate firm Cushman & Wakefield said this week it has brokered a deal for Sysco Corp. to acquire a 526,000-square-foot building in Central Islip, New York. Newsday.com reported... Link

The one growth business in this shrinking economy is speculation about where MBAs and other elite students will flock now that Wall Street is a vast wasteland. Link

So you’ve done everything you can as a small business owner to reverse the negative cash flows, such as extending the terms on your... Link

If survey results released this week from restructuring firm AlixPartners LLP is an indication, suppliers and distributors should get ready to sharpen their pencils even more – and worry even more about their level of unsecured debt. Link

This isn't your father's warehouse anymore. Link

While there is a wealth of information flowing on the current H1N1 Flu (or Swine Flu), the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides the latest authoritative information on key issues surrounding the epidemic. Link

You need to examine that special volume discount carefully next time your supplier offers you a special... Link

High-pressure processing (HPP) technology developed by Australian researchers to extend shelf life of chilled perishable products without the use of preservatives... Link

For companies planning to launch new initiatives during uncertain times, it's important "to know from the start that the plan is wrong," according to Wharton professor of innovation and entrepreneurship... Assumptions are what get most companies into trouble. Link

U.S. Foodservice's Detroit distribution center delivered 16,000 pounds - 8 tons - of canned, fresh and packaged food this week to the Mid-Michigan Food Bank in Lansing, MI. The food bank is... Link

The outlook for the restaurant industry improved in March, as the National Restaurant Association's comprehensive index of restaurant activity rose for the third consecutive month. The Association's Restaurant Performance Index (RPI)... Link

The first wave of speculation over the implications of Sen. Arlen Specter's defection to the Democratic Party surrounded one of the day's most hotly contested legislative issues: the Employee Free Choice Act. Link

Swine flu has been all over the news. Here are some ways to help restaurants handle it. Link

Briefing: More distributors seem to be willing to handle the logistics of local sourcing – either via restaurant requests for specific vendors or through their own legwork finding local producers – which makes buying locally more feasible for many restaurants. Link

Zanios Foods, an Albuquerque-based broadliner, has announced it will close its northeast El Paso warehouse in a few weeks due to falling sales. Link

Beginning on May 1, 2009, New York-area foodservice distributor Food Authority is launching a new “No Hassle Cash & Carry” option for local restaurants. Link

Kahiki Foods Inc. has appointed Don Blumenthal as vice president of its foodservice division. Blumenthal will be responsible for leading foodservice sales and go-to-market initiatives for the Asian frozen foods company. Link

Sara Lee Corp. has announced the opening of its new North American innovation campus, The Kitchens of Sara Lee. The 120,000-square-foot research and development center is located at the company’s Downers Grove headquarters. Link

And how to minimize them in a bad economy. This latest brutal recession has reminded us all that what can happen in business will--and likely when you least expect it. Link

Sysco Corp., Houston, is set to receive $1.2 million of a total of $41.9 million in stimulus funding being distributed by the Department of Energy (DOE) for fuel cell technology. Link

An otherwise tough year for convenience stores was balanced out by strong retail fuel margins from the unprecedented drop in wholesale fuels prices... Link

An Australian company that created a database analyzing foods for allergens and additives has landed in the US, offering American consumers an online tool for comparing thousands of manufactured foods. Link

Using electrical equipment more precisely could help frozen food companies shave up to 15 per cent off their electricity bills, according to a new report from the British Frozen Food Federation (BFFF) in association with the Carbon Trust. Link

Beginning in February, some Pocono produce boxes will carry “WOW!” stickers to draw attention to exceptional quality. The boxes may also have “Inspected By…” cards inserted, touting the work of the distributor’s quality assurance team, which pulls samples for inspection on all produce items. And e-mail alerts... Link

Jorge Hernandez, senior vice president of food safety and quality assurance at U.S. Foodservice (USF), has been elected to serve on the GLOBALGAP board of directors. Link

Improving the Distributor-Manufacturer relationship: an ongoing process. This article discusses the bigger picture. Link

"Deficit thinking" sees organizations focusing on what's wrong and problems that need to be solved. In doing so, they often overlook real opportunities. Link

FSIS is announcing new dollar limitations on the amount of meat, meat food products, poultry, and poultry products that a retail store can sell to hotels, restaurants, and similar institutions without disqualifying itself for exemption from Federal inspection requirements. Link

Labor groups looking to merge; but can they do it with a secret ballot? America's largest unions formed a committee Tuesday to continue talks for unifying the entire labor movement under one banner. Link

Despite four outbreaks of salmonella illness from peanut products in the past three years, the federal government has not changed the safety measures required of peanut companies... About half a dozen food safety reform bills are pending on Capitol Hill. Link

Twenty reasons for IFDA members to be optimistic. by Rich Karlgaard of Forbes.com. Link

In the debate over the grossly misnamed Employee Free Choice Act (more accurately called the Card Check Forced Unionism Bill), union bosses have gone out of their way to convince the media that the bill does not eliminate the secret ballot in workplace unionization drives. Link

When the economy turns down, DC managers are often asked to tighten their belts... Link

The value of lift truck dealers is often understated. While pessimism dominates business conversations these days, a little creative thinking about supplier relationships can uncover new growth opportunities. Link

If the one constant is change, that goes double for the supply chain. Supply chain experts attempt to answer this question. Link

Crown GPC 3000 Series low-level order picker was recognized for operator comfort and contribution to warehouse efficiency. Link

With a down economy and buyers even more hesitant to take action due to scams such as the Bernie Madoff case, how can companies assure their prospects of their credibility and business ethics? Link

US Foodservice is proud to announce its status as a trade partner of The Chopping Block, a reality show  on Wednesday’s at 8p.m. ET on NBC. Link

Usually, the clearest, best-informed and most rational understanding of what decisions should be made and what actions should be taken comes in the form of hindsight. And because family owned companies can be tied up by emotional influences... Link

Leading European foodservice distributor has annualized revenues of approximately $200 million. Link

The food industry reacts to the massive peanut recall by re-examining safety procedures within each link of the food chain. Link

Implements solution that provides a unique identifier bar code label. Link

Knowing how and where to eliminate waste and trim down costs is the true benchmark of a successful operation. Link

Ever wish you had a better way to explain your pricing to your operators? Need to understand their perspective on cutting food costs? Learn to speak their language. Link

Joining a trade association is like keeping your business in shape. By joining a trade association, you have access to resources and other industry professionals who can help keep your business healthy, strong and continuously improving. Link

The latest models feature a variety of high-tech innovations. Link

A new credentialing system (CLA and CLT) has been developed for "front-line workers" in supply chain logistics - across the supply chain, including distribution centers. Link

A legal expert helps shippers become familiar with two vital tactics necessary for surviving in an economic slow down—cash flow management and establishing metrics for your own performance. Link

This new study was delivered in February to IFDA members, providing insights into how likely marketplace changes will affect their businesses as well as concrete recommendations on how to respond. Link

The benefits of a WMS are numerous, but like most technologies, a WMS has a lifecycle. Link

Performance Food Group announced today that Progressive Group Alliance, Performance Food Group’s independent purchasing organization, will outsource all of its foodservice business and group purchasing functions to UniPro, based in Atlanta, Georgia. Link

At Yancey's, an independent broadliner founded in 1939, the push is on to build better relationships with customers. That means, among other things, more transparency. Find out what else this distributor is doing to keep business up in tough times. Link

In the new landscape of today’s economy, the types of foodservice distributors who are selling their businesses still look surprisingly similar to the kinds of sellers we have seen for many years, perhaps to the surprise of industry pundits. Link

J. M. Smucker Co. will locate its new Southeast distribution hub near Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. Link

Despite what is being regarded as the worst business in 27 years, foodservice distributors are continuing to be confident that they can survive the recession by eliminating costs along the supply chain and tightly partnering with their customers – especially independent operators. Link

As the distribution industry continues to lobby vigorously against passage of the Employee Free Choice Act, which the Obama Administration has indicated it strongly supports, a new report by the Bureau of Labor Statics (BLS) shows an increase in union workers last year. Link

Buyers for Kraft Foods and Frito-Lay reportedly are pleading guilty to accepting bribes as part of a scheme that helped drive up food prices. Link

Smart companies know that the last thing you should do in a down economy is pull back your marketing. Instead, you need to learn how to do more with less – making sure every marketing dollar is working for you. But, how do you do it? Link

Businesses today face the unenviable task of reducing supply chain costs while increasing front-facing service to end customers. Technology and automation help integrate and expedite service, but they don't allay the problems and emotions that befall poor execution or unforeseeable exceptions. Link

The CEO of Sysco Corp., Houston, TX, Richard J. Schnieders, has announced his plan to retire on June 27, 2009, the end of Sysco's 2009 fiscal year. Link

Survival in this ultra-competitive industry requires a fresh focus on the fundamentals. Whether it’s skyrocketing material costs, out-of-control SKU proliferation or strict regulation, every industry has an Achilles’ heel. If ignored or mismanaged, vulnerabilities in one link of the chain can wreak havoc on the entire system. Link

For Jason’s Deli, precise control over distribution—right down to the lift truck fleet—is a competitive advantage. Since first opening its doors in 1976 in Beaumont, Texas, Jason’s Deli has expanded into a successful foodservice chain, with more than 200 delicatessens in 25 states. Link

Before purchasing used material handling equipment, ask these seven questions. Link

Despite the weak economy, food and beverage distributors continue to invest in automation. Here are 12 major reasons. Link

Tilt-tray sorter speeds delivery of frozen-food items to Switzerland’s largest supermarket chain. Link

Here are 11 unique ways food processors and distributors can use flexible fabric walls. Link

A 15-minute walk-through of a facility can tell more about operations than an hour in the conference room. Link

Supply Chain managers approaching the end of 2008 may need a paper bag to breathe into. The roller coaster of oil prices, a tanking worldwide economy, and the near-collapse of major American financial institutions have made for tough times... Link

The Produce Marketing Association (PMA) has restructured its senior management team to more closely align it with the association's new strategic plan and the expectations of its members. Link

Gordon Food Service (GFS) has signed a purchase agreement to acquire 47 acres in the Schuylkill Highridge Business Park near Pottsville, PA. Link

Wireless technology is converging to make warehouses more productive. Stories like this illustrate how wireless technology, which encompasses RFID, voice, barcode scanning and mobile computing, makes warehouses more efficient, more productive and cheaper to operate. Link

Fast-charging and effective battery maintenance can minimize lift truck downtime. Link

New York City's largest drug store chain switches from pallets to roll carts. Link

Non-manufacturing segments seem more positive for next year than the manufacturing side. Link

Experts say you have to resist the fear-driven urge to chop your marketing budget down to the bone. Link

The ability to control costs, drive revenue, attract new customers and assure customer satisfaction while driving revenue will be key determinants of staying in business next year, according to a supply chain consultant. Distributors hold a unique central position in the supply chain... Link

With the country being in the grips of a severe recession, distributors are waiting with bated breath for the latest statistics on how well or bad they actually did this year. Link

In Seafood, Promote Health, Environmental Benefits; Get Certified to Boost Sales; Healthy Kids’ Meals, Local Produce, Mini Desserts among Hottest Menu Trends. Link

Two new initiatives are in the works, intended to offer small businesses some breathing room. Link

A tougher lending climate could trigger an unfavorable ripple effect across logistics and distribution operations, experts contend. Link

The award acknowledges distributor leadership and overall excellence within the foodservice industry. Link

Challenging times invite rash decision making. Better to start with strategy -- and data. Link

Our greatest asset is inventory (money in a different form). To protect it, just look at the basics of your operation. Link

Every supply chain operational performance objective is one of three types: efficiency; asset utilization; and customer response. A company focused equally on all three is not really differentiating on objectives. Thus, the dilemma... Link

"Younger consumers grew up in an era of prosperity and have never really known economic challenges to this extent..." said James Russo, vice president of marketing for Nielsen. "There is a pervasive feeling of uncertainty and concern which is clearly affecting spending levels. Link

Productivity enhancements can be achieved in your Distribution Center without spending a dime. Link

“Nearly two out of three restaurant operators reported negative same-store sales and traffic levels in September..." Link

The good news is that there still are options out there, it's just that if you want to find the money to start or expand your business, you may need to look in new places and be more creative. Link

Small businesses are getting hit with another aftershock of the credit crisis: Customers who are delaying payment of their bills for weeks or months. Link

Lack of close control on working capital is one cause of business failure. The small business owner must be constantly alert to changes in working capital, the reason for them, and any resulting business implications. Link

Proctor & Gamble is testing its ability to use the internet to sell its toothpaste, household cleaners and nappies directly to US households, in a potential long-term strategic challenge to its retail partners. Link

The increased sales will result in 10 new jobs -- operations positions, truck drivers and warehouse personnel -- at the company's Chicago-area facility... Link

Declining consumer spending, rising food costs, diminishing lines of credit. Prudent distributor owners, in addition to monitoring and managing their personal financial positions, must now also carefully examine the financial status of their businesses. Link

In the last few weeks, a lot of people have asked us how the current economic meltdown will affect America's restaurants. Many restaurants will weather a bad economy just fine. Link

Adverse Business Conditions Mandate Operational Efficiencies, Superior Execution, Smart DSRs. Link

Brett Wood is taking the helm as president of Toyota Material Handling USA Inc. (TMHU) at a pivotal time. TMHU, like all businesses, faces the tall task of maintaining profitability during economic upheaval, but Wood sees adversity as a path to prosperity. Link

Bulk container features 4-way lift truck access. Link

RFID is going to be impacting different elements of your business, and it will begin to start literally living right alongside your bar code systems, voice systems, and your other automation technologies. Link

Companies, while focusing on cutting supply chain costs, also must make sure that shelves are stocked with the right product to meet marketplace demands where customers’ demands are constantly changing.  To achieve these goals, more and more companies are looking to cross docking as an integral part of their distribution model. Link

Many small businesses are so fearful of today’s economic turmoil that they’re waiting out the storm. Instead, they should be proactively and quickly adapting to the new economic realities. Link

So what does the latest not-so-great news from Wall Street mean for deal-making and business lending? I spoke to industry veteran Jon Skelly of PCE Investment Bankers today to gain some perspective on current conditions. Link

Save money, help others and get rid of slow-moving or dead stock—all at the same time. Link

Doing the green, or sustainable, thing is the right thing to do; it even shows promise of paying off in the long run. In the short run, however, there’s that nagging bottom-line problem to consider. Link

According to some sources, automated ordering and forecasting systems are becoming increasingly important in the supply chain. However... a skeptical "wait and see" attitude prevails among many decision makers. Link

The loading dock is the central hub of activity for a warehouse. The efficient onloading and offloading of goods represents the life flow of a company and anything that impedes that activity or threatens to disrupt it is a threat to the company's well being. Link

PFG Rolls Out Voice Across Five Facilities; Nestle Waters Reduces Idle Time By 41 Percent; Tips For ReducingFuel Consumption; Coca-Cola To Add Hybrid Trucks To Fleet - from FoodLogistics.com Link

You have spent countless hours getting managers trained in lean and six sigma processes, implementing enterprise and customer relationship management systems, and executing initiatives to improve innovation, capture voice of the customer data and integrate information systems. Yet, the pressure from global competitors seems to be increasing rather than declining and you often find yourself still being beat up on price. What in the world is going on here? The problem is movement. Link

United Food and Commercial Workers Union Local 791 signed new five-year contracts with Shaw’s Supermarkets Inc., avoiding a potential strike by 5,600 store and warehouse workers. Link

Cost savings holds a certain allure, but it could paint you into a corner. Link

With certain key success factors in place, you can speed the transition from a tactical paper-pushing procurement function to a strategic supply chain organization. Link

Here are seven examples of wasteful behavior so (ahem) damning that the authors have chosen to brand them “The Seven Deadly Wastes.” Link

We have seen the fuel price per barrel almost double since mid-2007. Is there any end in sight? At what point do we begin to take this seriously? Link

If you are struggling with employee retention, the first program you should implement is a detailed training program. Link

Asset management is gaining importance as a profit conservation strategy in the materials handling world. This goes for systems vendors as well as their clients. Link

Recent disasters have put combustible dust in the headlines and on OSHA’s watch list. A new regulation may be on the way, and it’s time to get ready. Link

On July 24, the Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) officially kicked off its previously announced fuel-cell lift truck program at Robins Air Force Base. Link

Lean operation – finding ways to reduce costs and increase efficiency by improving internal processes – is not a new concept. But it has taken nearly 20 years for distributors to recognize how the process can help them. Link

CHEP has unveiled a new Web site that shows the impact of shipping platform choices on the environment and supply chain. Link

When executives at Toyota Forklifts of Atlanta wanted to improve education for lift truck operators, they had two important and specific goals. First, they wanted to offer a unique, comprehensive and socially inclusive training program. Second... Link

Leasing material handling equipment, such as lift trucks, has become the option of choice at many distribution centers. This article from WERC explains your better options. Link

Order Picking Systems Decisions Are Closely Tied To Location and Storage Mode Decisions. Link

SCDigest and Wright State University help one or more companies evaluate the potential incremental benefits of RFID on the shop floor (and also in one distribution center) versus bar codes. Link

With steel prices rising, companies need to re-evaluate racking purchases. Link

Improvements in door technology combine fast cycling with high-efficiency insulation, leading to more alternatives. Link

Nothing can happen in your DC without handling materials; therefore, it makes sense to plan your handling methods in a systematic way. Link

This report will examine how supply chain organizations are aligning their warehouse operations with business objectives by making full use of resources and positioning those resources to better meet impending demand. Link

Conveyors—invisible links in the distribution system—are often overlooked. Avoid excessive downtime by watching for these common mistakes. Link

Alternatives to wood help make food and warehouses safer. Link

A VoIP (voice over Internet Protocol)-based voice-activated picking solution helps Coca-Cola Enterprises, Inc. (CCE) maintain order accuracy rates of more than 99.8%. Link

The concept of an untouchable may be just the thing you need for a healthy bin maintenance program. Link

Voice-directed work is easy to implement and helps companies achieve their cost and profit goals. Link

This supplier turned to a system integrator when it needed help achieving speed, cooperation and productivity. Link

A warehouse is a busy place, and such fast-paced productivity often leads to injuries. Warehouse management must do more to protect employees. Link

Are labor costs the bane of your distribution center?  Get a handle on labor costs with today’s solution- labor management software. Link

The conflict for warehousing is between maximizing storage space and decreasing the time it takes employees to access and ship products. The more you can ship out, the more you can sell. Link

Higher production and efficiencies, lower operational and labor costs, and a smaller real-estate footprint might sound like a tall order, but this is exactly what automated storage and retrieval systems (ASRS) deliver. Link

Lean thinking may not require abstract thinking, but it takes perseverance and attention to detail. This article will focus on just one issue, spreading lean thinking to suppliers. Link

If successfully planned, designed, and implemented, renovating your DC to enable cross docking can lower your operating costs, reduce inventory investment, and improve product turns. Link

Order Picking is incredibly important – it involves a big piece of the total labor budget and it directly affects customer satisfaction. The ability to quickly and accurately process customer orders is essential. Link

Meyer Corp. was able to cut trailer unloading time by several hours and speed cartons to palletizing. Link

Consumer goods industry leaders are leveraging real-time data to drive demand-planning accuracy, improve manufacturing efficiencies and reduce obsolete product in the supply chain. Link

As one of the warehouse’s most labor-intensive functions, order picking is a key area that companies focus on for automating processes with new technologies. Link