Author Info
James A. Cooke
Editor at Large
James Cooke has more than two decades' experience as a journalist covering logistics and transportation as well as supply chain strategy and technology. A former editor at Logistics Management magazine, he has earned numerous awards for his well-written, in-depth articles spotlighting developments in distribution. During his tenure at that publication, he served in such roles as news editor, international editor, feature writer, technology editor, and, finally, executive editor. Among his many accomplishments was winning the award for Most Valuable Editor in the Supply Chain Group at Reed Business Information. Along with several members of the DC VELOCITY team, he helped drive the 1997 launch of Supply Chain Management Review. He is a frequent speaker on the logistics conference circuit, including CSCMP, MHIA, and WERC.
Missing the potential of inventory optimization
Inventory optimization software may be hot right now, but most users do a poor job of making it work for them, one expert says.
Five steps to ensure bar-code compliance
As more DCs automate their receiving operations, suppliers risk steep fines if they don't comply with customers' labeling requirements. Here are some tips for staying out of trouble.
Group developing legal framework for shared supply chains in Europe
Guidelines would help companies collaborate without violating antitrust laws.
Dutch shippers vie for fastest truck turnaround at DCs
Shippers in the Netherlands start a "speed derby" to see who can move a truck fastest at distribution center docks.
Robots: coming soon to a DC near you (really!)
More robots can be found on Mars today than in the nation's warehouses. But that's about to change, says one expert.
The next big trend: dynamic optimization
A TMS can tell you the cheapest way to move goods between two fixed points, but what if those shippng points are constantly in flux? That's where dynamic optimization comes in.
Kimberly-Clark connects its supply chain to the store shelf
In its quest to achieve a demand-driven supply chain, Kimberly-Clark turned to software that generates shipment forecasts based on point-of-sale data. The move has allowed the consumer products giant to better serve some of its customers with a lot less inventory.
Defend your DC network
Advanced persistent threat (APT) attacks are on the rise, and supply chain and distribution networks are a frequent target. So how can you protect yourself?
Know your integrator
Picking the right systems integrator for the job requires checking alliances, references, and résumés. Here are some tips on what to look for.
Reality check
In a bid to cut costs, more shippers are using computer modeling to decide whether to take control of their inbound shipments. But be prepared: Suppliers might not be willing to play along.
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