Archives June 2023

Chain Reaction Podcast Last Mile Delivery

Tony Hines explains why last mile delivery has become such a hot topic to achieve a competitive advantage.

Last mile logistics refers to the final stage in the delivery process. It's the final step in the  chain where the goods or the services move from the hub or a warehouse facility to the end user which maybe a customer or a consumer, So it could be a business to business transaction or it could be a retail transaction direct to consumer. Potentially it's the most critical stage of the process. It's the stage by which customers and consumers judge customer service experience. It can be expensive, it can be complex, and the last mile might be just a few blocks away, or it could be 50 or 100 miles, depending on the location of the customer. It's simply a term for the final stage in any delivery process moving from the point of the final hub depot. through to the customer. 

The focus of course from the supply chain point of view, those operating the logistics for the last mile is to deliver items to the end user as quickly as possible without delay at the lowest possible cost The boastful Amazon promise, if you're a prime customer, they'll get something to you. If you order in the morning, they promise to get it to you by the evening. Next day, delivery services have become a standard, particularly for non food items and next hour delivery is now being trialled in a number of places. The growth of the Internet and online shopping has, of course, forced dramatic change in this part of the supply chain system. 

Parcel deliveries now have to be extremely efficient. Back in 2017 pre pandemic there were some 3.2 billion parcels shipped in the United Kingdom alone, and an 8.2% year on year increase. This shows a rise of around 65% since 2012. As I said, the last mile logistics can be very complex and they can be costly. Customers now demand more timely deliveries and they want the goods almost as soon as they've purchased them. 

They want to know that they're on the way and they want to know that they're going to come in good time. The problem of course is traffic congestion, which has increased consistently year on year and it has both negative impacts on the economy, the environment and of course people's health and well-being. 

There are more rural delivery vans on the road and delivery motorcycles on the road than ever before, and they all lead to pollution. As demand for goods has increased, so too has demand for end to end, supply chain solutions. In the business to business situation, the sooner goods get delivered, the quicker the payments are made and the quicker profits arrive. Quick supply is very important in this part of the indu

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About Tony Hines and the Chain Reaction Podcast – All About Supply Chain Advantage

I have been researching and writing about supply chains for over 25 years. I wrote my first book on supply chain strategies in the early 2000s. Each week we have special episodes on particular topics relating to supply chains. We have a weekly news round up every Saturday at 12 noon. All things impacting global supply chains in that week, so come and join us on the Chain Reaction podcast. I look forward to seeing you there.

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Chain Reaction Podcast The Future of Work: Navigating Job Growth, Supply Chain Challenges, and Technological Innovations

What's the future of work going to look like, and how will it impact global supply chains? This eye-opening episode uncovers the findings from the World Economic Forum's report on the future of skills in the workplace and the critical implications for supply chains. We discuss the effects of supply shortages, the transition to green energy, and the labor market churn resulting from several concurrent macro trends. Discover how climate change, economic uncertainty, and rising inflation are shaping the job market and global supply chains today.

Join us as we examine the World Economic Forum's Future of Jobs survey, which reveals the expected job growth spurred by increased adoption of technologies such as digital platforms, big data analytics, environmental management technologies, encryption and cybersecurity, e-commerce, AI, and much more. We also explore the anticipated job decline in robots and non-humanoid technologies and the impact of investment in green transition, supply shortages, and consumer expectations on the workforce. Stay ahead of the curve and prepare for the future of work with this essential episode.

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About Tony Hines and the Chain Reaction Podcast – All About Supply Chain Advantage

I have been researching and writing about supply chains for over 25 years. I wrote my first book on supply chain strategies in the early 2000s. Each week we have special episodes on particular topics relating to supply chains. We have a weekly news round up every Saturday at 12 noon. All things impacting global supply chains in that week, so come and join us on the Chain Reaction podcast. I look forward to seeing you there.

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Chain Reaction Podcast News – Electrifying Auto Futures, Stabilizing Supply Chains, and Navigating Inflation: Industry Updates and Strategies

Ready to discover the latest updates on the automotive industry, and how Ford and GM are electrifying their futures? Join us as we discuss the Longshore Union and employers' recent agreement, which aims to stabilize the US supply chain, and explore the crucial issue of data security in the age of chatbots.

Coping with inflation is on everyone's mind, and we're here to help you navigate these challenging times. Tune in as we examine the potential impact of the Bank of England and European Central Bank's interest rate hikes on your wallet, and explore the strategies major retailers like Walmart are using to rebrand and upsell in response to these economic pressures. Don't miss our special edition on artificial intelligence, too!

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About Tony Hines and the Chain Reaction Podcast – All About Supply Chain Advantage

I have been researching and writing about supply chains for over 25 years. I wrote my first book on supply chain strategies in the early 2000s. Each week we have special episodes on particular topics relating to supply chains. We have a weekly news round up every Saturday at 12 noon. All things impacting global supply chains in that week, so come and join us on the Chain Reaction podcast. I look forward to seeing you there.

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News about forthcoming programmes click here

Chain Reaction Podcast Revolutionizing Supply Chain Decision-Making: AI, Benchmarking, and Tackling Product Liability

Ready to revolutionize your supply chain decision-making? Prepare for a deep dive into artificial intelligence with our latest Chain Reaction Podcast episode, where we explore the intricacies of chat, GPT, and generative AI solutions that are changing the game for supply chains everywhere. And if you're curious about benchmarking, we've got you covered too! Learn how to measure and improve your performance in our insightful discussion that reveals the ins and outs of this essential strategy.

But wait, there's more! We've got a sneak peek at an upcoming episode that tackles the pressing issue of product liability in the supply chain – inspired by recent vehicle recalls and the complexities surrounding electric vehicles. So, if you haven't joined us yet, now is the time! With 165 episodes to choose from, there's bound to be something that piques your interest. Don't miss out – join Tony Hines and dive into the world of supply chain advantage. See you in the podcast, and until then, bye for now!

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About Tony Hines and the Chain Reaction Podcast – All About Supply Chain Advantage

I have been researching and writing about supply chains for over 25 years. I wrote my first book on supply chain strategies in the early 2000s. Each week we have special episodes on particular topics relating to supply chains. We have a weekly news round up every Saturday at 12 noon. All things impacting global supply chains in that week, so come and join us on the Chain Reaction podcast. I look forward to seeing you there.

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News about forthcoming programmes click here

Chain Reaction Podcast News Round Up 10th June

What happens when Ford recalls 125,000 vehicles, tension rises between the US and China over chip technologies, and the West Coast port shutdown causes Union Pacific to take drastic measures? 

Join us for the news roundup this week as we navigate the complexities of these supply chain disruptions and explore how the Biden administration is working to intervene. Plus, we'll discuss South Korea's efforts to maintain its lead in semiconductor technologies and the Port of Long Beach's ambitious goal to become the first port terminal facility with zero emissions.

But that's not all! We'll also take a deep dive into the global economic trends and environmental disasters impacting supply chains worldwide. From China's slowing trade and dropping exports to South Korea, Vietnam, and Europe's decreased exports, we'll examine the ripple effects these changes are having on businesses across the globe. We'll share company news like DHL's relocation to Kansas City and Carvana's impressive $6,000 gross profit per unit. And don't miss our insights on the impact of a wildfire in Canada on factory production and how the war in Ukraine is affecting plans for net zero by 2030. 

Tune in and get up to speed on the most pressing issues facing supply chains today!

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About Tony Hines and the Chain Reaction Podcast – All About Supply Chain Advantage

I have been researching and writing about supply chains for over 25 years. I wrote my first book on supply chain strategies in the early 2000s. Each week we have special episodes on particular topics relating to supply chains. We have a weekly news round up every Saturday at 12 noon. All things impacting global supply chains in that week, so come and join us on the Chain Reaction podcast. I look forward to seeing you there.

You can follow and subscribe to the show on your favorite podcast platform.
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News about forthcoming programmes click here

Chain Reaction Podcast News Round Up 10th June – All Things Impacting Global Supply Chains This Week

What happens when engine failures cause a massive vehicle recall and tensions rise over chip technologies? Join us for an enlightening discussion on the latest supply chain news, from Ford Motor Company's recall of 125,000 vehicles to the ongoing U.S.-China dispute over semiconductors. We also share South Korea's efforts to maintain its lead in the semiconductor industry and the ambitious goal of California's Port of Long Beach to become the first zero-emission port terminal facility.

But that's not all! We explore global economic trends and climate hazards, including a report on slowing trade in China and other nations, DHL's relocation of their e-commerce facilities to Kansas City, and Carvana's astonishing second quarter. Our conversation also touches on the impact of the Canadian wildfire on production and air pollution, as well as the effects of global conflicts on climate change plans. Don't miss this timely and informative news round up – all things impacting global supply chains this week – .with discussion on supply chain's influence on the global economy and environment.

Tune in and get up to speed on the most pressing issues facing supply chains today! 

You can follow Chain Reaction on LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook

Support the show

About Tony Hines and the Chain Reaction Podcast – All About Supply Chain Advantage

I have been researching and writing about supply chains for over 25 years. I wrote my first book on supply chain strategies in the early 2000s. Each week we have special episodes on particular topics relating to supply chains. We have a weekly news round up every Saturday at 12 noon. All things impacting global supply chains in that week, so come and join us on the Chain Reaction podcast. I look forward to seeing you there.

You can follow and subscribe to the show on your favorite podcast platform.
Follow like and share the Chain Reaction Podcast with colleagues and friends on social media.

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News about forthcoming programmes click here

Chain Reaction Podcast Artificial Intelligence in Supply Chain Management

Ready to unlock the true potential of artificial intelligence in supply chain management? Join us as we embark on a thrilling journey to explore AI's role in predicting customer behavior, nudging them towards favorable decisions, mitigating risk, sensing market situations, increasing fleet efficiencies, and more. Learn how access to large data sets empowers AI to revolutionize industries and how digital transformations are helping organizations make better decisions in today's competitive landscape.

We'll tackle the hype around AI and chat about its limitations while taking a closer look at how it can be a game-changing factor in ensuring customer loyalty. Shed light on AI applications in credit risk and fraud management, electric vehicles, and manufacturing sectors, and dive into the ethics and controversies surrounding its use. Don't miss out on this engaging discussion as we demystify the world of artificial intelligence and its impact on our everyday lives.

You can follow Chain Reaction on LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook

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About Tony Hines and the Chain Reaction Podcast – All About Supply Chain Advantage

I have been researching and writing about supply chains for over 25 years. I wrote my first book on supply chain strategies in the early 2000s. Each week we have special episodes on particular topics relating to supply chains. We have a weekly news round up every Saturday at 12 noon. All things impacting global supply chains in that week, so come and join us on the Chain Reaction podcast. I look forward to seeing you there.

You can follow and subscribe to the show on your favorite podcast platform.
Follow like and share the Chain Reaction Podcast with colleagues and friends on social media.

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News about forthcoming programmes click here

Chain Reaction Podcast News Round Up 2nd June

What if you could stay ahead of the curve with the latest global supply chain news, including the UBS Credit Suisse takeover and the Tata Group's lithium iron cell factory? This week on Chain Reaction, we've got you covered with a comprehensive news roundup that you won't want to miss. We discuss the challenges UBS Chief Executive Sergio Ermotti faces in the wake of the takeover, explore Stellantis and General Motors' costly penalty for failing to meet fuel economy requirements, and dive into Tata's investment in India's EV supply chain. Plus, we touch on how the US debt crisis was fortunately averted, but consider the implications for the future.

As we continue our journey into the world of supply chain and the EV market, we reveal Amazon's plans to offer Prime subscribers free mobile telephony, and share Boeing CEO Dave Calhoun's thoughts on the company's slow progress in fixing supply chain problems. Discover the importance of visibility in managing supply chain volatility, and learn about Arrival's ambitions to become the next Tesla with a reverse merger. We also discuss the impact of the Inflation Reduction Act on the British electric van start-up Arrival and why investors are particularly interested in Class 4 vehicles. Tune in for an insightful and informative episode of Chain Reaction!

You can follow Chain Reaction on LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook

Support the show

About Tony Hines and the Chain Reaction Podcast – All About Supply Chain Advantage

I have been researching and writing about supply chains for over 25 years. I wrote my first book on supply chain strategies in the early 2000s. Each week we have special episodes on particular topics relating to supply chains. We have a weekly news round up every Saturday at 12 noon. All things impacting global supply chains in that week, so come and join us on the Chain Reaction podcast. I look forward to seeing you there.

You can follow and subscribe to the show on your favorite podcast platform.
Follow like and share the Chain Reaction Podcast with colleagues and friends on social media.

Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
News about forthcoming programmes click here