Special
Delivery
2018

W elcome to Special Delivery: The Best of the Best. In this, our 2018 special digital issue, we feature the best-read, most popular articles on logistics and supply chain strategies and innovations from CSCMP’s Supply Chain Quarterly and DC Velocity.

Never before has our industry faced so many challenges and opportunities as it confronts today. Just think of the many crossroads that lie ahead for us as supply chain professionals. On the horizon are implementing such new technologies as blockchain, the Internet of Things, robotics, self-driving vehicles, and artificial intelligence. Just keeping up with the pace of innovation can be quite dizzying.

On top of it all is the changing face of retail, as many experts are predicting that digital commerce will comprise 70 percent of all retail transactions by 2025. Retail distributors, as well as their suppliers, are continuing to redefine their supply chain networks in order to just survive in an environment that sees Amazon and other online sellers dominating the consumer marketplace and the headlines.

During the past year, both DC Velocity and CSCMP’s Supply Chain Quarterly have addressed these challenges. We have presented the latest in thought leadership, strategy, and tactics to help readers understand how these innovations will change the way supply chains will work in the future.

In this all-digital edition, we have selected the
most popular of these articles from the 2017 print
editions of both publications to create this unique
collection of ideas, practical case histories, and
profiles of innovative technologies. And because
we’ve created it in digital format, you can access this
special issue anytime, anywhere on your desktop or
via mobile device, including our very popular tablet
version for iOS and Android. If you don’t have the
tablet version yet, you can download the free apps at
www.dcvelocity.com/mobile and www.supplychain
quarterly.com/mobile.

As you will see in the stories we present, it’s not enough to simply have a good idea. It must be turned into reality in order to make an impact. Among the selections we offer are a look at how companies are using innovation labs to develop and test ways of improving operations and what it takes for an innovation to get the green light to move forward. In addition to these strategic pieces, we also present focused stories on how companies can deploy new technologies, such as drones, robotic automation, and advanced order fulfillment systems in their distribution and supply chain operations. And of course, we can’t leave out the hottest topic of them all—blockchain. How will supply chains benefit from this revolutionary technology?

But it is not just emerging technology that is driving innovation. Even more traditional types of equipment, such as the humble pallet jack, are seeing major developments in terms of design, technology, and applications. Nor does innovation depend solely on technology; it can also be found in making process, strategy, and organization changes. Consider, for example, our articles on how McCormick’s procurement team developed a long-term strategy for global growth, how FedEx and UPS are adjusting to the expectations of shippers, and how to successfully manage a supply chain in China.

We believe that you will find this all-digital issue packed with thought-provoking ideas and practical strategies to help your supply chains navigate the intersection of change.