Reverse logistics has traditionally been treated as a necessary evil, an operational burden driven by returns, damaged goods, warranty claims, and overstocks. But as margins tighten and sustainability becomes a competitive requirement, distributors and manufacturers need to rethink how to...
As the U.S. distribution landscape moves toward 2026, planning can no longer rely on linear growth assumptions or short-term forecasting. Distributors face an environment shaped by economic uncertainty, labor constraints, accelerating technology adoption, regulatory pressure, and changing retail and consumer...
In previous articles we have explained the importance of the put away process to optimize warehouse receive movements. Inefficient put-away can lead to immediate congestion, delayed order fulfillment, and higher operational costs. For high-volume warehouses, processing thousands of items daily, adopting smart, data-driven strategies...
With the new FSMA 204 directive, Distributors have been emphasizing the expiration date of products. Most systems rely on the First In, First Out (FIFO) method to do that. However, FIFO often falls short. FIFO ensures that older stock is...
Choosing the right distributor vendors is crucial for ensuring a smooth supply chain, maintaining product quality, and driving overall operational efficiency. Distributor vendors act as intermediaries between manufacturers and end customers, handling logistics, inventory management, and market reach. A poor...
The FDA's Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA) Section 204, or the Food Traceability Rule, is focused on strengthening the U.S. food supply chain. However, its influence is poised to extend far beyond the dinner plate. By mandating a standardized, electronic,...
As distribution operations become more complex and data-driven, Digital Twins are emerging as a transformative technology for simulating, optimizing, and managing every moving part of the supply chain. By creating a virtual replica of physical assets and processes, like warehouses,...
Automated warehouses are the present reality for distributors, retailers, and logistics providers. From autonomous mobile robots (AMRs) to AI-driven Warehouse Management Systems (WMS), automation is transforming how goods move, how orders are fulfilled, and how operations scale. While these technologies promise efficiency gains, they...
Warehouse Execution Systems (WES) are software solution that sits between a Warehouse Management System (WMS) and a Warehouse Control System (WCS). It acts as a real-time orchestrator, dynamically managing and optimizing the flow of work, resources, and automation within a...
We have dedicated several articles to explore the FSMA 204 FDA compliance and regulation. FSMA 204 is a critical food traceability regulation designed to enhance the speed and transparency of the food supply chain. By 2026, many food distributors and...