Skip to content
Search AI Powered

Latest Stories

Forward Thinking

HighJump names four supply chain trends for 2017

Digital transformation strategies should include consumer-grade user interfaces, data analytics, unified commerce, and automated computing. says the software company.

There are four trends that logistics companies must follow to stay competitive in 2017, according to Minneapolis-based supply chain software provider HighJump Software Inc.

In order to meet customer demands for simpler, faster, and more profitable delivery of goods, supply chain firms must apply digital transformation to their logistics processes, HighJump executives said Monday at the firm's Elevate user conference in Orlando, Fla.


Simply turning manual processes into digital workflow is not enough to reap the rewards of the strategy, however, HighJump Chief Strategy Officer Ross Elliott said in a release. A complete digital solution should enhance supply chain workflows with four specific business properties, Elliott said.

HighJump's four trends include:

  • Human design Solutions should cater to the user. Choose apps, software, and devices that eliminate workflow complexities and increase productivity by providing the look and feel of consumer-grade devices.
  • Actionable analytics Move beyond basic batch analytics reports. Select tools that sort through big data and provide clear insight on how to enhance processes.
  • Unified commerce There is no single path to providing the personalized experience that customers demand when ordering goods. Find solutions that integrate with other tools to assure your staff always has the information available to deliver the quality experience customers expect.
  • Smart devices Seek out devices that offer the latest features—such as voice control and chatbots—to automate time-consuming data entry and searches.

HighJump currently supports these four approaches with its existing line of solutions, and plans to expand those offerings with a series of launches planned for later this year, Elliott said.

Recent

More Stories

pie chart of business challenges in 2025

DHL: small businesses wary of uncertain times in 2025

As U.S. small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) face an uncertain business landscape in 2025, a substantial majority (67%) expect positive growth in the new year compared to 2024, according to a survey from DHL.

However, the survey also showed that businesses could face a rocky road to reach that goal, as they navigate a complex environment of regulatory/policy shifts and global market volatility. Both those issues were cited as top challenges by 36% of respondents, followed by staffing/talent retention (11%) and digital threats and cyber attacks (2%).

Keep ReadingShow less

Featured

image of earth from space

Maersk offers 5 steps to make your supply chain “antifragile”

Companies worldwide faced waves of business disruptions throughout the past year, but as 2025 is predicted to be just as complex as 2024, global cargo carrier Maersk has listed five steps for making supply chains “antifragile.”

Maersk’s overall view of the coming year is that the global economy is expected to grow modestly, with the possibility of higher inflation caused by lingering supply chain issues, continued geopolitical tensions, and fiscal policies such as new tariffs. Geopolitical tensions and trade disruptions could threaten global stability, climate change action will continue to shape international cooperation, and the ongoing security issue in the Red Sea is expected to continue into 2025.

Keep ReadingShow less
attendees at the EDGE resource center

Attendees visit the CSCMP EDGE 2024 Resource Center.

Lean into your supply chain community

As I assume the role of Chair of the Board of Directors for the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals (CSCMP), I fondly reflect on the more than 10 years that I’ve had the privilege of being part of this extraordinary organization. I’ve seen firsthand the impact we have had on individuals, companies, and the entire supply chain profession.

CSCMP’s journey as an organization began back in 1963. It has since grown from a small, passionate community to the world’s premier association for supply chain professionals. Our mission—to connect, educate, and develop supply chain professionals throughout their careers—remains not only relevant, but vital in today’s world.

Keep ReadingShow less
illustration of two people working together with the help of a neutral party

The standing neutral: An innovative approach for managing supplier conflict

Editor’s Note:This article serves as a follow-up to “Avoiding supplier conflict and disputes before they begin,” which appeared in the July/August 2024 issue of Supply Chain Xchange.

The concept of using a neutral third party to resolve conflicts between suppliers and customers is not new. Mediation and arbitration have long been considered as more efficient and less costly ways to resolve contractual disputes than litigation. In fact, 2025 marks the 100th anniversary of the Federal Arbitration Act, which allows for contract disputes to be resolved through a private resolution process instead of going to court.

Keep ReadingShow less

Idea in action: EY case study

The global consulting firm EY was looking to outsource the food services, cleaning services, and maintenance at its facilities to the provider Integrated Service Solutions (ISS). But the company wanted to do so in a way that was completely different from how it had approached outsourcing workplace services in the past. EY and ISS wanted to create an outsourcing agreement that was highly collaborative and beneficial for both parties.

To do so, they incorporated a standing neutral in the contracting process from the outset. Together the parties selected one standing neutral—Erik Linnarsson, a lawyer from Cirio Law Firm—as a deal facilitator. Linnarsson was trained as a certified deal architect (CDA) to craft complex outsourcing agreements.

Keep ReadingShow less