Doug McElhaney, MBA

The Supply Chain Visibility Puzzle: Why the Market is So Confusing 😕 The average Fortune 1000 company has between 15-25 different supply chain systems of record (ERPs, WMSs, TMSs, OMSs, Planning, Replenishment, etc.) Achieving internal visibility across all these systems is hard enough, but extending that visibility across external stakeholders (carriers, suppliers, 3PLs, customers, etc.) can be daunting for most organizations. Oh, it gets worse. In a world where supply chain complexity is growing, the number and types of systems meant to help analyze and provide visibility to those supply chains is also becoming more complex, fragmented, and confusing. Many solution providers provide important but small pieces to the Supply Chain Visibility puzzle. Customers are often left with more systems, more data integration, more complexity, and more confusion. Below please find a quick cheat sheet of the key systems that offer various types of visibility within the supply chain. By understanding the role each system plays—whether it's external collaboration, internal operations, or transportation tracking—you can gain deeper insight into how visibility drives efficiency and decision-making across your entire network. 𝗠𝘂𝗹𝘁𝗶–𝗘𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗽𝗿𝗶𝘀𝗲 𝗦𝘂𝗽𝗽𝗹𝘆 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗶𝗻 𝗕𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝗡𝗲𝘁𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸𝘀 (𝗠𝗘𝗦𝗖𝗕𝗡𝘀) ✅𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗜𝘁 𝗜𝘀: A platform that connects multiple companies in a supply chain. ✅𝗗𝗮𝘁𝗮 𝗧𝘆𝗽𝗲: Works with external data (suppliers, carriers, shippers). ✅𝗣𝘂𝗿𝗽𝗼𝘀𝗲: Facilitates real-time collaboration and data sharing across procurement, logistics, and manufacturing. 𝗥𝗲𝗮𝗹-𝗧𝗶𝗺𝗲 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗻𝘀𝗽𝗼𝗿𝘁𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻 𝗩𝗶𝘀𝗶𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗣𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗳𝗼𝗿𝗺𝘀 (𝗥𝗧𝗧𝗩𝗣𝘀) ✅𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗜𝘁 𝗜𝘀: A system for tracking shipments and logistics in real time. ✅𝗗𝗮𝘁𝗮 𝗧𝘆𝗽𝗲: Works with external transportation data from carriers and logistics partners. ✅𝗣𝘂𝗿𝗽𝗼𝘀𝗲: Provides real-time insights on the location, status, and delivery times of goods in transit. 𝗪𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗵𝗼𝘂𝘀𝗲 𝗔𝗻𝗮𝗹𝘆𝘁𝗶𝗰𝘀 𝗦𝘆𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗺𝘀 (𝗪𝗔𝗦𝘀) ✅𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗜𝘁 𝗜𝘀: Analytics for managing and optimizing daily warehouse operations across all systems in the 4 walls (WMS, LMS, WCS, MHE, HR, and Time Tracking). ✅𝗗𝗮𝘁𝗮 𝗧𝘆𝗽𝗲: Works with internal data (inventory, labor, space utilization). ✅𝗣𝘂𝗿𝗽𝗼𝘀𝗲: Provides real-time visibility into warehouse activities for efficient handling, storage, and movement of goods as well as trend reporting and analytics over time. 𝗘𝗻𝗱-𝘁𝗼-𝗘𝗻𝗱 𝗩𝗶𝘀𝗶𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗦𝘆𝘀𝘁𝗲𝗺𝘀 ✅𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗜𝘁 𝗜𝘀: A central platform that unifies and consolidates supply chain data. ✅𝗗𝗮𝘁𝗮 𝗧𝘆𝗽𝗲: Works with internal data (inventory, orders, shipments, demand). ✅𝗣𝘂𝗿𝗽𝗼𝘀𝗲: Eliminates data silos to provide a cohesive view of the entire supply chain. Any systems I missed? 👇 Comment "Visibility" below and I will send you full PDF cheat sheet that includes "Key Benefits" of each solution #supplychain

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Road to supply chain leadership videos – Part II – Optimal learning   Video: https://lnkd.in/edd-PTub - (“tinyurl.com/” with “PowellVideoRSCLPartII”)   Talking #supplychainmanagement: The second in my series of videos for the Rutgers “Road to Supply Chain Leadership” series, I focused on the topic of choosing the best out of a series of choices. This might be finding the best design, supplier, price, marketing channel, location for a manufacturing facility, machinery, person to hire, diameter of a semiconductor chip, temperature of a process, diameter of a tube,… (this list is really endless).   Seems easy, but I don’t know which is best. I typically have some estimate, but the estimate may be poor (a lot of uncertainty). I can choose to do more analysis, but often we just have to make a choice and see how it works. The challenge is making this choice as effectively as possible. This is a decision problem faced by every manager in any business.   I call it “optimal learning” but another name might be “intelligent trial and error.” I wrote a book on the topic and taught a course at Princeton (to undergraduates). I illustrate two methods for solving this problem: one that can be easily implemented in a spreadsheet (which involves a tunable parameter), and a more advanced method (the “knowledge gradient”) that does not require tuning.   Of course everyone likes simple methods, but… *the price of simplicity is tunable parameters, and tuning is hard!).   What is most important is simply recognizing that this is a decision problem that can be optimized. In addition, it is a problem that *every* manager encounters, and you cannot say that about any of the topics in supply chain analytics textbooks. This is material that should be taught.  

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The state of parcel prices is… convoluted, to say the least. Carriers are keeping up their trend of creative, costly surcharge changes – but are engaging in unprecedented discounting, too, as each fights for their share of limited volumes. Register for the Q4 Freight Forecast #webinar, where Mingshu Bates and Andy Dyer will show how the numbers net out and help demystify an uncertain freight market future. https://lnkd.in/e2-EvTQg #ShippingCost #FreightCost #ParcelCost #FreightPrice

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Good morning Nashvile! Ready to launch into another day of learning, connecting with old friends, and meeting new ones at the CSCMP - Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals EDGE Conference and Expo! ~Mr. Supply Chain #AlwaysBeLearning #SupplyChain #CSCMP

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C.H. Robinson automates full freight shipment lifecycle with generative AI #inspiresce.ai #feedly https://buff.ly/4fwk874 In a Trustworthy AI-first O2C process, potential new roles could include AI Process Optimization Manager, Data Quality and Integrity Specialist, Ethics and Compliance Officer, and Customer Experience AI Specialist. SCOR DS processes affected include Plan Order, Plan Fulfill, Order, and Fulfill, scor.ascm.org. Are you ready?

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Georgia Ports Authority is making headlines with impressive growth and leadership. Here’s my summary of their latest press release: In April, GPA handled a record 80,600 units of cargo, a 44% increase from last year. The Port of Savannah moved 441,000 containers, marking an 8% rise in volume. Key leaders were re-elected, ensuring continued success and stability. These achievements highlight GPA’s crucial role in driving economic growth and showcasing excellence in port operations. Georgia Ports are leading the way in logistics and trade. Check out the full press release in the comments. #GeorgiaPorts #Logistics #EconomicGrowth #SupplyChain #Leadership

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Very smart #strategic #decision to expand the #railinland intermodal reach of the Georgia Ports Authority #container business. This will open up additional opportunities for companies inland from the port to take advantage of #lowcost #railintermodal container deliveries further inland. This will lower the inbound cost for the shippers to get to inland DCs in and around the new rail container site. Great for the #localeconomies in the area of the inland port as well. Russell Young, Flavio Batista, Stacy Watson, Rob Dooley, CPA, John Petrino.

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Real-time visibility to transportation was cited as the top must-have capability for effective transportation management in the 2024 Global Transportation Management Benchmark survey conducted by Descartes Systems Group. Without proper visibility you won't be able to understand and analyze your transportation operation and performance. This can prevent you from realizing significant cost-savings, missing areas of opportunity and optimization, and meeting customer expectations. It is a smart move to prioritize obtaining visibility to transportation operations. SupplyChainBrain #SupplyChainBrain

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Attention Rail shippers: What if you could anticipate problems and prevent shipping delays? It's not a crystal ball - it's TRAX, our rail visibility and tracking solution. With TRAX, rail shippers gain real-time visibility into the status of shipments. Check out the feature below from Inbound Logistics to learn more! #datavisibility #machinelearning #AI #rail #shippers #industryshippers #EveryMoveMatters Navis

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New in FreightWaves: Flowspace launches its next-generation of FlowspaceAI "The solution addresses the demand for real-time data and powers the company’s platform to offer insights into inventory, order management and risk mitigation." Check out more from Grace Sharkey 🚛🤖💙 in today's FreightTech Friday. #artificialintelligence #supplychainai #fulfillmentai #flowspaceai

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The Florida Supply Chain Summit is back this September, and it's bigger and better than ever! 🌟 Whether you're a seasoned professional or just starting out in the supply chain industry, this is the must-attend event of the year. 🔍 Why Pre-register? - Exclusive Access: Be the first to receive updates and secure your spot to receive an early bird discount. - Networking Opportunities: Connect with industry leaders, innovators, and fellow professionals. - Cutting-Edge Insights: Gain valuable knowledge from keynote speakers, panel discussions, and workshops tailored to the latest trends and challenges in supply chain management. - Career Growth: Discover new opportunities, meet potential employers, and expand your professional business network. - Innovative Solutions: Explore the latest technologies and strategies that are shaping the future of supply chains. 📅 Save the Date: September 9-11, 2024 Miami, FL Don't miss out on this incredible opportunity to learn, connect, and grow one’s business, network and grow Florida’s economy. Pre-register today and take the first step towards transforming your career and your business! 🔗 https://lnkd.in/ebCG2S5d Pre-registration ends July 15th #SupplyChain #FloridaSummit #Networking #CareerGrowth #Innovation #Logistics #Operations #Event #ProfessionalDevelopment #FloridaSupplyChainSummit #lastmilelogistics #business #FloridaTrade #FloridaLogistics #Floridaconferences #supplychainsummit #Miami #EconomicDevelopment #EnterpriseFlorida #FloridaTrucking #FloridaPorts #Trade #3PL #Warehousing #Distribution #Infrastructure #Manufacturing #retailshippers #reshoring #nearshoring #spaceports #Cruise #CruiseIndustry #Provisions #AI #SupplyChainAI

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The July episode of Tennessee on Supply Chain Management is worth a listen. Ted and Tom spoke with Dave Clark, former CEO of worldwide consumer business for Amazon. They discussed: - the factors driving a surge in container rates and the leveling off of demand for warehouse workers - eCommerce and consumer expectations - Fast Fashion Vs On-Demand Fashion - The Next Big Thing in supply chain technology - GenAI Vs 'classic' AI - What future leaders need A few quotes... On the retail sector and eCommerce*: "What you've seen in the last decade or decade and a half of retail is retailers who have met those needs and who have invested in and improved the customer experience have succeeded and excelled*, and the ones who haven't have gone away. Retail is consolidating into the players who are really aggressive about meeting consumer need.” On competition: "It's customer-focused versus competitor-focused, because the customer is always going to be tougher than the competitor. Always. They always want more than what some competitor is going to be willing to provide, and usually if a competitor has beaten you on something, it's because they figured out something the consumer wanted that you didn’t." On TikTok and others: "I think people are not as willing broadly to wait for things that are readily available. They are willing to have a longer shipping time for something that is new and unique and not readily available. That's a selection expansion." On The Next Big Thing "Honestly, much of supply chain needs to catch up with the last wave. Still Supply chain tech tends to be not very good across the board. You know there's a lot of good segments as pieces of tech that's good, but there's very little end to end." "But if I've had the most thematic thing, I would say getting to a place of data consistency, less for generative AI and more for classic AI...ML neural network...true high-end analytic calculation and optimization performance, I think is a huge impact." On Supply Chain Disruptions: "I certainly don't think chaos is going to be reduced over time.” On the next wave of supply chain leaders: "Building leaders who are dynamic, who are resilient, I think the number one skill I used to say software is probably the number one skill. Math generally, is probably the number one base skill." The full episode is below... * More on the 'how' from the team at Standvast Fulfillment is here: https://bit.ly/3ybacA0 #supplychainmanagement #supplychain #GSCI #UTK #2024SpringSCF Ted Stank Thomas Goldsby Kevin O'Meara Lance Starks Eric Topp Alan Amling Haslam College of Business at the University of Tennessee Christopher Wolf Paul Dittmann Daniel Stanton Rob McIntosh Thomas Deakins, MBA Ben Cook Timothy Dooner Jeff DiLullo Mary Long Brian Fugate Chris Richards Barton Jennings Ken Evans Scott DeGroot Bill Hutchinson Greg Smith Peter Anderson

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Human relationships define logistics. To stay competitive, it's important for freight brokers and 3PLs to embrace the automation and efficiency gains AI unlocks, but not at the cost of the human side of their business. We envision a future where AI augments people, rather than replacing them. Learn more about our thoughts here: https://lnkd.in/g9arvrdX #Logistics #FreightBrokerage #AI #Automation #SupplyChain

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Warehouse operational readiness refers to an operation's preparedness to implement automation, technology and software effectively. In this FORTNA Insight, we review operational readiness topics through the lens of our experts’ vantage points, identify the three pillars of operational readiness, and discuss best practices and the pitfalls to avoid. Read insight to learn more: https://bit.ly/3AFXY3D #OperationalReadiness #Automation #Labor #DistributionOptimization

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U.S. business spending on logistics services dropped 11% in 2023 to $2.4 trillion as supply chains normalized in the wake of massive disruption caused by the COVID crisis, according to the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals.

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#EXCLUSIVE: Back in 1975, two Georgia-based trucking companies separately hauled their first-ever freight — one carried tobacco, the other a load of chicken. As they grew individually, the two companies realized that joining forces would benefit their businesses, employees and customers. They merged in 2023 and aptly named the company The 1975 Transportation Group, working today with shippers in #manufacturing and #foodprocessing. Our writer, Shefali Kapadia caught up with the firm's president and CEO, Brett Phillips, to hear his story and top tips for the industry. Read more at www.theinsidelane.co and be sure to subscribe. #trucking #truckdriver #truckingsuccess #successstory

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ICYMI: Georgia Ports are Booming! 🚢 The Port of Savannah saw a 22% increase in container volumes, and the Port of Brunswick recorded its second-busiest month earlier this summer. Retailers and carriers, prepare for a busy fall season ahead with optimized routes and strategic planning. Check out our top tips for handling the surge in this article: https://bit.ly/4fuvARy

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Supply Chain: SCAC Codes Given that there are thousands of carriers, there are also thousands of SCAC codes. It’s critical that you use the right one to maintain compliance with your retailer and control over your shipping. Here are a few you might recognize. Anyone have additions to this? AAA Cooper  AACT ABF Freight  ABFS Averitt Express AVRT XPO Logistics CNWY XPO Logistics XGSI DHE DPHE Bolt Express BXPE Daylight DYLT Estes Express EXLA Old Dominion ODFL FedEx Express FDEN FedEx Ground FDEG FedEx Freight National (formerly Watkins) FXNL FedEx LTL Freight East FXFE FedEx LTL Freight West (Formerly Vikn – Viking) FXFW RJW Logistics RJWI UPS Small Shipment Processing UPSN UPS Freight UPSG #scac #EDI #supplychain #logistics

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