The Friday Report Blog: March 29th, 2024
Quick wrap up of a few hot topic newsworthy stories in the supply chain logistics industryUPS’ Happy Returns Partners with Two Boxes to Strengthen its Reverse Logistics Capabilities
Cardinal Health is enhancing its distribution capabilities with the construction of a new 350,000-square-foot logistics center in Columbus, Ohio. Slated to be operational by summer 2025, this facility will become the company’s fourth in the region, focusing primarily on the distribution of over-the-counter consumer products. This state-of-the-art center will feature advanced logistics technologies from Honeywell Intelligrated, incorporating automation and optimized operator workflows to boost inventory efficiency and accelerate product flow.
Jamie Barker, SVP of Pharmaceutical Supply Chain at Cardinal Health, highlights that the new facility will significantly enhance the company’s ability to meet product demand swiftly, maintain balanced inventory levels, and provide exceptional responsiveness to customer needs. This initiative reflects a broader industry trend towards integrating sophisticated automation solutions to address labor shortages and improve operational efficiencies in distribution centers.
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General Mills Strengthening its Supply Chain Resilience with AI and Analytics
General Mills is proactively strengthening its supply chain resilience amid challenges like commodity inflation, global conflicts, and logistical disruptions. Paul Gallagher, the Chief Supply Chain Officer, emphasized that the company has been enhancing its supply chain capabilities even before these disruptions occurred, integrating advanced digital tools and analytics to navigate complexities effectively.
The company has made significant strides in digitizing its supply chain, notably through a partnership with software firm Palantir to develop a digital twin powered by AI and advanced analytics. This innovation allows for real-time data integration and automated decision-making, significantly speeding up processes and enhancing productivity. For instance, the system can process thousands of orders overnight, offering hundreds of optimized recommendations swiftly.
These technological advancements not only improve operational efficiency but also enable General Mills to better manage its environmental impact and engage more deeply with customers on long-term projects. By transforming its supply chain into a dynamic, data-driven
operation, General Mills is setting a new standard in the industry for navigating modern challenges efficiently and sustainably.
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UPS’ Happy Returns Partners with Two Boxes to Strengthen its Reverse Logistics Capabilities
UPS-owned Happy Returns is enhancing its reverse logistics capabilities through a new partnership with Two Boxes, aiming to streamline the returns process for warehouse operators. This collaboration integrates Two Boxes’ advanced returns processing software with Happy Returns locations, facilitating quicker restocking times and improving efficiency. The integration, which is already operational for several Happy Returns merchants, marks a significant step in UPS’s strategy to enhance its service offerings in the reverse logistics domain.
The partnership is set to boost the efficiency of handling returns, combining physical and digital solutions to optimize the returns journey. Two Boxes’ technology not only supports Happy Returns but is also compatible with major platforms like Shopify, enhancing its versatility in the e-commerce ecosystem. This strategic move is expected to drive significant growth for Happy Returns, reflecting the ongoing evolution of consolidated returns solutions in the retail sector.
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