Blog

The term “Golden Quarter” refers to the final three months of the year, between October and December, and is a critical period for retailers due to the major back-to-back shopping events like Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and the holiday season. This peak buying season typically sees a surge in consumer spending, making it vital for retailers and logistics providers to do what they can months ahead of time to prepare to maximize profits. However, this surge in demand presents a significant challenge for transportation and logistics providers, who must manage increased volumes, tight delivery deadlines, and heightened customer expectations.

Following the United Kingdom’s departure from the European Union in 2021, the UK government needed to establish its own border control system – a task critical to maintaining national security and smooth trade operations. In response to this new challenge, the UK Government published the Border Target Operating Model (BTOM) in April 2023.

For retailers and producers of consumer packaged goods (CPG), transportation management software is the lifeblood of their business. It's how they navigate the complex, step-by-step process of moving their products from the manufacturing phase into the hands of their end customers. Like everything else in the supply chain world, logistics have become much more complex – and that is due to the changing behaviors and habits of consumers.

Switzerland’s custom landscape is undergoing a digital revolution. Whether you’re a transportation provider, seasoned exporter, frequent importer, or anywhere in between, Passar will reshape your interactions with Swiss customs. Starting in June 2023, the transition will gradually replace existing freight applications NCTS and e-dec through the end of 2026.

It seems like the origins of almost every commodity are under the microscope these days. Whether it's cotton, coffee, or even wood, brand owners must prove their materials were acquired through fair and sustainable pathways, putting the burden of proof on the highest levels of the supply chain.

E2open is powered by a strong global network of problem solvers and innovators driven by strong values and our company culture. Together, we are focused on doing what’s right in business and in our communities. Every month, we will shine a spotlight on an exceptional team member who is helping us transform the supply chain industry. This month, we held a Q&A with Yendis Lombillo, Senior Customer Success Manager at e2open.

In the fast-paced modern business world, the supply chain acts as a backbone, connecting every part of the extensive, and often global, production and distribution process for goods. From mining silicon for semiconductors to assembling a new car, to cutting down trees and creating paper for notebooks – many businesses and jobs are part of the supply chain, making it multi-faceted and complex to manage.

Organizations everywhere are facing mounting pressure to meet ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) regulations as many governments implement more laws to help combat environmental and social issues. For instance, the EU’s Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), and the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act (UFLPA) are recent pivotal developments in this space. Moreover, upcoming EU regulations set to take effect later this year will compel many companies to ramp up their anti-deforestation efforts.

For decades, China has represented the pinnacle of global trade. As companies around the world began offshoring manufacturing to China to cut costs, the country emerged as an international export leader. However, recent trade patterns signal a changing tide in global supply chain dynamics. In 2023, Mexico became the US’s top trader, outpacing China for the first time in 20 years. The shift reflects an emerging trend called nearshoring, where companies bring production hubs closer to their main markets. Doing so helps cut supply chain costs, reduce logistical hurdles, and swiftly respond to changing market conditions and consumer demand. During the first three quarters of 2023, foreign companies invested 47 percent more in nearshoring efforts in Mexico, mostly focused on the auto sector.