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Discover how a digital supply chain control tower helps discrete manufacturers improve visibility, reduce disruptions, and strengthen multi-tier operations.

In today’s interconnected global marketplace, shippers face constant challenges in managing their transportation expenses. One of the most critical factors influencing their bottom line is the fluctuation of freight rates. Whether moving goods domestically or internationally, the cost of shipping can significantly affect a company’s profitability and competitiveness.

Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) tell us where we succeeded. However, it is Key Conformance Indicators (KCIs) that determine whether success is repeatable. 

Let’s talk about something everyone can relate to—chocolate chip cookies.

I love my mother’s cookies. They’ve been a family staple for years, and in my (entirely unbiased) opinion, they’re perfect. They look beautiful and taste even better. But that perfection isn’t by chance. She’s spent years fine-tuning her recipe. She measures every ingredient precisely, chills the dough (an uncommon process) just the right amount of time, and uses a specific scooper so each cookie is round and thick for the perfect balance of crispy outside and chewy inside.

The other day, after a family meal, she baked a batch. When they came out of the oven, I knew something was different. They looked a little off. I took a bite, and the taste was off as well. I asked what happened. She smiled and said she’d “tweaked the recipe.” Honestly? I preferred the original.

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 Aries Lam, Director, Product Development at e2open..

According to the latest research from NC State’s ERM Initiative, third-party and supply chain risks have vaulted into the top tier of executive concerns for 2025. Why? Because the threats are coming faster, hitting harder, and originating from outside your four walls. Your suppliers, technology partners, and even the cloud platforms you rely on can become the source of your next crisis.

Disruptions are now structural, not episodic. A single weak link in your global network can send shockwaves through your entire operation—impacting everything from production schedules to brand reputation. The old playbook of reacting to the occasional “black swan” event just doesn’t cut it anymore.

Control tower technology has emerged as the answer. But what exactly makes a supply chain control tower effective, and how can you choose the right solution for your organization?

China is rapidly expanding its legal reach to project regulatory power far beyond its borders. This is a response to internal political and economic pressures, and external challenges such as foreign tariffs and sanctions targeting China. China is determined to use the law to defend national interests – economic, political, and military. The result is an emerging extraterritorial regulatory regime that assets jurisdiction over foreign entities and activities outside of China, especially where China’s perceived national security or economic development interests are at stake.

How new strategies and technology are ushering in the era of the “super planner”

Supply chain planning is a lot like sailing the seven seas. Historically, mariners only had a compass and the stars to navigate, which worked well for directional guidance but left sea conditions to chance. If a storm rose out of nowhere, they had no option but to sail directly through it. That’s what supply chain planning used to feel like: slow, reactive, and often at the mercy of forces beyond your control.

Modern ships, on the other hand, have extensive technology to guide them. Radar, predictive weather models, and connected satellite communications not only alert ships about changing weather conditions in real time but also allow them to communicate with other ships in the vicinity.

Legacy planning processes, with their rigid cycles and siloed data, were designed for calmer seas. But today’s global supply chains are more like navigating through a storm: unpredictable, fast-moving, and full of surprises.

Discover how Multi-Echelon Inventory Optimization (MEIO) helps balance stock across your entire supply chain network. Learn what MEIO is, how it works and why it reduces costs, prevents stockouts, and improves resilience

Discover how modeling and simulations help businesses prepare for disruptions, reduce risk, and make smarter decisions.

On September 23, 2025, the European Union and Indonesia concluded negotiations on a Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) in Bali, finalizing the text after nearly a decade of talks. Negotiations for the EU-Indonesia Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement (CEPA) began in 2016 to strengthen trade and investment ties between the EU and Southeast Asia’s largest economy. Over 19 formal rounds were held between 2016 and 2024, covering goods, services, investment, and sustainability.

As of September 30, 2025, the Bureau of Industry and Security’s (BIS) interim final rule treats any foreign entity that is 50% or more owned - directly, indirectly, or in aggregate - by parties on the Entity List or MEU List, or by select Specially Designated Nationals (SDNs), as though it were listed itself. This new regulation, known as the Affiliates Rule, extends ownership-based risk to export controls, and shifts compliance from static list checks to continuous ownership intelligence.
This guide explains how Kharon and e2open work together to help you adapt quickly and credibly, without disrupting your existing workflows.

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 Aries Lam, Director, Product Development at e2open..

Make-to-Order (MTO) businesses are some of the most complex, and most fascinating, supply chains to work with. Every customer order is a new project—often with customized specifications, tight timelines, and dependencies that span multiple suppliers and production facilities. Unlike Make-to-Stock (MTS) operations, where products are built in anticipation of demand, MTO businesses commit to customers before they design the solution, procure components, and begin production.

The moment an order is booked, the clock starts ticking, and every part of the supply chain must respond in perfect coordination. It’s like walking a tightrope where any misstep ripples through to the end result.

What makes this even harder is the fragmented nature of business functions and systems. Supplier procurement might happen in one tool, production planning in another, and fulfillment tracked elsewhere. The result is predictable: delays, misalignment, and a constant scramble to react instead of proactively steering the business by seeing the big picture. That costs time, money, and customer trust—three things no MTO business can afford to lose.

What is demand planning vs. demand forecasting? Learn how each plays a role in aligning supply chain operations with demand, and why integrating both empowers strategic decision-making.

What is demand planning vs. demand forecasting? Learn how each plays a role in aligning supply chain operations with demand, and why integrating both empowers strategic decision-making.

What is demand planning vs. demand forecasting? Learn how each plays a role in aligning supply chain operations with demand, and why integrating both empowers strategic decision-making.

The ground is shaking beneath your feet. Can you feel it? Something BIG is happening in Amsterdam this October – e2open Connect 2025.

Connect 2025 is the premier global supply chain event, where supply chain professionals come to network, learn, and innovate. It’s where planning meets logistics, where compliance connects with supply, and where your biggest challenges meet their solutions. Whether you’re optimizing global trade flows, streamlining procurement, or revolutionizing demand planning – Connect 2025 is where you’re next breakthrough begins.

On-shelf or out-of-stock? For consumer package goods (CPG) brands, the answer depends on how well you read demand signals. Reliable on-shelf availability begins with collecting the right retail data: point-of-sale (POS), inventory levels, consumer shopping behaviors, and promotional activity –then transforming that raw information into actionable insights.

The challenge: retail data frequency, formats, hierarchies and points of access vary. The sheer volume of data from multiple retailers, mismatched SKUs, and manual processes can cause delays, a lot of noise, and a risk of errors. That leaves forecasts built on guesswork, not the most current reality. The fallout? Stockouts, overstocks, missed sales, and a drop in on-shelf availability.

What if you could bring that disparate, robust data together in a harmonized, strategic way for an apples-to-apples view across all sources? When you use clean, accurate demand data, you can dramatically improve forecasting and planning to ensure products are exactly where and when customers expect to find them.

Make-to-Order (MTO) businesses are some of the most complex, and most fascinating, supply chains to work with. Every customer order is a new project—often with customized specifications, tight timelines, and dependencies that span multiple suppliers and production facilities. Unlike Make-to-Stock (MTS) operations, where products are built in anticipation of demand, MTO businesses commit to customers before they design the solution, procure components, and begin production.

The moment an order is booked, the clock starts ticking, and every part of the supply chain must respond in perfect coordination. It’s like walking a tightrope where any misstep ripples through to the end result.

What makes this even harder is the fragmented nature of business functions and systems. Supplier procurement might happen in one tool, production planning in another, and fulfillment tracked elsewhere. The result is predictable: delays, misalignment, and a constant scramble to react instead of proactively steering the business by seeing the big picture. That costs time, money, and customer trust—three things no MTO business can afford to lose.

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 Kevin Mak, Director, Enterprise Service Engineering at e2open..

Managing global trade compliance manually or in-house puts your business at risk. With regulations changing daily and non-compliance penalties reaching millions, companies need global trade data management solutions to stay compliant and competitive. Here’s how e2open can help.

Turn fragmented operations into a well-oiled machine with clear logistics visibility and control.

Heavy equipment manufacturers know this pain all too well: one missing hydraulic cylinder or transmission part can shut down your entire assembly line. Whether you’re cranking out excavators, combine harvesters, or mining trucks, scattered logistics operations create costly blind spots that hurt everything from parts availability to customer deliveries.

Here's the reality: most heavy equipment manufacturers are flying blind when it comes to tracking inbound logistics.

In this blog, you’ll discover the hidden costs of fragmented logistics operations, learn how manufacturers can gain real-time visibility across their global supply chains, and see the measurable results you can achieve with a centralized transportation management system and logistics services.

Dynamic freight markets are keeping logistics leaders on their toes. Between unpredictable rates, limited carrier capacity, and constant disruptions, staying ahead can feel overwhelming. And figuring out how you’re performing against market standards, and spotting areas for improvement takes serious time and resources – something many teams just don’t have.

But there's good news. With e2open Reporting as a Service (RaaS) is here to make your life easier. It takes your transportation data and turns it into simple, actionable insights. That means you can save money, improve delivery performance, and make decisions faster. Ready to upgrade your transportation strategy? Let’s dive in!

The ground is shaking beneath your feet. Can you feel it? Something BIG is happening in Amsterdam this October – e2open Connect 2025.

Connect 2025 is the premier global supply chain event, where supply chain professionals come to network, learn, and innovate. It’s where planning meets logistics, where compliance connects with supply, and where your biggest challenges meet their solutions. Whether you’re optimizing global trade flows, streamlining procurement, or revolutionizing demand planning – Connect 2025 is where you’re next breakthrough begins.

The global trade landscape is entering uncharted territory following President Trump's implementation of a 40% penalty tariff on transshipped goods, effective August 7, 2025. This tariff, compounded with existing duties based on the actual country of origin, marks a seismic shift in customs enforcement, bringing the issue of transshipment to the forefront of international trade compliance.

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 Naveen Thynakathoot Sadanandan, Staff Systems Administrator at e2open..

Chinese exports are on the move, and global customs systems are feeling the strain.

Countries like Germany, India, Brazil, and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) member states are absorbing redirected goods once destined for U.S. ports. The sharp surges in import volume are overwhelming customs authorities, igniting a spike in misclassifications, delays, and regulatory confusion. Amid rising risk, these inaccurate entries can leave companies exposed to penalties and unexpected enforcement.

In some markets, Chinese imports have spiked by more than 40%. The shift, part of a broader redirection trend rather than isolated rerouting, is forcing companies to reexamine their trade compliance strategies in real time.

Legacy systems and manual processes simply aren’t built for this level of scrutiny or scale. And the cost of getting it wrong is rising. Misclassifications now carry the risk of retroactive duties, fines, or even shipment seizures. For compliance teams, the question isn’t just where the goods are going but whether their tariff and duty systems are ready for what comes next.

In a world where tariffs shift overnight and regulatory updates arrive before they’re published in the Federal Register, staying ahead of tariff and duty announcements has never been more critical for companies engaged in international trade.

That was the central theme of our webinar panel “Compliance Agility in an Era of Regulatory Uncertainty” featuring four seasoned leaders in global trade at General Mills, Johnson & Johnson, and Johnson Controls, along with one of our own trade experts at e2open. With decades of experience across CPG, healthcare, manufacturing, and trade technology, these experts share strategies on how to stay informed when policy shifts hit without warning or outside expected channels. Andy Simmons, a senior solutions director at e2open, joined the conversation to highlight how tools like the Import Cost Calculator can boost compliance agility.

License delays and sensitive data requirements push firms to rethink sourcing strategies.

The global economy runs on elements most people have never heard of. Rare earth elements (REEs) power everything from smartphones to wind turbines, yet they remain dangerously concentrated. When China introduced new export restrictions in 2025, businesses dependent on rare earth supply chains found themselves scrambling to secure critical materials. License delays and sensitive data requirements are now pushing firms to fundamentally rethink their sourcing strategies.

We’re thrilled to extend our heartfelt congratulations to the 23 e2open clients recognized in the Gartner Supply Chain Top 25 for 2025. We believe this recognition highlights and reinforces the commitment of these companies to exceptional, forward-thinking supply chain management that truly delivers on their business purpose.

In today’s world, change doesn’t wait for five-year plans. It arrives overnight, sometimes in the form of sweeping tariffs that redraw the global trade map. For manufacturers, retailers, and distributors, every new trade policy carries a ripple effect that can disrupt sourcing, production, distribution, and profitability.

The recent “Liberation Day Tariffs” sent another jolt through already cautious markets. Companies scrambled, supply chains flexed, and sourcing strategies bent under pressure. With U.S.–China negotiations underway, we can hope for de-escalation but must be ready for anything.

Trade policy moves fast, and hits markets just as quickly. Beneath today’s moment of relief is a fundamental truth: tariffs aren’t the first and won’t be the last cause of volatility. They just remind us how exposed many supply chains really are.

Risk never left, and it’s not going away. The real question isn’t when the next disruption will come; it’s whether you’ll be ready when it does

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 Usman Syed, QA Manager at e2open..

Do you feel like global trade compliance is a game you just can’t seem to beat? Between keeping tabs on shifting tariffs and duties, deciphering restricted party lists and sanctions, managing trade can feel like playing chess blindfolded. Fortunately, tools like e2open’s Global Knowledge® are empowering businesses to streamline trade operations, dodge compliance risks, and stay sharp and competitive. In this blog, we’ll dive into key challenges organizations face when managing global trade content, and how a trade content tool can make it easier.

Global trade has become much more unstable in recent times. Reciprocal tariffs and derivative duties are rewriting the rulebook and presenting new challenges for global enterprises everywhere. For compliance officers, global sourcing strategists, and supply chain leaders, there’s more to it than just understanding regulations – you must know how to adapt sourcing strategies, ensure correct HTS codes, and build resilience against unfair trade practices as well. In short, you have to be nimble, flexible, and informed.

What follows is a detailed, actionable roadmap through the maze of reciprocal tariffs and derivative duties and their implications for global trade management. Along the way, you’ll find practical tips, scenarios, and steps you can take today to turn compliance challenges into opportunities.

Dynamic freight markets are keeping logistics leaders on their toes. Between unpredictable rates, limited carrier capacity, and constant disruptions, staying ahead can feel overwhelming. And figuring out how you’re performing against market standards, and spotting areas for improvement takes serious time and resources – something many teams just don’t have.

But there's good news. With e2open Reporting as a Service (RaaS) is here to make your life easier. It takes your transportation data and turns it into simple, actionable insights. That means you can save money, improve delivery performance, and make decisions faster. Ready to upgrade your transportation strategy? Let’s dive in!

Imagine trying to balance on one leg, make a cup of coffee with one hand, order your groceries on your phone with the other, trying to herd your loose dogs chasing squirrels back into the house, while also getting yelled at by your spouse that the dishwasher is leaking. This is the current state of global trade. Chaotic. Impossible. Overwhelming.

Secondary tariffs have introduced a layer of complexity for trade compliance professionals and importers. These additional duties not only target imports from specific countries but also penalize third-party entities trading with U.S.-sanctioned nations. To effectively manage these challenges, businesses must understand secondary Harmonized Tariff Schedule (HTS) codes, their practical applications, and how to classify products accurately.

Sometimes it seems like all you do is blink, and when you open your eyes the world around you has completely changed. The grass is a little taller. Your hands look a little older. A new form of technology has been announced on the news. Change is our only, true constant companion. In a digital landscape, this constant change presents both unprecedented challenges and exciting opportunities for channel marketing and sales leaders. Current trends in channel marketing, such as the adoption of artificial intelligence and machine learning, the increased focused on risk management, stricter global regulations, and growing channel ecosystem complexity, are all reshaping how we connect with partners and customers.  

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 Lalitha Hemanth, Senior Manager, Global Content Operations at e2open.

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 Heidi Roop, Logistics Manager at e2open.

The announcement of new US tariffs on imports from Canada, Mexico, and China has sent ripples through the supply chain world, leaving many leaders scrambling to assess their exposure and develop response strategies. For supply chain leaders, the Trump tariffs are not just policy updates—they represent potential disruptions that can impact costs, shift demand, disrupt supplier networks, and alter production timelines.

Supply chains are evolving at an unprecedented pace, driven by advancements in technology, shifting geopolitical dynamics, and changing customer expectations. As we move further into 2025, here are five key trends that supply chain professionals and leaders should have on their radar.

Supply chains are evolving at an unprecedented pace, driven by advancements in technology, shifting geopolitical dynamics, and changing customer expectations. As we move further into 2025, here are five key trends that supply chain professionals and leaders should have on their radar.

The announcement of new US tariffs on imports from Canada, Mexico, and China has sent ripples through the supply chain world, leaving many leaders scrambling to assess their exposure and develop response strategies. For supply chain leaders, the Trump tariffs are not just policy updates—they represent potential disruptions that can impact costs, shift demand, disrupt supplier networks, and alter production timelines.

Global trade is undergoing a rapid evolution, influenced by a multitude of factors such as climate change, geopolitical events, conflict zones, wars, and more. Countries increasingly make trade decisions based on global politics rather than just economic benefits. Monitoring the effects of these events on international shipments can be exceedingly challenging for businesses. E2open Global Knowledge® is continually expanding and promptly adjusting to the significant rise in regulatory changes caused by such factors.

The growing threat of new tariffs, increased tariffs, and other trade barriers makes it more important than ever for supply chain leaders to stay abreast of changing trade regulations. While no one can predict the precise contour of the trade environment in the future, there are things leaders can do today to minimize their trade compliance risks, keep the movement of goods flowing, and contain costs in this new business landscape.

In today’s fast-paced, social media-driven world, viral products are an exciting phenomenon. A product can go from obscurity to global sensation in the blink of an eye, thanks to the power of influencers and online platforms. While it may at first seem like a dream come true for brand owners, viral successes bring a unique set of challenges for the supply chain. What begins as a “good problem” can quickly spiral into a crisis if companies aren’t prepared to deal with the sudden demand surges.

In today’s volatile global supply chain environment, disruptions are not only possible—they’re inevitable. From global pandemics and natural disasters to sudden demand fluctuations and supplier issues, brand owners face constant challenges that threaten production continuity, customer satisfaction, and profitability. To combat this uncertainty, more companies are turning to shadow planning—a proactive approach to supply chain management that enables brand owners to prepare for the unexpected and maintain business continuity under various scenarios. 

At some point, you’ve likely heard the adage, “Go where your customers are.” Nowhere could this be truer than in channel management, where optimizing market coverage is a major priority and a driver of growth. However, the recent evolution of the channel landscape has added more complexity to the process. In just two decades, the number of channels available to both B2B and B2C consumers has expanded, creating a “good problem” for companies seeking to increase channel sales.

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 Diana Olivera, Solution Architect at e2open.

Close your eyes and think about all the places you can now purchase products. There are traditional brick-and-mortar retail outlets like GAP or Dick’s Sporting Goods, or online e-commerce sites like Amazon or Newegg. You can click an ad you see on Instagram or Facebook, or maybe your favorite YouTuber shared a new product. It's never been easier for companies to reach customers. However, this proliferation of channels presents brands with a plate of jumbled spaghetti noodles – disparate partners and mounds of unorganized data – and they are left to try and sort out one strand of pasta from the next. Such complexity demands a more sophisticated, organized approach to channel management.

Logistics operations are the circulatory system of any brand. Without them, companies could not move the lifeblood of their business – products – from Points A to B and get them in the hands of customers. However, in recent years the business landscape has grown in scope and complexity, presenting a variety of new challenges for logistics managers. As a result, companies should look to supply chain logistics software for more visibility, flexibility, and control, and ensure that they can keep their “circulatory system” in good health.

Logistics operations are the circulatory system of any brand. Without them, companies could not move the lifeblood of their business – products – from Points A to B and get them in the hands of customers. However, in recent years the business landscape has grown in scope and complexity, presenting a variety of new challenges for logistics managers. As a result, companies should look to supply chain logistics software for more visibility, flexibility, and control, and ensure that they can keep their “circulatory system” in good health.

With global commerce at an all-time high, the complexity faced by shippers has increased exponentially. Stricter regulations, geopolitical instability, new competitors, and changing consumer habits are the new normal, and these trends show no signs of abating. As a result, many shipping companies are looking for ways to streamline and simplify supply chain operations and might choose to adopt a transportation management system (TMS), a software platform designed to help businesses manage the complexity of operating across multiple transport modes and regions.

The other day at the grocery store, my 10-year-old son asked me a simple question, “Dad, why are the shelves empty?” He’d noticed some of his favorite snacks missing, and it struck him as strange. Little did he know, the answer was anything but simple. I explained that hurricanes were causing a lot more problems than just bad weather – they were affecting the supply chain, too.

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 Heidi Roop, Logistics Manager at e2open.

As the urgency to combat climate change intensifies, the European Union is taking bold steps to create a more sustainable future. One of the most significant initiatives for this is a broader commitment by the EU to achieve climate neutrality by 2050 known as the Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism, or CBAM, which will have far-reaching implications for companies importing goods into the EU. This blog post will explain what CBAM is, its key dates, why it’s important, its implications for businesses and international trade, and how your company can stay ahead to maintain compliance.

Thousands of dockworkers along the East and Gulf coasts began a historic strike just after midnight on October 1, 2024. This work stoppage, the first of its kind since 1977, has brought operations to a grinding halt at 14 major ports from Texas to New England, threatening to disrupt the flow of more than half of the nation’s containerized trade. Unlike the major strike in the 70’s, our reliance on the global economy and supply chains is now much greater, so the shutdown is expected to have a wide and immediate impact, from the shortage of everyday items to increased shipping costs, retail prices, and the global transportation infrastructure.

The recent rate cut by the Federal Reserve - the first since the pandemic began in 2020 - lowered borrowing costs by half a percentage point and marks a significant shift in monetary policy. This move is particularly beneficial for manufacturers, retailers, and distributors as the rate cut stimulates consumer spending and increases demand across the supply chain.

With so many high-value products shipped around the United States every day, it’s no surprise criminals target freight. Despite the logistics industry’s efforts to improve security, thieves still manage to steal everything from food, electronics, household goods, and valuable metals (such as copper.) What’s more, thieves are always looking for ways to evolve their methods and create new schemes. Here are three of the most common ways freight gets stolen:

Like a Formula 1 race car, supply chain trends move at breakneck speed. Every week, it seems like there are new regulations, geopolitical crises, climate events, or sanctions zooming by that keep you on the edge of your seat. If you blink, you’ll miss it and be left in the dust. Which is why it pays to keep up with supply chain and global trade events and understand how they can impact your business.

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.

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.

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 Daniel Branch, Logistics Manager at e2open.

If you regularly spend any amount of time on social media or YouTube, you’ve probably seen a popular style of content come across your feed: A cheery influencer opens their mail and excitedly shares a rundown of the products they ordered, piece by piece.

Businesses across industries are primed for increased supply chain costs after the US announced new tariffs on China to roll out between 2024 and 2026. The tariffs will impact a range of goods, including solar panels, semiconductors, medical supplies, and steel and aluminum products. The electric vehicle (EV) industry faces the most severe hikes, with the tariff rate for EVs quadrupling to reach 100 percent and the rate for EV batteries and battery parts tripling to reach 25 percent.

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 Max Ankirchner, Staff Solutions Architect at e2open.

Summer is right around the corner, and that means weekends and holidays filled with social activities. A trio of federal holidays in the U.S. (Memorial Day, Independence Day, and Labor Day) allows us to host or attend parties with our friends and family. Parents pile the kids into the car to take road trips, invite people over for cookouts in the warm weather, or head to a nearby beach or campground with coolers in hand. Maybe more so than any other season, it seems like summer is the time for food and beverages to be the stars of the show.

As I was returning home to the United States from the Connect Europe 2024 customer event a few weeks ago, I reflected on the significance of “staying connected” and the importance of transparency across the globally distributed supply chains I heard about from our customers and integration partners who presented at the event.

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 Tony Sposato, Manager, Professional Services at e2open.

Supply chains are the lifeblood of modern businesses, ensuring the smooth flow of goods and services from manufacturers to end consumers. However, recent events like the Baltimore Port Bridge collapse and the Taiwan earthquake have underscored the vulnerability of these intricate networks. As supply chain leaders, we must learn from these disruptions and proactively address their impact.

In today's fast-paced business environment, the dynamics of sales channels are undergoing a profound transformation. Traditional methods are being challenged by evolving consumer behaviors, technological advancements, digital transformations, and the emergence of new stakeholders. As businesses adapt to these changes, the impact on channel partner programs becomes increasingly significant. Let's delve into how these shifts are reshaping the landscape of channel management and what strategies businesses can employ to navigate this evolving terrain.

With all the excitement around AI these days, there is no shortage of opinions on what this will mean to us, both personally and to society as a whole. In one corner are tech fans who see AI as the cure-all to solve all our problems. In the other corner are the doomers who fear AI as a one-way ticket to end the human race, either self-inflicted or by the hands of machine overlords. While both make good headlines, it's likely to play out somewhere in the middle, varying by industry and skills involved.

Supply & Demand Chain Executive, the only publication covering the entire global supply chain, named Pawan Joshi, EVP of product and strategy at e2open, as one of the winners of this year’s Pros to Know award in the Lifetime Achievement category. The Pros to Know Award recognizes outstanding executives whose accomplishments offer a roadmap for other leaders looking to leverage the supply chain as a competitive advantage.

Why can a successful team accomplish more together than its members can achieve independently? While many complex dynamics are involved with teamwork, the answer to this fundamental question is simple. Successful teams accomplish more than individuals because their members develop synergy. In other words, they can work together in a manner where their combined output is greater than the sum of their individual efforts. Synergy is the secret sauce separating great teams from good teams and is a key ingredient differentiating e2open’s Logistics as a Service (LaaS) offering from others in the managed transportation services (MTS) space.

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 Marty Flemington, Principal Software Engineer at e2open.

Step into a world where enchanted swords clash, spells weave through the air, and a diverse band of adventurers unite to face insurmountable challenges. No, we’re not describing a mythical realm but the captivating parallel between managing a partner ecosystem and playing the fantasy tabletop role-playing game Dungeons & Dragons (often called D&D by enthusiasts).

At the turn of the millennium, the supply chain sector experienced a massive sea change. The industrial revolution gave way to the technological revolution, and within a decade or two, there were more ways to make, move, deliver, and buy products and services than ever before. The result was more vast and complex supply chain infrastructures that allowed brands to reach a broader audience and identify more growth opportunities, but also required more oversight.

Customs modernization has become a hot topic due to several compelling reasons. With the increased volume of international trade, spurred by B2B and B2C e-commerce technology, customs administrations worldwide are streamlining and upgrading their operations. Modernization activities harness technology for improved risk management, clearance, and compliance because a well-functioning customs system has far-reaching benefits. It enhances trade facilitation, reduces costs, ensures fair revenue collection, and strengthens national security. These advantages underscore the urgency of modernizing customs processes, but importers and exporters need to stay current as these updates impact many aspects of supply chains. 

Supply chains evolved and were impacted positively and negatively by global events along the way. Digitization and transformation were leading topics in the early 2000s as most production shifted to higher-risk yet lower-cost countries over the decades. Increased cross-border regulations soon followed as countries saw the need to safeguard their exports and generate revenue from imports, priming the landscape for geopolitical disruptions.

In today's interconnected global marketplace, businesses constantly expand and engage in new international trade opportunities to increase revenue. However, these opportunities come with risks, especially regarding export compliance with ever-shifting trade regulations. In this comprehensive guide, explore the concept of export compliance and dive into a detailed Export Compliance Checklist that highlights six key steps to reduce risk and inefficiency in your trade operations using game-changing technology.

The petrochemical industry is highly regulated and has an extreme focus on safety. Having a trusted partner with expertise in moving these essential materials can help the companies that produce and provide these products while helping their customers gain a competitive advantage through domestic and global expansion.

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 Emily Routh, Senior Manager, Human Resources.

Step into a world where enchanted swords clash, spells weave through the air, and a diverse band of adventurers unite to face insurmountable challenges. No, we’re not describing a mythical realm but the captivating parallel between managing a partner ecosystem and playing the fantasy tabletop role-playing game Dungeons & Dragons (often called D&D by enthusiasts).

The ongoing conflict in Israel that began in October has caused terrible destruction and loss of life in that region. Still, its influence reaches far beyond the Middle East, affecting global commerce and trade. This isn’t the first time uncontrollable disruptions have impacted ocean shipping in the last few years.

The importance of Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) performance cannot be overstated in today’s rapidly evolving business and financial landscape. ESG has transitioned from a mere buzzword to a defining factor influencing a company's cost of capital and its access to financial resources. Corporations now find themselves under increasing pressure to not only measure and disclose their ESG performance but to also manage associated risks effectively.

The surge in regulatory initiatives, whether related to environmental concerns, social issues, or governance standards, all emphasize one thing: the need for transparency. They push companies toward deeper disclosure, broader connectedness, and enhanced collaboration throughout their supply chains. In this article, we will explore key regulatory ESG developments, the challenges they pose, and the role of technology platforms like e2open’s on this critical ​ESG journey.​

Despite continued electric vehicle (EV) growth and adoption in Europe, United States automakers are taking a different path.

Just a year ago, the entire world was in full pursuit of moving to electric vehicles. Well, in the United States, at least, those times have changed. Pair rising inflation with the high price of EVs, and most economists would predict a slowing in EV customer demand. So, what would that slowdown mean to the automotive manufacturers and the entire EV supply chain?

Earlier this year, we published a blog on customs modernization efforts with a broader scope across the EU, UK, and US. If you are involved in cross-border trade with members of the European Union (EU), you’re likely well-versed in Import Control System 2 (ICS2), the multi-year customs technology upgrade. The EU has increased its focus on heightening supply chain security and safety via the enormous innovation ICS2 will deliver when complete.

California’s landmark Climate Corporate Data Accountability Act (aka SB 253) was signed into law on Oct 7, 2023. This legislation brings significant changes to the landscape of greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reporting and will likely impact your company’s supply chain management. For help navigating compliance and understanding SB 253’s implications, this FAQ aims to provide clarity on this new California law, who it affects, and what you need to know.

Step into a world where enchanted swords clash, spells weave through the air, and a diverse band of adventurers unite to face insurmountable challenges. No, we’re not describing a mythical realm but the captivating parallel between managing a partner ecosystem and playing the fantasy tabletop role-playing game Dungeons & Dragons (often called D&D by enthusiasts).

The passing of the Climate Corporate Data Accountability Act(aka SB 253) into law in California is shaking the very foundation of business transparency. It will permanently alter the landscape of environmental responsibility, the aftershocks of which will be felt for years to come.

This groundbreaking legislation was proposed in January 2023, requiring stricter greenhouse gas (GHG) reporting practices for all private or public corporations operating in California with over $1 billion in annual revenues. Unlike the pending SEC rule, SB 253 leaves no room for companies to opt out of reporting on Scope 1, Scope 2, and Scope 3 emissions, which covers all aspects of a business’s extended supply chain – affecting more than 5,000 companies globally.

Recently, global retailer Walmart announced that a significant technology change would occur on March 1st, 2024, and its suppliers would need to act. Since 1992, Retail Link has been the portal through which Walmart gives its suppliers access to sales data, reports, and forecasts. But not anymore! If you are a sales or supply chain leader who makes decisions based on the data Walmart provides, Walmart Luminate will be your new technology solution.

The soaring popularity of Electric Vehicles (EVs) has changed the face of the automotive industry forever. Recent EV sales figures in Europe indicated a 40% increase over the last five months. However, manufacturers face significant challenges as they strive to produce vehicles rapidly in response to the spike in demand. Panasonic recently recognized the need for four more EV battery plants if supply is to meet demand; meanwhile, Jaguar Land Rover (JLR) has outlined plans to create an exclusively electric production plant by 2025.

Commodity exports are back in the limelight. Three years ago, I wrote about China's restrictions on soybean exports. Now, it's about sugar – and microchips, vaccines, and more. Frankly, I'm highly concerned about the potential availability or higher costs for all the sweet treats I enjoy around the holidays. But why is my box of chocolates the victim of politics and trade?

A Google search for the term “subscription” produces about 6.51 billion results. By comparison, a search for “ERP” yields 448 million results, and a search for “supply chain” returns 1.16 billion results. The point is – the subscription business model continues to be popular.

But how did we get here?

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 Amanda Loudin, Director, Logistics as a Service at e2open.

How can your business gain a competitive advantage while navigating the complexities of ongoing supply chain disruptions? You find a supply chain network that’s powerful enough to connect all your trading partners and logistics providers while reducing costs and increasing customer satisfaction. But finding and implementing an optimal supply chain network for your business starts with understanding how a supply chain network works, how it can best work for you, and how it can help you to overcome complicated supply chain challenges.

Recently, Chariot published a blog about the phenomenon known as "double brokering." If you operate within logistics circles, you are likely familiar with this term and the effect it's had on the logistics industry. Double brokering has cost trucking companies tens if not hundreds of thousands of dollars and has become so prevalent that it has sparked the development and release of several prevention tools from major software developers.

For retailers and consumer goods companies, the calendar is not measured in months but in peak seasons. Rather than the Earth’s movement or the Lunar calendar, events and traditions (mainly with religious roots) determine the peak seasons. Christmas, Diwali, Easter, Eid, Hanukkah, Halloween, Father’s Day, Mother’s Day, and Valentine’s Day. Some are linked to the social and work calendar: Back-to-School, Summer holidays; yet others are political like Guy Fawkes Day, national independence anniversaries, and more. And others are artificially created to stimulate sales between: Black Friday, Amazon Prime Day, and Cyber Monday. Whatever the nature of it, being ready for the rush is a success and survival matter for retailers and consumer goods companies.

You are not alone if you are anxious about how the recent round of EU sanctions against Russia might affect your business. Many companies face challenges navigating the complex and changing regulatory landscape, sanctions regime, complying with multiple jurisdictions and authorities, managing risks and costs, and maintaining healthy customer relationships.

Peak season is the most demanding and profitable time of the year for many businesses, especially those in the e-commerce and retail sectors. However, it also comes with additional challenges and uncertainties, especially in the parcel logistics domain. How can you ensure your parcel logistics team is ready to handle the peak season's increased volume, complexity, and customer expectations?

Let’s dig into some of the critical parcel trends in 2023, the challenges that may impact this peak season, and some preparation strategies and tips to help the parcel logistics team sail with success.

At a high school science fair, a student proceeded to put five metronomes on a single piece of wood. As each metronome was started, the metronome needles bounced back and forth, independent of the others and definitely not in synch. “Behold,” the student said as she placed the platform of metronomes across two cylinders. Within a minute, all five metronomes followed the same tempo in complete synchronization.

For many supply chain leaders, planning for peak season logistics started six to twelve months ago, or more for some specialized companies. Now those orders are beginning to move. Logistics is the workhorse for shipping peak season orders from the origin port to the destination port, from the port to the distribution center, and from the distribution center to the store/consumer. Through this period of increased demand and potential capacity constraints, shippers need to deliver orders on time while maintaining exceptional customer service and, at the same time, optimizing transportation spend. Peak season happens every year. Some years are more intense, demand is very high, and capacity is minimal, but that wasn’t the case in the past year. Logistics executives are predicting another muted peak season for 2023. But even with those predictions, shippers must be ready for the uptick in demand, even if it is less than in past years.

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 Chad Toupin, Managing Director, Rail at e2open.

By now, retailers have forecasted their revenue for the holiday season. Whether brick-and-mortar or selling wholly online, the supply chain process remains the same. They have found finished goods suppliers and placed orders that ensure they have the correct quantity of the right product at the right time. This is how business works…in retail. 

But what if you are upstream of this retailer buying frenzy? As a brand owner, the picture is quite similar, but it has been set in motion for some time now. The brand owner has already anticipated what orders they will receive from the retailer, and they have processed this forecast into a supply plan that allows them to build the finished goods in time for the shipment to retailers or on an even earlier timeline for businesses like distributors and other sales channels. 

Despite increased interest from the public, world governments, and international investment firms, the electric vehicle (EV) industry remains something of a speculative market. It’s clear that there is a huge demand for EVs, especially with global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions continuing their yearly upward trend. However, due to a tangled web of variables, the logistical difficulties of EV mass production transcend standard automotive production.

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 Giacomo Squintani, AVP Sales, at e2open.  

The global trade environment has undergone significant changes in the past two decades, driven by rapid technological innovations, global market expansion, and a continued increase in cross-border e-commerce. In recent years, customs modernization has become an essential priority for countries worldwide, especially with the geo-political shifts fueled by trade wars in Asia and protectionist actions to enforce non-tariff restrictions on imports and exports.

Supply chain planning (SCP) is the process of anticipating market demand over time and determining the optimal use of assets and resources to make, move, and distribute supply to meet demand while minimizing costs and maximizing customer service. It answers the key questions that set the course for the entire supply chain – How much do we need to make? How many will we sell? Which products will sell? Where will each product sell? And how fast? And so on. Planning and inventory stocking levels are inextricably linked. From the demand and supply forecast, planners determine how much inventory to stock at points along the value chain and distribution centers, with some safety stock to absorb day-to-day variations. The system works relatively efficiently when forecast assumptions are known, and variability is low. When shifts in demand and disruptions to supply are missed, inventory becomes a liability in the form of stockouts or excess inventory that ties up working capital.

Companies doing business across borders face significant compliance costs and risks due to complex and ever-changing trade regulations. Global trade management (GTM) software helps companies automate international trade management processes to mitigate risks, ensure global trade compliance, and minimize the costs of international business in a volatile world economy.
Companies using GTM solutions can achieve millions of dollars in duty savings, avoid customs delays and fines, protect their corporate reputation, and gain a competitive advantage, especially when they integrate global trade with end-to-end supply chain operations.

For companies that rely on logistics and fulfillment infrastructure, even a slight dip in performance is a serious matter. If unchecked, those variations can affect financial performance, increase costs, damage customer satisfaction ratings, and even harm a business's reputation. This is why On Time-In Full (OTIF), calculated by multiplying fill rate by “on time” status, is an important supply chain metric for these companies to track. It provides the data necessary to understand the efficiency of their fulfillment and delivery process and can be used as an overall performance driver. While each company measures OTIF differently, the fundamentals and goals of OTIF are still the same – to ensure items are in stock when the consumer wants them.

Managing US export control programs is not for the faint of heart. New and emerging threats to US foreign policy and national security goals increase the risk of a sanctions penalty. As a result, companies must be able to demonstrate due diligence with a reliable screening process to avoid steep non-compliance penalties.

TMS software simplifies complex logistics processes and helps companies reduce transportation spending by optimizing freight shipments across multiple carriers and different transport modes (ocean, air, road, rail). The systems also help companies reduce their carbon footprint, improve on-time delivery, and provide visibility of goods in transit.

According to KPMG, getting goods into the hands of consumers in 2023 will not be easy nor cheap. Consumption mechanisms and channels continue to increase, costs are on the rise, there is a prevalence of last mile delivery challenges, and a reliance on suppliers that are often experiencing difficulties also—all of which means retailers may need to assess their inventory distribution network and determine how best to create a seamless delivery experience around a unified commerce approach.

When shippers describe what success looks like in their jobs they use words like “satisfied,” “accomplished,” and “relieved.” It’s not surprising. With driver shortages, price fluctuations, weather events, and other macro-level factors at play, being a shipper in today’s dynamic supply chain world can be a challenge.

E2open is powered by a strong global network of problem solvers and innovators who are 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 Katie Koster, Human Resources Business Partner at e2open.  

By this point, there probably aren’t many people left who don’t know what an “influencer” is. It seems like no matter where you look, there’s someone in your social media feed plugging a business or service. While at first glance this may seem like yet another simple social media trend, the truth is that influencers can serve a very important purpose in a brand’s greater marketing strategy.

The number and impact of supply chain disruptions are increasing every year. In 2021, 432 extreme weather events caused more than $252B in economic damages in the United States alone, and the blockage of the Suez Canal held up $9B worth of cargo daily. As tensions between China and Taiwan continue to rise, many pundits and politicians have predicted a Chinese invasion within the next few years that could impact the supply chain of hundreds if not thousands of companies worldwide, affecting billions of dollars in global trade.

Planning for peak holiday seasons is an all-consuming task for major e-commerce shippers. While there are expectations for 2022 to be less disruptive than in recent years, e-commerce shippers must still be prepared. Organizations should have airtight plans for the stress that will come from demand on Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and the days that follow.

For businesses whose shipping needs have evolved, making the decision to invest in a more robust shipping solution can be an important one. Many sophisticated parcel shipping solutions offer a range of capabilities that plug gaps or provide upgrades to the complex framework of a global enterprise organization.

Environmental, social, and governance (ESG) topics have dominated the thoughts and minds of the investment community, board members, and executives for years. It’s not a surprise. The principles of ESG inherently lower risk and help optimize operations that support better long-term financial returns. No longer considered a “nice to have,” ESG is a key ingredient to every business’s long-term strategy and to unlocking long-term success and prosperity— including at e2open.

With increased pressure placed on supply chains over the past few years, transportation technology solutions for railroads, shippers, logistics providers, and railcar lessors present an attractive opportunity for supply chain innovation. On any given day, more than 40% of all goods in North America travel on a freight railroad.

While the goal of global sourcing and using outsourced manufacturing is to lower manufacturing costs, the increased complexity that comes from leveraging internal and external manufacturers brings significant challenges. Chief among these are the obstacles to managing visibility and control, obstacles that can negate financial benefits. For instance, when quality issues arise, the disconnected and far-flung nature of third-party manufacturing makes them hard to detect.

Whether it’s a hurricane, flood, wildfire, tsunami, or another type of severe weather or disaster, if you work in transportation or logistics, you are undoubtedly aware of the supply chain challenges that arise in the aftermath of such events.

Planning for peak holiday seasons is an all-consuming task for major e-commerce shippers. While there are expectations for 2022 to be less disruptive than in recent years, e-commerce shippers must still be prepared. Organizations should have airtight plans for the stress that will come from demand on Black Friday, Cyber Monday, and the days that follow.

Supply chain traceability has long been a niche need for companies that wanted extra quality control measures, sought to avoid import tariffs, or wanted to qualify their imports for preferential trade status. These are still important considerations, but traceability in the supply chain is gaining momentum to address other risks.

Talk of greenhouse gas emissions seems to be everywhere today, from the shop floor to the boardroom. Not only do emissions factor heavily into the environmental, social, and governance (ESG) metrics investors care about, but it looks ever-more-likely that being a carbon emitter will soon have a direct economic cost.

I was just reading another fascinating post from Jay MacBain: Subscription and Consumption Models Are Expandingand it made me ask: Why is the subscription model popularity increasing? Why is the number of partners actively selling increasing in this model? And what does it take to make it work for a company?

Even though the summer heat wave tells you it’s not the time of year for retail store endcaps to be filled with Halloween candy corn, changing seasons can cause people to reflect on traditions. While many traditions produce warm memories, some belong in the past.

Throughout history, channels have evolved in terms of composition, relationships, and partner engagement models. What started as transactional, arms-length engagement with traditional “middleman” partners became collaborative relationships with influencing parties.

What are the top three things brands want from a retail partner? The first two are obvious: more orders and the best possible shelf presence. The third is perhaps less obvious: data, information about consumers, and demand insights that can inform product development, planning, manufacturing, and promotions.

On March 23, Jay McBain, one of the world's most influential channel professionals, posted an article on Linkedin with a bold title: “The entire technology industry should be watching the Microsoft story unfold this quarter.”

Die intelligente Anwendung Customs Management von e2open ist für die deutsche ATLAS-IMPOST-Zollanmeldung zertifiziert worden. 

Die intelligente Anwendung Customs Management von e2open ist für die deutsche ATLAS-IMPOST-Zollanmeldung zertifiziert worden. 

These days, virtually every media cycle brings news that yet another company has made a net-zero pledge, or that yet another regulatory body is considering action to curb climate impacts. We have known for a long time that supply chains account for much of the world’s greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions.

For decades, supply chains have operated the same way — and it worked just fine. The industry made minor changes to their internal business processes to reflect market and industry shifts. But bringing goods to market has become more complex.

The close of COP26 was a bittersweet moment. There has never been so much awareness and urgency to address climate change, yet there is still so far to go.

Soybeans are a high-volume commodity, especially for China, the largest importer of soybeans in the world. China imports around 90% of its soybeans from the United States, Brazil and a few other nations. In the first six months of 2021, China imported a record 48.95 million tons, up nearly nine percent over last year. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Foreign Agricultural Service reported that global soybean exports reached record levels, grossing the second-highest value ever at $7.7 billion.

My last blog post about artificial intelligence (AI) covered some of the technology’s history, including how engineers, scientists, writers and readers all understood the rise of AI would change everything.

Sales channels have always been evolving. Historically there were middlemen. More recently, there were influencers. Now, the world is entering the third age of channels: the ecosystems. Each age builds on the previous one, adding new nuances, models and demands at an accelerating speed. Businesses that understand this evolution and embrace or even drive it stand to gain a first-mover advantage and capture customers and partners alike.

Modernizing your supply chain is a worthy goal, and for pharmaceutical and life science companies, a big part of modernization is to outsource manufacturing and other business functions to various trading partners across the supply chain. There are many good reasons to do so. Benefits include cost savings, efficiency, specialized manufacturing capabilities and operational productivity enhancements. Companies should evaluate their core competencies and outsource where it makes the most business sense.

Hearing the unwelcome words, “You’re going to be audited,” always sends folks into a frenzy and a flurry of activity. Customs organizations all around the globe have become more and more explicit about their intent to audit every exporter and importer at some point in time.

If your company reaches customers through an indirect channel, understanding how it is impacted by external influences is essential. Analyzing the effect of changes in macroeconomic and technological factors can help you gain market share, displace competitors, increase revenue and optimize investment performance—among other perks.

Retailers know what catches a savvy shopper's attention: Give them a discount, reward dollars, rewards points or even a rebate.

e2open recently held a live webinar, co-hosted with Talking Logistics, on the topic, Control Tower Capabilities: How to Separate the Truth from the Hype.

For several years, pharmaceuticals and life science companies have enjoyed strong sales and profits based on quality products.

Do you remember taking long road trips as a kid and repeatedly asking, “Are we there yet?” During long transport journeys, Logistic Service Providers (LSPs) often get asked a similar question by their customers – “Is my stuff there yet?”

Believe it or not, most incentive programs are completely unsuccessful.

Some aspects of channel marketing programs are intuitive, while others require more thought or even intensive study. One of the less-intuitive channel marketing concepts is contra revenue, which actually means “against revenue.”

The recent disruptions around the globe have exposed the importance of end-to-end visibility and control to build the resiliency required to manage these major disruptions in the market. Today, more than ever, companies require control tower capabilities driven by real-time data and artificial intelligence (AI) that cut across departmental silos and go beyond basic visibility.

When introducing new products, changing suppliers or components, or sourcing from new regions, procurement teams need to take into account several factors.