Read MIQ updates and industry news in the January 2016 Logistics Link.
News / Logistics Insights
Cass Information Systems, Inc.
Following the trend observed in the last four years, both total spend and the number of shipments for North American freight declined in October. The indexes have been below 2013 levels for the last several months. The first reading on third quarter GDP was a disappointing 1.5 percent annual growth rate, compared to 3.9 percent in the second quarter. Consumer sector goods are, by far, the strongest in the market now. In many ways this is the silver lining in the storm clouds, because it means that consumers are still in the game. Consumer spending, which accounts for more than two‐thirds of U.S. economic activity, grew 3.2 percent in the third quarter after expanding at a 3.6 percent pace in the second quarter.
Stephen Covey, author of The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, emphasizes we should, “Begin with the end in mind.”
If your end goal is satisfied customers, logistics offers the solutions and technologies to manage supply chains while supporting multiple business functions, all in an effort to achieve that outcome.
Are unsung heroes residing in your transportation and supply chain departments?
From their dock and warehouse surroundings, logistics professionals use information flow, physical inventory flow, and financial flow to improve company profits. Read more.
It’s a fact: Supply chains have a quantifiable effect on productivity and financial performance. Now ask yourself, is your supply chain making a positive impact? Or could it be holding your company back?
A deeper understanding of your supply chain, expertise in supply chain management, and new technologies will go a long way to gain efficiencies.