Most customers don’t realize the time, energy, and resources that go into making a super supply chain like Wal-Mart’s. Wal-Mart has 11,000 stores around the world and serves more than 130 million customers per week. They are able to dominate in the market because of their focus on technology, vendor partnerships, integrations, and cross docking…
Hundreds of companies had problems fulfilling their supply chain needs because of the labor disputes at west coast ports. One major company affected by the delays was McDonalds. For instance, some Japanese stores went without French fries for a time. However, McDonald’s was able to quickly overcome the problem by turning to local suppliers. They…
Amazon just rolled out a new program in Manhattan, New York, where customers can have items delivered to their home in one hour or less. If the program is successful, it could be added to several other large cities in the U.S. However, many people are skeptical that the one-hour delivery service will be a…
Businesses are always looking for cheaper ways to ship their goods to customers while choosing sustainable options. Nestle Waters is taking a proactive approach with propane-powered delivery vehicles. They are reducing their operations costs while also lowering their carbon footprint — something that consumers are starting to care about. Take a look at the way…
Fracking is a process used to extract gas from underground. Basically, it is a hydraulic system where water, chemical additives, and sand are injected into rocks to open them and release gas. Then, the natural gas is captured in containers and used for energy. Bans on fracking have been popping up around the world because…
Wal-Mart is one of the most successful superstores in America. They sell everything from groceries and clothing to toys and car parts. Wal-Mart has literally become a one-stop shop for anything a family could want. The thing that sets them apart is their “Always Low Prices.” Wal-Mart’s supply chain is impressive. They take the time…
Codexis is an enzyme producer that develops biocatalysts for the pharmaceutical industry. They have proven technology that reduces the cost of manufacturing drugs through sustainable processes. In July 2014, Codexis signed an agreement with GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) to share a technology license.
The crisis in Ukraine started over a year ago when pro-Moscow leader Viktor Yanukovych broke a trade agreement with the E.U. in favor of an agreement with Russia. This caused protests in Kiev, eventually toppling Mr. Yanukovych and causing Russia to move in and annex Crimea. Now, Russia is facing sanctions because of the situation…
How much money are you willing to pay for a cup of coffee? You’ve probably seen higher prices at the chain coffee stores because the price of coffee beans has more than doubled since January. This is partially due to the major drought in Brazil and other parts of Central America where a large portion…
Tesla and Fisker have similar stories. They both introduced luxury sports cars to the market around the same time — Fisker’s Karma at the end of 2010 and Tesla’s Roadster at the end of 2009. They also both got loans from the U.S. Department of Energy to ramp up production. Tesla racked up a huge…