This Week on Supply Chain Now: October 26th – 30th

First, it was print, then radio and television, but with the advent of the internet, the effect of mass media multiplied a hundredfold. Today, information reaches the ends of the globe instantly, and some of the main drivers of that are video and podcasts, albeit aided by different social media platforms. Both are powerful mediums for communicating trends and news in any industry. Supply chain podcasts play a crucial role in disseminating information, serving as a powerful tool for enlightening the public. Delivering Authentic Expertise in a Cluttered Digital Landscape Industry professionals and even the general public seem to have an insatiable appetite for news, trends, and analysis of events impacting the supply chain, businesses, and the economy at large. Podcasts and videos offer people deep insights into the minds of industry experts and decision-makers on such topics as manufacturing, sourcing, supplier management, warehousing, logistics sustainability, and inventory management. Despite its many great qualities, social media can get noisy. For instance, on LinkedIn, many claim to be experts, sharing verified and unverified information about the supply chain industry. Finding the right source can be confusing, especially with the prevalence of irresponsibly published content and clickbait journalism. For stakeholders in the…

Scope 3 emissions reportedly account for more than 70% of businesses’ carbon footprints. That huge percentage gives an indication of just how critical supply chain sustainability efforts are to the planet. Thankfully, a growing number of eco-friendly innovations are helping reshape global supply chains. Supply Chain Sustainability: An Industry Imperative in a Changing World It is becoming increasingly important for companies to accurately calculate their supply chain emissions and create an information-sharing ecosystem, according to Matthew Gardner, co-founder and managing partner of Sustainserv, a consulting firm that helps businesses implement sustainability strategies. Gardner said accounting for supply chain-related greenhouse gas emissions includes such challenges as: Data gathering of “materials, manufacturing processes, activities of second- and third-tier suppliers, and overall data governance and quality.” Calculation methodology that “reflects the realities of raw material sourcing, product manufacturing, transportation and distribution, and other life-cycle impacts that may affect reported greenhouse gas totals.” Supplier relationships, which can be strained as a result of emissions assessments. Businesses also need to keep in mind their relationships with consumers. PDI Technologies said 80% of U.S. consumers it surveyed were willing to pay more for sustainable products. “Between these statistics and the regulatory conversations that are happening in…