Sean Kipe

The U.S. Bank Freight Payment Index for 3Q 2021 has been released, and one thing remains clear: spend is up. More specifically, year over year, quarterly freight spend showed the second largest increase ever – rising 32.6% from 3Q 2020. What’s driving the dollars, and what can this increase tell us about the state of the supply chain across the country? Supply Chain Now co-hosts Scott Luton and Greg White recently sat down with Bobby Holland, Director, Freight Data Solutions at U.S. Bank, and Patricia Gabriel, Vice President US Customer Service & Logistics, at Mondelez International, to find out. Let’s review highlights from their discussion of the report – and take a look at what you need to consider moving forward. But first, what is the U.S. Bank Freight Payment Index? The U.S. Bank Freight Payment Index is a free report you can download each quarter to keep your finger on the pulse of freight shipping volumes and spend from both a national and regional perspective. The report uses actual transaction payment data, de-seasonalized and calendar adjusted for maximum comparability. How do I use it? When you’re asking the question, “What happened last quarter?” the U.S. Bank Freight Payment Index…

Modified Agile for Electronics Development Electronics development has never been more complex—or more critical. Traditional waterfall methods often slow teams down with long cycles, costly redesigns, and missed deadlines. While software teams have thrived with agile, hardware development requires a different approach. This white paper introduces the Modified Agile for Hardware Development (MAHD) Framework™, designed specifically for electronics teams. By adapting agile principles to hardware’s unique challenges, MAHD enables faster timelines, reduced risk, and higher-value solutions. If your organization struggles with shifting requirements, late-stage changes, or cross-disciplinary silos, this guide provides a smarter way forward.   Why Download This White Paper?   Understand why traditional methods fall short and how hardware-specific agile solves the challenges waterfall and “faux agile” can’t. Get a clear introduction to the MAHD Framework™, a proven model that accelerates development by 25–50% while reducing costly risk. Learn practical strategies and tools—from system-level user stories and tailored prototyping to Altium’s solutions for agile electronics success.   What You’ll Take Away:   A framework purpose-built for hardware and electronics – not a software agile retrofit Practical methods to reduce wated effort, improve predictability, and accelerate time-to-market Real-world examples of how electronics teams can align strategy, execution, and customer…