Joerg Walden

As logistics leaders look to future-proof their operations, they face a complex landscape filled with critical decisions ranging from navigating supply chain volatility and shifting customer expectations to evaluating fast-changing automation technologies. Successfully planning, designing and implementing large-scale automation solutions requires specialized expertise that many organizations don’t have in-house. This white paper from Bastian Solutions is designed to help you understand how the right consulting partner can make a meaningful difference in the success of your automation initiatives. It outlines the strategic role integration consultants play in optimizing distribution operations and provides practical guidance on how to assess their capabilities—so you can confidently choose a partner that aligns with your goals and complexity.   Why download this guide? Find the right partner – Learn how to evaluate and choose a consulting partner that fits your goals and complexity. Go beyond the tech – Understand why process-focused strategies, not just automation, drive real results. Know what OEMs and traditional consultants miss – See the value of objective, end-to-end expertise that prioritizes your full operation. Leverage data & design – Explore how advanced analytics and simulation tools lead to smarter decisions. Follow a proven roadmap – Use a four-phase framework to confidently…

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…