Week of April 27th, 2020
Linking technology news with Dangerous Goods compliance
Technology helps organizations create flexible and agile operations that supports growth and enables them to adapt when disruptions arise. That’s why it’s important for companies to be forward-thinking in their technology investment.
To help companies keep a pulse on technology trends impacting business and the movement of dangerous goods throughout the supply chain, Labelmaster has launched “Supply Chain Moves,” a weekly report linking the latest technology news to dangerous goods compliance.
Let’s examine the recent supply chain technology and industry news.
TECHNOLOGY
- Technology Takes Center Stage as Manufacturers Pivot: Pivoting from daily operations in order to fulfill an urgent need is never easy. However, the right technology can make a world of difference.
- Digital Transformation: Business Leaders Still Struggling to Cope: What you don’t know can hurt you. When it comes to digital transformation, many top enterprise executives may have to learn this lesson the hard way.
- UPS Launches Smart Warehouse Technology: UPS recently announced new warehouse network technology designed to make distribution centers smarter and more efficient.
- Q&A: The Rise of an Automated Logistics Community: Log Square’s Jacques Adem details how automation can transform the logistics community and help create a more robust supply chain.
- Preparing Your Data for AI, Blockchain, and Other Emerging Technologies: One of the biggest mistakes companies often make is chasing after the next, new shiny technology application without first getting their data in order.
3PL TECH
- The State of Logistics in 2020: The COVID-19 pandemic, technology disruptions and other factors that have the supply chains and logistics industry on alert for the rest of 2020. Learn about the current state of logistics and what to expect for the remainder of the year.
- Artificial Intelligence in Logistics – Maximizing Operational Efficiency: With the growing complexity and interconnectivity in the supply chain industry, technology like AI and machine learning has become central to logistics management.
Technology & Dangerous Goods Compliance
To support the global community during the COVID-19 crisis, several companies have pivoted away from their standard daily offerings to help produce essential products. Distillers of alcoholic beverages are now making hand sanitizer, while companies such as Carhartt and New Balance have begun making masks.
In a recent IndustryWeek article, Peter Fretty spotlights how companies are able to quickly make these operational shifts because of their workforce and investment in technology. He states, “No doubt, it is heartwarming to see so many companies step up to the plate during a global crisis. This ability to step up also demonstrates determination, innovation, flexibility, strategy and agility. Let’s be clear, the pivots these organizations are embarking upon are not easy. They require strengths that do not always see the spotlight including a skilled workforce, diverse supply chain, a culture that thrives when facing adversity and strategic investments in technology.”
Fretty cites a recent survey by Pulse which found that 49% of businesses are using robotics or automation to help frontline workers both pivot to produce new products and cope with the production challenges associated with COVID-19 crisis.
While business have successfully shifted operations, it’s not a simple task, and there a number of variables that impact how a company shifts production from its usual products to those needed products. The same is true when it comes to shipping those items.
For example, even though alcoholic beverages and hand sanitizer are both Class 3 flammable liquids, the level of danger assigned to their specific materials can significantly change packaging, marking and labeling requirements. So, it’s important for distilleries to be aware of these differences in order to take the necessary steps to ensure shipments are safe and compliant with the rules and regulations for transporting this specific type of dangerous good.
While it’s wonderful to see companies step up during a crisis, compliance is critical in order to get those much-needed items to those who need them, and cannot be overlooked.
To learn more about dangerous goods software or how to establish a safer, more compliant supply chain, visit https://www.labelmaster.com.
Have questions about dangerous goods transport? Call the Labelmaster Regulatory Hotline at 1.800.621.5808.
Labelmaster’s Dangerous Goods Information System (DGIS) is the leading SaaS solution to help companies more efficiently and accurately manage their Dangerous Goods shipments. DGIS validates your Dangerous Goods shipment data against the latest regulations, ensuring a more efficient supply chain and reducing friction found in Dangerous Goods shipments. DGIS is a certified partner/validation solution with ERP, transportation and warehouse management systems.
