Week of July 22, 2019
Linking technology news with Dangerous Goods compliance
Effectively shipping products is challenging enough in today’s dynamic supply chain environment, but the complexity and risk is significantly increased when shipping dangerous goods – especially when managing returns and product recalls. This makes having in place the right technology, packaging and processes critical.
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
- Software Survey: Readers Embrace Software’s Leading Role in Warehousing and Distribution: As the complexities of modern-day fulfillment continue to grow, software is playing an increasingly important role in how companies manage in this dynamic environment.
- 7 Technologies You Need to Know for Artificial Intelligence: Artificial intelligence is actually a term that encompasses a host of technology and tools. Here’s a closer look at some of the more important ones.
- 3 Major Industries and Their Next-Gen Disruptors: Technology continues toinfiltrate businesses everywhere. And while the industries are far-reaching, the majority of companies can still be funneled into three key industries: consumer products and technology, enterprise software and security.
- Technology is Changing How Carriers, Shippers and Brokers Connect: Some envision technology in the freight market doing what Uber and Lyft have done in the ride-sharing market or Airbnb in the vacation market. But automating logistics is much more complex.
- Determining the ROI of a Parcel TMS: While a TMS for parcel can help shippers better manage rapid increases in parcel volume, it can also help shippers instantly adapt to provide excellent customer service in a profitable way.
3PL TECH
- How to Mitigate the Impact of Product Recalls in Your Supply Chain: Product recalls affect consumers, manufacturers, retailers, transportation providers and others. However, a reliable technology platform can mitigate the impact of widespread issues across the supply chain.
- 2019 Top 20 Supply Chain Software Suppliers: The technology that drives today’s supply chains is getting stronger, better and faster thanks to an innovative group of suppliers pushing the envelope.
Technology & Dangerous Goods Compliance
Product recalls have a widespread impact on the supply chain. They affect not only the consumers of potentially harmful products, but also retailers, manufacturers, carriers and others.
In a recent article for Logistics Viewpoints, BluJay Solutions’ Matt Anderson, examined key areas of the supply chain that are affected by recalls and how technology can reduce the impact. While Anderson primarily focused on the use a transportation management technology to address capacity challenges, the influx of inbound volume and the need to ramp up production, a key theme was proactive planning
He states, “A product recall can take any company by surprise, but it is possible and wise to prepare for how to handle the situation should it occur. Having a plan in place for every stage is key…Knowing how to react and being able to execute quickly will help to minimize disruption in your supply chain.”
Proactive, strategic planning is especially critical when recalls involve dangerous goods, such as lithium batteries, as safety and compliance are significant factors. So it’s important to make the returns process as simple and streamlined as possible for both customers and themselves.
In addition to having the right technology, companies must consider the packaging they use. Retailers, manufacturers and other supply chain entities should consider investing in next-generation shipping boxes that are engineered to comply with shipping regulations without requiring extra fillers or packaging materials, and arrive preassembled and pre-labeled. This makes returns fast and easy for both consumers and company personnel, while ensuring safe, compliant shipping.
Developing a comprehensive returns management process for all goods, especially lithium batteries and other hazardous products, takes a thoughtful, proactive approach. This begins with a clear understanding of how recalls impact your business and ensuring you have the necessary technology, packaging and processes to efficiently, safely and compliantly manage those returns and mitigate the impact on your supply chain.
Does your company have the technology and packaging it needs to successfully manage product recalls and returns?
To learn more, visit https://www.labelmaster.com/reverse-logistics.
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.
