From distribution centers to global trade, supply chain management relies heavily on an ever evolving suite of technologies that help increase efficiency and productivity. Bridget McCrea in her recent article for SupplyChain 247, Supply Chain Execution Software, took a deep dive into the various types of technology being employed and the driving market forces behind the critical role supply chain execution (SCE) software plays in supply chain processes.

Vera Bradley is a leading designer of women's handbags, luggage and travel items, fashion and home accessories and unique gifts. Founded in 1982, the brand's innovative designs, iconic patterns and brilliant colors inspire and connect women unlike any other brand in the global marketplace. To ensure high quality products that continue to exceed customers' expectations, Vera Bradley leverages Amber Road’s Supply Chain Collaboration solutions.

Despite the increasing number of unexpected supply chain vulnerabilities and disruptions, many companies are failing to address these challenges. With many brand organizations and retailers relying on outsourced manufacturing, these complexities have become more evident, and in many cases, hinder companies’ ability to build quality products quickly and deliver them to their consumer base efficiently. So how do you overcome these complexities? The answer lies in interconnecting product lifecycle management (PLM) and supply chain teams.

With over 190 countries in the world actively involved and regulating trade, it is increasingly complex and time consuming to understand all of the requirements to legally ship to or source from a given country. The challenge for organizations in today’s global economy is to maintain compliance with changing trade regulations while managing a growing network of trading partner relationships and still get product to market at the lowest delivered cost.

It is no secret that conducting trade in China can be rather difficult and complex, but that might all change with China’s brand new standardized Customs system.  This automated system was created by China’s General Administration of Customs (GAC) in order to simplify trade by unifying Customs and standardizing nationwide enforcement of declaration issues, classification and valuation. The pilot program began in Shanghai in June, with a goal of national implementation by 2020.

Every U.S. organization involved with global transportation management is faced with what seems to be an ever-shifting puzzle of regulations, compliance hurdles, and carrier networks that are now stressed to balance capacity, costs and service.

As you are well aware, the SOLAS container weight rule went into effect on July 1, 2016, with a transition period through October 1. This new requirement states that an accurate container weight must be provided prior to loading upon an ocean vessel.

Global transportation isn’t getting any easier to manage, especially for non-vessel operating common carriers (NVOCCs). Faced with uncertainties like surcharges—but needing to remain competitive when bidding against other providers—NVOCCs need the right mix of historical data, data intelligence, and technology support to make quick and effective decisions in the changing global market.

July 1 is the day of reckoning for millions of global supply chain stakeholders as the SOLAS Verified Gross Mass (VGM) rule goes into effect. Are you prepared to comply with the new regulation?

Over the last few decades, globalization has simply become the way we do business. In fact, we are now entering what Supply Chain Digest calls the "Globalization 3.0" era, putting new demands on both sourcing and export processes, with excellence in global trade management now a key determinant of overall company success. Is your organization positioned to compete in this new era?