NEWS BLOG
Logistics in War and Peace
By Walter Rodriguez, PhD, PE, L+
Logistics in War & Peace: In this post, I reflect on the critical role of logistics in both war and peace as we celebrate Independence Day on the 4th of July. Effective logistical operations have shaped historical events and facilitated the functioning of societies.
For instance, during the British American War for independence in the late 18th century, logistics proved to be a decisive factor in the success of the American colonies. Lacking the resources and infrastructure of traditional military power, the American revolutionaries relied on logistics to level the playing field. By employing innovative tactics such as guerrilla warfare and supply chain disruption, the colonists disrupted British supply lines, hampered troop movements, and ultimately secured their victory. This strategic use of logistics demonstrated its potential as a force multiplier in achieving military objectives.
Further, the Normandy invasion, also known as D-Day, marked a pivotal turning point in World War II. The success of this massive amphibious assault was heavily reliant on meticulous planning and flawless execution of logistics. Allied forces meticulously coordinated the transportation of troops, equipment, and supplies across the English Channel, ensuring everything was in place for the invasion. Logistics provided the backbone for the attack, from landing craft and amphibious vehicles to fuel, ammunition, and food. Despite the immense logistical challenges, the Allies managed to establish a foothold in Normandy, ultimately leading to the liberation of Europe.
Of course, as the COVID-19 pandemic swept the globe, it highlighted the criticality of logistics in times of crisis. The efficient distribution of personal protective equipment (PPE), medical supplies, and vaccines became paramount to combating the virus. From manufacturing and transportation to inventory management and distribution networks, logistics was pivotal in ensuring the timely delivery of essential resources to healthcare workers, hospitals, and communities. Effective supply chain management became a matter of life and death.
Logistics is essential in humanitarian operations in war and peace to deliver aid and support to affected populations. During natural disasters such as earthquakes, hurricanes, and tsunamis, logistics is critical in coordinating the distribution of food, water, shelter, and medical supplies. Non-governmental organizations (NGOs), international agencies, and military forces work together to establish logistics hubs, transport resources, and manage the flow of aid to ensure efficient delivery to those in need.
#logistics #manufacturing #healthcare #supplychain #continuingeducation #transportation #supplychainmanagement #management #infrastructure #planning #medical #food #hospitals #europe #covid #military #events #power #success #transport #water #work
> Drayage Logistics
Drayage Logistics: Transport Efficiently Over Short Distances
By Walter Rodriguez, PhD, PE, L+
Drayage logistics refers to moving goods over a short distance, usually from a port or railway terminal to a warehouse or distribution center. The term originated from horse-drawn carts, commonly called "drays." Your company can hire a drayage service to transport the shipping containers from the port to the distribution center. The figure shows a sample NTG Freight drayage delivery operation.
Dana’s Drayage Story: As a logistics manager for a retail company, Dana regularly coordinated drayage services to transport shipping containers from the port to distribution centers, allowing them to efficiently move goods over short distances and optimize their supply chain operations.
Dana researched and established relationships with reputable drayage service providers in their port's area to ensure a smooth and reliable drayage process. And they evaluated factors such as their experience, equipment availability, service quality, and rates to select the most suitable partners for our specific requirements.
Coordinating Container Pickup: Dana communicated the details to the selected drayage service provider once the cargo arrived at the port via ocean vessels. This included container numbers, shipping information, and any specific instructions regarding the delivery. The drayage service provider would dispatch drivers to the port to pick up the containers.
Transporting Containers to Distribution Centers: The drayage service provider used specialized trucks and equipment to transport the containers from the port to the designated distribution centers. They would coordinate with the port authorities to ensure timely access and adhere to specific regulations or requirements.
Managing Documentation and Compliance: Dana closely monitored the process as the containers were transported to ensure compliance with all relevant regulations and documentation requirements. This included verifying that the drayage service provider had the necessary permits and licenses and that all customs and port-related paperwork was in order.
Communication and Tracking: Throughout the drayage process, Dana maintained regular contact with the service provider to stay updated on the container's status and estimated arrival time. This enabled practical planning of subsequent steps in their supply chain, such as warehouse operations and distribution scheduling.
Efficient Handoff to Warehouse Operations: Dana worked closely with the warehouse team to ensure a seamless handoff once the containers arrived at our distribution centers. This involved coordinating the unloading of the containers, verifying the contents against shipping documentation, and initiating inventory management processes.
…
Drayage is a crucial component of the overall supply chain and plays a significant role in facilitating the movement of goods between different modes of transportation.
As mentioned earlier, the term "drayage" historically referred to using horse-drawn wagons for transporting goods, but in modern logistics, it typically involves using trucks or other motorized vehicles. Drayage logistics often focuses on containerized cargo, particularly in international trade, where containers must be transported between ports and nearby destinations.
Drayage logistics services may include picking up or delivering containers from ports, rail terminals, or other intermodal facilities, transporting them to nearby warehouses or distribution centers, and managing the associated paperwork and documentation. Drayage providers work closely with shipping lines, freight forwarders, and other stakeholders in the supply chain to ensure efficient and timely movement of goods.
Challenges: In recent years, drayage logistics has faced challenges and opportunities due to increasing trade volumes, congestion at ports and intermodal facilities, environmental concerns, and the need for optimization and visibility within the supply chain. As a result, technology solutions and innovative approaches are being adopted to streamline operations, improve efficiency, and reduce the environmental impact of drayage logistics.
To learn more, check Coursewell.com and https://lnkd.in/en3z4_Hf. Or, check the Logistics+ book (softcover, 670 pp.) at https://a.co/d/5IE95ls.
References
Hensher, D. A., Mulley, C., & Ho, C. (2017). The determinants of drayage trucking demand. Transportation Research Part E: Logistics and Transportation Review, 105, 82-98.
Malchow, M., Hanisch, F., & Bock, S. (2019). Drayage truck scheduling at a seaport container terminal. Transportation Research Procedia, 41, 463-470.
Rodriguez, W. (2023). Logistics+: Mastering Logistics from Analytics & Technologies. Plus, E-Commerce. AI. Transportation, Risk, Procurement. Distribution. Inventory, Warehousing. Lean Supply Chain. Sourcing. Agile Manufacturing. Supply Chain Logistics. Logistics Careers. Washington: KDP. ISBN: 9798394837784.
Taniguchi, E., Yamada, T., & Thompson, R. G. (Eds.). (2017). City logistics: Mapping the future. CRC Press.
#supplychain #quality #retail #compliance #shipping #warehouse #transport #communication #Drayage #Coursewell #Logistics+ #freight #transportation
> New
Thanks for making our Logistics+ book the #1 New Release in the "Business > Distribution & Warehouse Management" category at Amazon's KDP. Please contact me for a free version if your school cannot afford the book.
Below are links to the book's 670-page print and ebook versions, including hundreds of Supply Chain Logistics concepts, principles, definitions, examples, guidelines, sample certification exam questions, answers, and rationale. Walter@coursewell.com
Paperback: https://a.co/d/i0xRJob
eBook Printed Replica: https://a.co/d/gJStn8h
Kindle App Scrollable: https://a.co/d/efZodx6
> One Logistics Survival Skill You Must Develop to Thrive in the AI Age: Adapting to Change>
In a word, Adaptability. But how do we develop this ability to adapt in the AI Era? In addition to the core Logistics knowledge and practice, we must focus on how to work with, around, and even on these seemingly user-friendly AI technologies. Continuous learning, certifications, and questioning are crucial tasks in this endeavor.
Like many others, the logistics industry is being significantly transformed by AI, automation, and sustainability. To stay relevant in this field, we must develop a combination of technical and interpersonal adaptabilities that allow us to understand and leverage AI effectively, for instance:
Creativity, Design & Innovation: AI is often good at optimizing within constraints but still struggles with open-ended problems. Design thinking, brainstorming, and creative thinking will be in high demand.
Cross-Disciplinary Knowledge: AI and machine learning are tools that can be applied in many fields, including Logistics. But mastering a specific domain, like Logistics, and a solid understanding of AI can make one very valuable and marketable.
Information Technology: Understanding Artificial Intelligence (AI) and automation, Internet-of-Things (IoT) devices, robotics, and their capabilities and limitations will be critical. Besides, it's still essential to be comfortable with software applications and systems used in logistics. Technology is the foundation of working in an advanced society. And it goes beyond just knowing how to use software apps. It also involves understanding how software and algorithms work. This may include basic coding and data analysis abilities, even when AI is already developing code.
Data Analytics and Interpretation: As more devices and systems connect, the data generated grows exponentially. We must know how to interpret this data, draw meaningful conclusions, and make informed decisions will be invaluable. The ability to interpret, analyze, and make data-based decisions is becoming increasingly important. As humans, this includes understanding how to evaluate and question data and its sources critically.
Operations & Supply Chain Management: AI and automation revolutionize supply chain management. If you will, we must understand logistics changes using our humanity or humanness. It is necessary to know how to implement operations, particularly reverse and green logistics, and how AI can improve efficiency and effectiveness balanced with our humanity.
Change Management: Implementing new technologies often requires significant changes to existing processes. Skills in change management, including the tasks to navigate resistance to change, will be needed.
Project Management: Implementing AI and automation technologies often involves complex projects. Strong project management skills will ensure these projects are completed successfully.
Cybersecurity: As logistics systems become more digital, they become more vulnerable to cyber-attacks. Understanding cybersecurity risks and how to mitigate them will be increasingly important.
Problem-Solving and Critical Thinking: Despite the advances in AI, these systems could be better and will often require human intervention. The ability to troubleshoot problems, think critically, and find solutions will continue to be valuable. We need people (collaborators and researchers) to know if the AI is correct or hallucinating.
Emotional & Social Intelligence: Despite the rise of AI, human insights and abilities are still crucial. These include communication, leadership, teamwork, negotiation, customer service, and our ability to adapt to the physical world. These skills may become even more critical as routine tasks become more automated. Human-centric skills are becoming more valuable as more routine tasks are automated. This includes skills like communication, empathy, leadership, negotiation, and working well in teams.
AI and Machine Learning Understanding: As AI becomes more integrated into our society, it is important to understand how these systems work, their strengths, and their limitations. This will allow individuals to anticipate better how AI might impact their field and how to use it effectively.
Ethics: AI can lead to job displacement and privacy concerns. I would like you to understand these issues and how to navigate them. As AI continues to shape our society, it's important to consider ethical and societal implications. Understanding biases in AI, data privacy issues, and the impact of AI on jobs and the economy are all critical areas of knowledge.
Lifelong Learning: Finally, given the speed of technological change, continuously learning and adapting is the most critical skill. Learning how to learn efficiently is crucial. Technology is evolving rapidly, and professionals must keep up with these changes. A commitment to continuous learning and adapting will be essential. Adaptability will enable logistics professionals to utilize AI and automation opportunities while mitigating challenges.
These focus areas can be applied to any field of study or career path. The goal isn't necessarily to become an AI specialist (unless that's the career path a student is interested in) but to become comfortable with the technology, understand its implications, and adapt its advantages to one's logistics career.
> Logistics Careers: Becoming a Hero: A Sales Pitch >
Logistics Career
Below is Coursewell's sales pitch for those desirous of improving their logistics careers. I would greatly appreciate your suggestions! Thanks, Walter
---
Hero: Briefly imagine yourself as a humble, hopeful fellow, always looking at the horizon for ways to climb higher in your logistics career. You're fueled by a dream to master your field and achieve recognition and financial security for you and your family.
Problem: Yet, the world of logistics is like an intricate dance, constantly in motion and transforming before your eyes. It's challenging to stay in step with the relentless rhythm, to know the right moves in an industry that never stands still.
Guide: That's where Coursewell comes in. We're an experienced provider of logistics certification training and exams. Our instructors and mentors have helped thousands of professionals like you enhance their skills and reach their career goals.
Plan: With Coursewell, your certification path is clear. Sign up for our comprehensive training course, learn from the industry's best instructors, and take practice exams to prepare. Once ready, you can conveniently carry your certification exam through our Canvas platform.
Action: Keep the fast-paced logistics industry from leaving you behind. Enroll in our certification course today, and let's get you certified! There are scholarships and grants available to you, depending on your region. According to recent data, logistics managers' salaries are at an all-time high, mainly for those with recognized certifications.
Avoid Falling Behind: You can stay focused on your career with updated knowledge and certification. Your competitors are gaining the edge, and you might miss significant career opportunities.
Success: With Coursewell, you can become a certified logistics professional with the latest knowledge and strategies. This certification can lead to better job opportunities, promotions, and a successful career.
So, embark on your logistics certification journey with Coursewell (or any other certification training provider) and become the hero of your career story! Write to walter@coursewell.com for information."
Student Retention & Productivity
Can AI improve productivity & retention among students and workers with lower abilities? Some research suggests that AI can enhance work lives, boost productivity, and retain low-skilled workers who require upskilling. Personally, I utilize AI (Grammarly, ChatGPT, etc.) in my supply chain logistics courses to help support disadvantaged, low-ability, older learners, and non-native English speakers during discussions and challenging work-based projects. And, more importantly, to monitor their progress on the Learning Management System (LMS) to improve participation, retention, and task completion. I would love to hear what you think about this.
References:
Acemoglu, D., & Restrepo, P. (2020). Artificial Intelligence and Its Impact on Jobs and Skills: Evidence from the US. National Bureau of Economic Research. Retrieved from https://lnkd.in/eArScmbv
Bessen, J. E. (2019). Technology, Automation, and Employment: Evidence from the U.S. Patent Data. Journal of Labor Economics, 37(S1), S403-S435. doi: 10.1086/700944
Brynjolfsson, E., Li, D., & Raymond, L. R. (2021). Generative AI at Work (Working Paper No. 31161). Retrieved from National Bureau of Economic Research website: https://lnkd.in/ep3aJCQq
#artificialintelligence #economics #research #work #data #jobs #productivity #technology #automation #employment #ai #students #references #love #help #logistics #supplychain #projects #continuingeducation #upskilling #workforcedevelopment #learning #management
>> Making Learning Fun >>
How can we make learning fun and engaging to increase students' motivation, retention, and performance?
walter@coursewell.com
Here are some ideas:
1. Incorporate games and interactive activities into the lessons. Games can provide a fun and engaging way for students to learn and practice new concepts. Create a Jeopardy-style game to review material or use digital tools like Kahoot or Quizlet to create interactive quizzes.
2. Bring music and movement into the lessons. Research has shown that music & movement can effectively promote learning and memory retention (Jablon, 2019). Ask students to create a story, drawing, or song. or rap a new concept or use dance or movement to help students remember key terms or concepts. It's okay to relax and be a bit silly.
3. Use apps. Technology can make learning more enjoyable. Educational apps and games can effectively engage students and provide a fun and interactive way to learn. Duolingo is a language-learning app that uses game-like elements to help students learn a new language. Similarly, Minecraft Education Edition is a game-based learning platform that allows students to explore and learn in a virtual environment.
4. Find real-world examples and experiences. Research has shown that learning is more effective when relevant to students' lives and experiences (Marzano, 2007). Use current events or famous cultural examples to teach a concept or take students on a virtual field trip. Or, ask them to get away from the computer and find examples in the real world. Say, ask them to visit a company or work site and interview workers.
REMEMBER: Fun is an emotional state characterized by positive feelings, such as happiness, excitement, and satisfaction. When people engage in activities that they find fun, they often experience a sense of flow, where their skills and abilities are perfectly matched to the challenges they are facing. This can lead to immersion and engagement in the activity, enhancing overall enjoyment and satisfaction. "Fun, play, and humor have been found to foster creativity, social bonding, and positive emotions, and to contribute to learning and adaptive coping with stress and adversity." (Ryan & Deci, 2001, p. 158)
References:
> Jablon, P. (2019). The power of music and movement in the classroom. Edutopia. Retrieve from the Edutopia website.
> Marzano, R. J. (2007). The art and science of teaching: A comprehensive framework for effective instruction. Alexandria, VA: Association for Supervision and Curriculum Development.
> Ryan, R. M., & Deci, E. L. (2001). On happiness and human potentials: A review of research on hedonic and eudaimonic well-being. Annual Review of Psychology, 52, 141-166.
9 Logistics Certifications Do Not Require a Bachelor Degree
Several logistics certifications do not require a bachelor's degree. And below are a few examples:
Certified Logistics Associate (CLA): The Manufacturing Skill Standards Council (MSSC) offers this certification and is designed for entry-level logistics workers. It covers supply chain management, logistics processes, and safety. There are no formal education requirements for the CLA certification.
Certified Logistics Technician (CLT): Also offered by the MSSC, the CLT certification is designed for workers involved in the hands-on aspects of logistics operations. It covers material handling, quality control, and inventory control. There are no formal education requirements for the CLT certification.
Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM): The Institute for Supply Management (ISM) offers this certification and is designed for supply chain professionals. While a bachelor's degree is preferred, it is not required. Applicants can qualify for the certificate with a combination of education and experience.
Certified Transportation and Logistics Professional (CTLP): Offered by the American Society of Transportation and Logistics (ASTL), the CTLP certification is designed for professionals in the transportation and logistics industry. While a bachelor's degree is preferred, it is not required. Applicants can qualify for the certification with a combination of education and experience.
Certified Logistics Technician (CLT): The CLT certification offered by the Manufacturing Skill Standards Council (MSSC) is designed for individuals who work in hands-on logistics positions. The certification covers material handling, inventory control, and quality control.
Certified Warehouse Associate (CWA): The International Warehouse Logistics Association (IWLA) offers the CWA certification and is designed for entry-level warehouse workers. The certification covers safety, quality control, and warehouse operations.
Certified Production Technician (CPT): The CPT certification is offered by the Manufacturing Skill Standards Council (MSSC) and designed for individuals working in manufacturing and production environments. The certification covers safety, quality control, and production processes.
Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP): The CSCP certification is offered by the Association for Supply Chain Management (ASCM) and is designed for supply chain professionals. While a bachelor's degree is preferred, it is not required. Applicants can qualify for the certification with a combination of education and experience.
Certified Transportation Broker (CTB): The CTB certification is offered by the Transportation Intermediaries Association (TIA) and is designed for transportation brokers. While a degree is not required, applicants must have at least three years of relevant work experience in the transportation industry.
It's important to note that while a degree may not be required for these certifications, they may have other requirements, such as work experience or completion of specific coursework.
>> 7 Principles of Logistics & SCM >>
As our crew sails in the Gulf of Mexico, with the sun setting in the distance, we are reminded of the timeless principles that guide logistics and supply chain management (Anderson, D. L., Britt, F. E., & Favre, D. J. 1997). Those principles continue to inform and shape logistics & supply chain management decisions, just as the waves continue to shape the shore.
The first principle, "Segment Customers Based on Service Needs," calls for organizing customers based on their logistics and supply chain needs and then marketing to the segmentation. As the demands of customers have grown more complex, there has been an increase in customer segmentations. For example, one group of customers can be segmented because of their need for information technology services.
The second principle, "Customize the Logistics Network," seeks to meet the needs of demanding customer segments by emphasizing the necessity of creating customized logistic networks based on the needs of each element, rather than a 'one size fits all approach.' This second principle is critical as more organizations adopt omnichannel solutions as part of their logistics efforts, especially in mega-cities consisting of regions of more than 10 million people.
Principle three, "Listen to Signals of Market Demand and Plan Accordingly," is relevant because ongoing innovations and technology solutions allow supply chain partners to capture data and interpret the information in ways that will help better understand real-time, point-of-sale information that will help inform business decisions.
The fourth principle, "Differentiate Products Closer to the Customer," demands that companies find ways to meet the needs of their customers by offering different ways for custom orders to be made and fulfilled.
Principle five, "Source Strategically," builds off another long-standing principle of successful supply chain management, including relationship management, collaboration, and critical two-way communication. Win-win scenarios that advance all parties involved will ultimately lead to better outcomes, helping to achieve the perfect order.
The sixth principle, "Developing a Supply Chain-Wide Technology Strategy," serves as a reminder of the importance of integration and collaboration in supply chain efforts. Technology allows internal and external stakeholder partners access to information that will allow for greater cohesion in decision-making.
Lastly, Principle seven, "Adopt Channel-Spanning Performance Measures," highlights the importance of performance measures in understanding the strength of a supply chain effort. A select few supply performance measures should be used to help stakeholders understand the dynamics between suppliers, customers, and consumers.
Reference: Anderson, D. L., Britt, F. E., & Favre, D. J. (1997). The seven principles of supply chain management. Supply Chain Management Review, 1(1), 1-10. #business #scm #logistics
9 Essential Software Apps
To complete work tasks efficiently, many employers seek people with proficiency in software apps, such as:
1. Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook, used for work tasks such as document creation, data analysis, presentations, and email communication. And most recently, MS Copilot has infused AI technologies across work apps.
2. Customer Relationship Management (CRM) software--including Salesforce, HubSpot, and Zoho CRM for work tasks such as managing
customer interactions and relationships.
3. Project management software, including Trello, Asana, and Basecamp, plans, organizes and manages tasks and projects.
4. Collaboration and communication, including Slack, Zoom, and Microsoft Teams, for collaborating and communicating effectively with team members.
5. Data analysis and visualization tools, including software Microsoft Power BI, Tableau, and Google Analytics used to analyze and visualize data to make informed decisions.
6. Design and creative software, including Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign, Premiere Pro) for graphic design, web design, and video production.
7. Accounting and financial management software, including QuickBooks, Xero, and Oracle Financials for financial management.
8. AI Tools, like ChatGPT, helps write text and code. And Stable Diffusion and Midjourney for generating images (WSJ 2023, March 18).
9. Robotic process automation, like UiPatch (2023), to automate routine and repetitive tasks within business processes.
According to a survey, workers use an average of 11 apps, with some using up to 16 (Gardner, 2022).
Question: What critical software app did I miss? What is your favorite application for completing your work tasks?
References:
Captain, S. (2023, Mar 18). The technology skills every employee should have today... Wall Street Journal (Online).
Gartner (2022). Gartner's 2022 Digital Worker Survey.
UiPath. (2023). UiPath [Software].
#team #work #data #digital #communication #management #collaboration #software #design #microsoftteams #projects #graphicdesign #creative #microsoft #accounting #email #videoproduction #powerbi #salesforce #oracle #dataanalysis #googleanalytics #tableau #webdesign #projectmanagementsoftware #visualization #technology #ai #window