Inventory Management

Hyundai Focuses on Domestic Sourcing to Fuel Growth Plans

Auto manufacturer Hyundai is undertaking a variety of supply chain initiatives as part of its overall plan to increase North America production.

The company is planning to expand local sourcing to stabilize supply for its growing portfolio of vehicles. Hyundai is seeking to domestically source 80% of the parts used in vehicle production, compared to 60% today. Hyundai expects the increase in local sourcing to help secure supply stability, reduce logistics costs and also help mitigate regulatory exposure, leading to an […]

By James Kirby Easterling|2026-09-29T06:55:23+00:00October 2, 2026|Tags: domestic sourcing, logistics, material cost, material management, optimization, system design|

Blanked Sailings Impact Supply Chains

Ocean shipping has become very difficult to plan in recent years.

Various disruptions have occurred, including COVID-related port closures, wars such as the Iran war impacting the Strait of Hormuz, and weather events such as reduced ship traffic through the Panama Canal due to droughts.

To further complicate ocean shipments, many shippers have increased blanked sailings. This happens when ocean carriers cancel a port stop or even an entire ship’s route. Shippers cite several reasons for blanked sailings, including bypassing a port […]

By Ross L. Fink, Ph.D.|2026-09-27T03:33:06+00:00September 27, 2026|Tags: blanked sailings, inventory management, logistics, scheduling, shipping, supply chain management|

O’Reilly Strengthens Operations with Private Labeling

Automobile parts retailer O’Reilly Automotive is prioritizing the development of its private label portfolio as it pursues greater product control.

A private labeled product is one made by a manufacturer for a retailer, with the product labeled under the retailer’s brand. O’Reilly’s private label sales accounted for more than 50% of total revenue during Q1 of the company’s fiscal year. Private labeling is also expected to build customer loyalty and improve margins.

According to company president Brent Kirby, “When supply chain constraints […]

By James Kirby Easterling|2026-08-02T07:28:33+00:00August 2, 2026|Tags: branding, private labels, sourcing, strategy, supply chain costs|

Fuel Surcharges Push Florists to Optimize Deliveries

Fuel price increases affected delivery businesses in general, and florists in particular ahead of Mother’s Day.

Orders for flower deliveries peak in the days ahead of Mother’s Day. Florists also saw increases from flower suppliers, and fuel and other surcharges from other suppliers, which cut into their profit margin.

To adjust for the cost impacts of rising fuel prices, many florists raised their delivery charges and worked to plan delivery routes more efficiently.

Video Spotlight:

Rising gas prices […]

By Anita Lee-Post, Ph.D.|2026-07-13T03:01:18+00:00July 12, 2026|Tags: delivery, job design, perishable inventory management, sourcing strategy, transportation, work design|