Agriculture transportation study highlights systems approach

The National Grain and Feed Association praised a new study by the U.S. Departments of Agriculture and Transportation for recommending federal policymakers take a more systems-based approach to setting transportation policies.
The two-year study recognizes issues that affect all types of transportation including rail, barge, truck and ocean vessel transport for agricultural shippers. The study recognized the interrelationship between all of these transport modes, and noted the benefit of a supply chain approach to transportation policy, according to the trade group.

Walmart to reduce supply chain costs

Walmart has announced that it will reduce costs by decreasing the proportion of items purchased from third-party procurement companies or suppliers and dealing directly with manufacturers.
Walmart’s annual sales are estimated at $400B, including $100B from private label products. Eduardo Castro-Wright, the head of Walmart USA, anticipates savings of $4B to $10B if the company meets its objective of purchasing 80% of its requirements directly.

Novus to upgrade supply chain

Novus International is upgrading the infrastructure of its patented automated supply chain management system, AIMS. The company pioneered vendor-managed inventory for feed industry bulk liquids in 1993. Since then, the system has improved supply chain efficiency and reduced environmental impact (by reducing IBC and drum usage).
The new system will improve reliability and upgrade the telemetry system to a sustainable technology platform using satellite communication. This will allow Novus to better monitor customer inventory.