Supply Chain Archives - GraceBlood LLC

Food and Beverage Supply Chain: Navigating Major Challenges and Solutions

The food and beverage industry is a massive global network that keeps billions of people fed and hydrated every day. Behind the scenes, however, lies a complex supply chain that faces many hurdles and myriad challenges. From farm to fork, these challenges can impact the quality, safety, and availability of…

Ten Ways EDI Managed Services are an Extension of IT

In today’s hyper-connected supply chain and enterprise environment, the role of the IT department has never been more critical—or more stretched. Just ask any IT professional – you’ll get an earful. CIOs, CTOs, and VPs of IT are expected to simultaneously drive innovation, secure data, ensure compliance, and deliver seamless…

The Bullwhip Effect: Causes, Consequences, and Solutions

With slim margins and relentless competition, supply chains must operate with razor-sharp precision. Yet even the most well-oiled systems are vulnerable to a disruptive phenomenon known as the bullwhip effect. This concept illustrates how small changes in consumer demand can ripple backward through the supply chain, creating massive inefficiencies and…

How One Generation is Shaping the Future of Supply Chains

The recent CNBC article titled “Gen Z is finding love at a surprising place you visit often, study reveals” highlights a notable shift in consumer behavior among Generation Z, with a growing preference for in-person shopping experiences over online alternatives. This trend has significant implications for the Electronic Data Interchange…

The Role of EDI in Modern Logistics

When it comes to moving product around the globe, efficiency and accuracy are paramount in logistics. Modern supply chains demand seamless communication and coordination between trading partners, carriers, and warehouses. Enter Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) – a technology that has revolutionized logistics by automating data exchanges and eliminating manual…

The Future of EDI: 2025 Supply Chain Predictions

As we edge closer to 2025, the landscape of Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) and supply chain management continues to evolve. Driven by technological advancements, shifting consumer expectations, and global disruptions like the pandemic we saw a few years ago and port closures, strikes and congestion, many industries are undergoing a…

What is an SDQ Purchase Order?

SDQ (Ship Destination Quantity) purchase orders are also referred to as spreadsheet or explosion orders. These types of purchase orders can create efficiency gains by eliminating redundant data that would need to be sent on multiple non-SDQ orders. This reduction of data is accomplished by sending the header data only…

How EDI Automation Powers Black Friday & Cyber Monday

Black Friday and Cyber Monday have become global retail phenomena, generating billions in revenue within a short span of days. Bain.com predicts that this year’s shopping weekend will hit a staggering $75B! Behind the seamless shopping experiences that millions of customers enjoy is a sophisticated network of technology. This technology…

EDI 856 (ASN) Explained: Definition and Business Impact

EDI and specifically the Advanced Ship Notice (EDI 856/ASN) provide effective supply chain communication and efficient data exchange, which are crucial for B2B success. Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) is a technology that allows companies to exchange business documents electronically, streamlining processes and reducing errors. Among the various EDI transaction sets,…

How an ILA Strike Could Trigger Massive Supply Chain Disruption

In the intricate web of global trade, every thread is crucial. Among these threads, the International Longshoremen’s Association (ILA) plays a pivotal role. Representing dockworkers at major U.S. ports, the ILA is integral to the smooth functioning of the nation’s supply chain. However, a strike by this powerful labor union…

How the Growth of Fast Casual Dining has Impacted Food and Beverage B2B Technology

EDI continues to be an in-demand technology, and the food and beverage vertical is not showing any signs of slowing down. The restaurant industry in particular has experienced a dramatic shift, with fast casual dining emerging as a dominant force. Four years ago, the pandemic forced many “mom and pop”…

Do Election Years Cause Supply Chain Disruption?

Supply chain disruptions can arise from a variety of factors, including political events, natural disasters, and market shifts. Election years, in particular, have long been speculated to influence supply chain dynamics due to economic uncertainty, shifting regulations, and changes in consumer behavior. In this post, we explore the potential causes…

Transportation Intermediary Association (TIA) Conference 2024

GraceBlood attended the TIA conference last week in Phoenix. First of all, we learned that the logistics industry is full of super-smart and friendly people. The second thing we learned is that there are a lot of opportunities for us to form partnerships in this space. In today’s globalized world,…