Streamlining Returns for Smarter Operations

Retailers estimate that nearly 17% of their 2024 sales will be returned, according to National Retail Federation . Online return rates are even higher — about 21% more than the overall average — costing the industry nearly $900 billion last year. It's obvious that well-managed returns are crucial for retailers. How to get there? Hunter Senn of Hai Robotics offers advice for streamlining the process while minimizing costs.

Read the full story: Consider these upgrades.

Future-Proof Your Warehouse With the Right WMS

What should companies take into account when selecting a warehouse management system (WMS)? Amit Levy of Made4net advises choosing a vendor with experience specific to your industry and ensuring the WMS offers extended features that support robotics and AI. Given the rapidly evolving WMS landscape, he also recommends selecting a solution that is a functional match for today’s needs while supporting innovation and evolution.

Read the full story: Find your next WMS.

New Services & Solutions You Need to Know

From the launch of double-stacked rail operations to and from the Helen Delich Bentley Port of Baltimore Maryland Port Administration to Schneider 's new intermodal offering providing continuous rail service between points in Mexico and Texas, stay up-to-date on the biggest new solutions in logistics. This roundup covers services, technology, products, and transportation.?

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Could New Tariffs Spark Supply Chain Innovation?

While tariffs may pose significant challenges, they also present an opportunity for transformation. Companies that proactively adapt by leveraging data-driven tools, forging stronger 3PL partnerships, and embracing automation will emerge as leaders in the evolving supply chain landscape, says Ryan Chesterfield at Automated Fulfillment Consulting . Find out why he thinks tariffs will push companies to overhaul traditional inventory strategies for more innovative solutions.

Read the full story: Start innovating now.

Video Podcast: Next-Gen Supply Chain and Manufacturing

Which innovations are driving the “warehouse of the future” and the “factory of the future?” Listen as two visionaries — Erez A. , formerly of 马士基 (now with Interwoven Ventures ) and Jonathan den Hartog of 欧特克 — share insights on digital twins/simulations, robotics, AI, and other data-driven tools that are converging to boost efficiency, safety, and sustainability in supply chain and manufacturing. In this second-most downloaded episode of the Inbound Logistics podcast in 2024, find out how these innovations are reshaping industry.

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