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Papers Fulfillment & Last-Mile

IoT Enhances Supply Chain Transparency and Efficiency

This review paper explores the pivotal role of the Internet of Things (IoT) in enhancing transparency and efficiency within supply chains. It synthesizes findings from a broad range of literature, including case studies and empirical research, to assess the impact of IoT on supply chain dynamics.

2026-11-10

Report Digest

Maersk New Trade Lanes: Multimodal Connectivity as the Answer to Supply Chain Uncertainty

Report: Maersk Maersk Market Update Publisher: Maersk (Maersk Market Update series) Published: See report · Pages: None Official source: Official channel (Maersk) Summary This Maersk operational update for corporate shippers highlights that, in the face of increasing global supply chain uncertainty, alternative routes and multimodal solutions are transitioning from optional strategies to essential capabilities. Specific […]

2026-11-10

Papers Logistics & Transportation Networks

Autonomous Mobile Robots in Warehouses: Enhancing Efficiency and Reducing Costs

This paper reviews the recent advancements in Autonomous Mobile Robots (AMRs) for warehouse environments, focusing on hardware, robotic control, and system control. It highlights how AMRs can significantly reduce motion waste, improve efficiency, and enhance human-robot collaboration, despite the high initial investment and environmental concerns.

2026-11-09

Tariff Watch

US Tariff Policy Notice (2026-22836)

Event: Seamless Carbon and Alloy Steel Standard, Line, and Pressure Pipe From India: Initiation of Countervailing Duty Investigation Authority: Federal Register (US) Published: 2026-11-09 Reference: 2026-22836 Source tier: Official publication Original: https://www.federalregister.gov/documents/2026/11/09/2026-22836/seamless-carbon-and-alloy-steel-standard-line-and-pressure-pipe-from-india-initiation-of Key Points The U.S. Department of Commerce (Commerce) has initiated a countervailing duty (CVD) investigation on imports of seamless carbon and alloy steel […]

2026-11-09

Data & Connectivity

D-Wave touts quantum supply chain gains with AT&T, BASF, Pfizer

D-Wave used its CSCMP EDGE 2026 session to argue quantum optimization is commercially live, citing projects with AT&T, BASF and Pfizer. Murray Thom, vice president of quantum technology evangelism, presented a masterclass and demo on extracting value from quantum computing today, as the industry question shifts from whether quantum works to how fast it can be implemented. The source does not disclose contract values or performance metrics for the three named deployments. EDGE 2026 also features the 31st annual 3PL Study and the 37th State of Logistics Report.

2026-11-09

Benchmark Practices

Schneider Electric automates 93% of supply requests with AI

Schneider Electric is transforming its global supply chain into a hyperconnected, AI-driven network. In an interview with DC Velocity, supply chain chief Stuart Whiting said the company runs more than 164 factories and 85 distribution centers across over 100 countries, and that by 2025 its control towers were automatically supporting 93% of customer requests. The company has moved from a one-size-fits-all delivery model to a customer-aligned ecosystem, with AI producing over 100 million euros ($116 million) in generated value through inventory reductions and improved yields.

2026-11-09

Africa Supply Chain

South Africa petrol hits R30.25 as diesel sets R33.29 record

South Africa's fuel prices have climbed sharply, with Gauteng petrol rising from about R20.30 a litre in March 2026 to R30.25 by 7 October, while wholesale diesel hit a record R33.29 per litre. Writing in the Sunday Tribune, Mancosa academics Azam Khan and Muhammad Adam argue the increase is a supply chain problem, not just a motorists' one. The October 2026 MTBPS shows debt stabilised at 78.4% of GDP and the deficit narrowing to 3.9%, but growth was cut from 1.6% to 1.2%. A proposed R10 billion fuel levy reduction offers limited relief, while unemployment at 33.6% leaves households exposed.

2026-11-09

South Asia Supply Chain

Australia eyes India pigeonpea exports as output nears 1M tonnes

Australia is set to emerge as a potential new source of pigeonpea (tur) for India, with farmers showing interest in the crop and trade experts pointing to production potential of about 1 million tonnes against current output of a few thousand tonnes. Satish Upadhyay of the India Pulses and Grains Association says Australia has enough land and good quality. India's tur output reached about 35.92 lakh tonnes in 2025-26, but drought in Karnataka and Maharashtra may cut the 2026-27 crop to 20-25 lakh tonnes. Tur imports rose 44 per cent to 5.79 lakh tonnes in January-July 2026.

2026-11-09

Southeast Asia Supply Chain

Vietnam coffee: 70% of output lacks EUDR traceability data

A baseline review under the EU-funded SustainCoffee project finds that only about 30% of Vietnam's coffee output in 2025 came from supply chains with certification or geolocation-backed traceability, while 70% still moves through paper-based traditional channels. The EU, which took 38% of Vietnam's coffee exports in the 2025-2026 crop year, is tightening rules including the EUDR. The report also flags governance gaps: 84% of surveyed cooperatives and SMEs adopted environmental and social measures, but only 44% practice formal governance and just 1% have accessed green credit.

2026-11-09

Digital Platforms & Enterprise Software

Kalé survey: only 5% of ports run full Port Community Systems

A global survey by logistics software vendor Kalé Logistics finds that only 5% of respondents say their port has fully implemented a Port Community System, while 79% report no fully operational PCS. Customs agencies are the top barrier, cited by 50% of respondents, followed by other government agencies at 35%. Digital skills gaps were flagged by 22%, and customs authorities and freight forwarders showed the lowest adoption willingness at 33%. Uptake is especially weak in low-income countries. Kalé's Vineet Malhotra says technology alone cannot resolve fragmentation between organizations and regulatory systems.

2026-11-09