Brand Integrity / Counterfeiting / Standardization / Supply Chain / Track and Traceability / Transportation and Logistics
Tracking the progress of the Obama Administration’s supply chain security strategy
In January 2012, the Obama Administration introduced the National Strategy for Global Supply Chain Security. The White House recently released an update on the government's progress in implementing the strategy.
Supply chain disruptions may be more costly than companies think
While labeling may not be the first area that springs to mind when executives talk about risk management, no company would take such a cavalier attitude toward the subject if it had seen firsthand how a labeling breakdown can lead to shipping delays and lost revenue during a supply chain disruption.
Ongoing changes in the nature of inventory management will challenge global supply chains
The way goods are assembled, shipped and delivered is constantly evolving as the world economy develops and individual enterprises adapt to new opportunities created by technology.
Labeling transition underway at USPS as ‘Intelligent Mail Barcode’ replaces POSTNET
After January 28, companies that use POSTNET barcodes will no longer be eligible to send mailings at the discounted "automation prices" offered by USPS. In order to be eligible for the preferential rates, organizations will need to begin using the Intelligent Mail Barcode.
Storage and transportation conditions have an impact on product quality
Researchers from the University of California, Davis recently published an article describing their research into how the quality of wine is affected by the conditions in which it is stored.
Barcode Labeling / Computers / Consumer Goods / Counterfeiting / Electronics / Supply Chain / Transportation and Logistics
Scope of global counterfeiting operations continues to expand
When we talk about counterfeit goods, there is often a nearly exclusive focus on China. This narrow line of thought fails to take into account the broad scope of what is truly a global problem.
Barcodes can help keep planes in the air and arriving on time
Many travelers have been subjected to delays as a result of mechanical problems on planes. This is an inconvenience to passengers and an added cost for operators. However, barcode labeling could help airlines reduce the number and duration of delays by speeding up repair processes.
Train derailment and ensuing chemical fire highlight importance of proper hazard labeling
A dangerous chemical fire is burning in Kentucky today, following a train derailment that took place on on Monday. The Associated Press reports that the entire town of West Point has been completely evacuated, while residents of nearby areas are being urged to remain indoors and keep windows closed.
Barcode labeling helps consumer goods companies scale up to meet seasonal demand
With the holiday season coming up, many companies that produce consumer goods may find themselves needing to scale up their production and distribution practices to meet an uptick in demand.
FedEx, UPS to provide shipping services in select Chinese cities
Chinese authorities recently granted FedEx and United Parcel Service (UPS) permission to begin operating express-shipping services in a small number of major Chinese cities, providing a small opening in what continues to be a largely insulated domestic package industry.
More imports mean enterprise-level labeling solutions increasingly critical for supply chain management
In order to depend on "upstream" international partners - those who ship raw materials or component parts to the U.S. for use by domestic manufacturers - businesses need to be able to constantly verify both the contents of incoming shipments and critical information regarding the handling of goods.
Improper labeling of hazardous materials leads to $288,000 liability for Pittsburgh company
Proper labeling is critical when it comes to ensuring that hazardous materials are handled appropriately.
GHS and Regulatory Labeling Challenges in the New Era 
