Inbound Logistics—During the past few years, the warehouse automation market has seen double-digit growth rates driven in part by the rise of e-commerce and omnichannel retail, finds new research from market intelligence firm Interact Analysis. But, is there a slow-down in sight?

Supply & Demand Chain Executive—The average company spend on software and technology exceeds six figures, and 81% of companies plan to increase their investments on software over the next two years, according to Front’s 2019 Logistics Trends Report.

EBN—Electronics OEMs are looking for new and better ways to trace the products, whether microchips or motherboards, as they move from procurement to manufacturing to delivery to customers. Some are betting that nanodiamond dust may be an answer, combined with a scanner and blockchain technology.

SupplyChainBrain—A recent Bloomberg article notes that ferrous metal foundry jobs have declined by 60% since 1990.  However, over the same period, logistics jobs have skyrocketed. Warehousing and storage jobs have skyrocketed 180% during this time.

MITSloan Management Review—A 2012 study estimated that digital distractions cost businesses more than $10,000 per worker per year. According to a more recent report from Udemy, nearly two-thirds of workers (62%) spend about an hour of each workday looking at their phones. To regain focus in an ever-distracting digital world, managers must not only give employees tools and training but also model the right behaviors themselves.

Transport Topics—Recent research by Stay Metrics concluded about one-third of newly hired drivers at a broad range of motor carriers failed to last 90 days, but experts agreed carriers could help stem the costly turnover.

Supply Chain Management Review—While autonomous cars have been getting a lot of attention, it looks more likely that autonomous trucks will be first to hit “cruising speed.” Komatsu and Peloton are just two of the big names in the mix, and they are posting continual progress in the technology behind autonomous trucks.

Inbound Logistics—A recent CEO survey by Gartner1 cited “lack of appropriate talent and capability” as the top most inhibitor to a company’s digital progress. Supply chain organizations are no exception. The gap between the skills needed to compete in an increasingly digital world and those available in the organization is widening.

MITSloan Management Review—Around the world, select urban areas dominate the advanced analytics talent pool. If your headquarters doesn’t happen to be in Silicon Valley, Beijing, or Bangalore, however, there’s hope.

Reuters—Consumer goods giant Unilever vows to halve the amount of new plastic it uses over the next five years, by shifting to more recyclable and alternative materials and refillable options to meet consumer demand for less waste.

The Associated Press—The Trump administration plans to impose tariffs on $7.5 billion worth of European imports – from gouda cheese to single-malt whiskey to large aircraft – beginning Oct. 18 to retaliate against illegal European Union subsidies for aviation giant Airbus.