Today’s consumers shop at home 24/7 to compare products before purchase and they visit brick-and-mortar stores with specific goals in mind. They fill their shopping carts by clicking screens while on the go and by choosing items as they stroll through physical stores.
At IHA’s 2016 CHESS conference, October 6-7, in Rosemont, Ill., housewares industry executives will learn how to get their products efficiently to customers in this omni-channel world. On Friday, October 7, Rick Blasgen, president and CEO of the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals, along with Dan Coll, vice president of retail logistics, FedEx Genco, will present latest updates on the state of logistics in the U.S.
Top management wants to reduce costs in logistics and transportation and the best approaches require information and collaboration. Blasgen will explain to business leaders about the many aspects of supply chain management, including how rapidly growing B2C e-commerce impacts inventory management, and will clarify how shipping costs can vary with market changes in fuel prices and transportation modes. Beginning with an overview of international freight shipping over water and port concerns, Blasgen will outline the latest comparisons of rail and motor carrier alternatives, including fuel and labor pressures.
New technologies for gathering and analyzing data are a significant expense, but such critical data tools help to drive out inefficiencies and allow shippers to manage costs. Shippers in many industries are increasingly relying on third-party logistics providers (3PLs) and these companies, in turn, are investing heavily in technology that allows them to refine their markets and carve out specialties.
“Consumers want their purchases fast and they want free delivery,” Blasgen summarizes. These expectations are transforming the service mix of air and ground transport and challenging shippers to alter pricing strategies and improve systems and for inventory selection, less-than-truckload (LTL) freight handling, “last-mile/last minute” delivery and return shipping.
Additionally, large retailers, adapting their operations to meet the demands of online shopping, compete on rapid fulfilment. As they bear increased delivery and inventory costs, they partner with parcel and express carriers and are creating their own networks.
The CHESS audience will learn about Department of Transportation initiatives, such as new regulations and infrastructure rebuilding. Blasgen will also offer tips on finding young talent in supply chain management, a rapidly growing field for business professionals. “The good news is that strategic supply chain management generates stronger revenues and grows market share,” Blasgen assures.
Dan Coll will explain how FedEx Genco works with vendors and retailers to maximize efficiency and return. He and Blasgen will offer their predictions for e-commerce customer expectations and help suppliers prepare for the future of omni-channel fulfillment.
About the Speakers
Rick D. Blasgen is the president and chief executive officer of the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals (CSCMP) in Lombard, Ill. He was recently designated by the U.S. Department of Commerce to serve as the Chair of the Advisory Committee on Supply Chain Competitiveness (ACSCC) providing the Administration with counsel on issues and concerns that affect the supply chain sector. He has headed the CSCMP for more than a decade. In his earlier career, he held varied management positions in the food industry for giants such as Nabisco and ConAgra.
Dan Coll has more than 20 years of experience in distribution and logistics. Before joining Genco, he founded and operated a multi-national fulfillment organization that specialized in e-commerce consumer product fulfillment.
Be sure to attend IHA’s CHESS 2016 (Chief Housewares Executive SuperSession), October 6-7 at the Westin O’Hare in Rosemont, Ill., to get a clearer view of what’s ahead. In addition to Rick Blasgen and Dan Coll’s presention, the program for Day 2 includes a keynote presentation by the Telsey Advisory Group on the future of retail, attorney Scott M. Sanders advising on how to craft contractual agreements to protect your value when dealing with factories in other countries, and Peter Hubbell of Boomagers outlining how to capitalize on the needs of Boomers and Millennials.
This strategic education and networking event brings attendees close to high-profile industry experts and allows decision-makers to share information and ideas with other housewares and home goods leaders. Held annually, CHESS attracts more than 150 chief officers of IHA’s most prominent member companies. The program includes keynotes, panel discussions, general sessions and networking opportunities—the most valuable part of the two-day event according to past participants.
To register for CHESS or for more information, visit the CHESS website or contact Isabel Barabicho at IHA.
