SupplyServices Articles http://www.vendorseek.com/industry-experts.asp http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss 11/20/2009 6:30:03 PM 11/20/2009 6:30:03 PM http://www.vendorseek.com/images/logo_small.gif http://www.vendorseek.com SupplyServices 113 25 Is it possible to build the brand while enjoying the benefits of outsourced contract assembly services? Yes, provided the business stays in control of strategic development on multiple fronts. Here are some unique ideas that organizations can employ to present an outside vendor as a virtual extension of the company. http://www.vendorseek.com/Assembly-Services-Emphasize-Branding.asp 530BD301-8275-428A-A4DB-7AEC076E8508 2009/10/26 Mon, Oct 26 2009 Direct fulfillment strategies allow online retailers to replicate the impulse buying experiences that have kept storefronts busy for decades. http://www.vendorseek.com/Fulfillment-Services-Key-to-Online-Shopping-Success.asp 530BD301-8275-428A-A4DB-7AEC076E8508 2009/10/15 Thu, Oct 15 2009 These five best practices from the direct fulfillment industry can help almost any business grow profits without increasing overhead. http://www.vendorseek.com/Five-Reasons-to-Outsource-Product-Fulfillment.asp 530BD301-8275-428A-A4DB-7AEC076E8508 2009/09/28 Mon, Sep 28 2009 The Internet age has empowered small businesses with the ability to capture market share by expanding their global reach. But what happens when the ability to fulfill orders in-house outgrows the business? Assembly services bridge the gap by relieving the pressure of labor costs and materials storage. Heres five aspects to consider when considering an outsource. http://www.vendorseek.com/5-Considerations-When-Choosing-Assembly-Services-Vendor.asp 530BD301-8275-428A-A4DB-7AEC076E8508 2009/09/21 Mon, Sep 21 2009 Businesses that sell products must have systems for delivering them to clients. Unless the product can be delivered electronically, like music and software, the supply chain usually has warehousing, picking, packing, and shipping components, often referred to as logistics. Choosing a third-party logistics service can be tricky, and companies should be prepared with the right information before diving into the decision making process. http://www.vendorseek.com/What-Companies-Should-Consider-in-Third-Party-Logistics-Services.asp 530BD301-8275-428A-A4DB-7AEC076E8508 2009/09/14 Mon, Sep 14 2009 Kitting. Pick and pack. Drop shipping. Theyre all just different words for a contract assembly service. A contract assembly service is a powerful and often overlooked tool for businesses on the rise. But outsourcing the fulfillment process to a third-party isnt always straightforward. Businesses can find tips for when to make the transition and how to evaluate potential partners here. http://www.vendorseek.com/When-and-How-to-Buy-Contract-Assembly-Service.asp 530BD301-8275-428A-A4DB-7AEC076E8508 2009/09/10 Thu, Sep 10 2009 If the thought of diving in and giving up all control of assembly services to a third-party is uninviting, perhaps wading into the shallow end first makes more sense. Outsourcing contract assembly activities can free up valuable resources. Businesses wont be able to regulate assembly process as closely as if it were done in-house, but this isnt necessarily a bad thing. Heres how to ease into a assembly service relationship. http://www.vendorseek.com/Easing-into-Outsource-Mode-with-Assembly-Services.asp 530BD301-8275-428A-A4DB-7AEC076E8508 2009/08/28 Fri, Aug 28 2009 A study shows that nearly 75% of customer returns are due to taste, not because of faults in the order fulfillment process. http://www.vendorseek.com/Fulfillment-Services-Eliminate-Pain-of-Returns.asp 530BD301-8275-428A-A4DB-7AEC076E8508 2009/08/28 Fri, Aug 28 2009 Contract assembly services can be the next stage in the growth process of an emerging business. The trick to a successful merger is to properly evaluate potential partners and purchase with market savvy. Heres a brief rundown on how to outsource these services by keeping company goals in clear focus. http://www.vendorseek.com/How-to-Purchase-Third-party-Contract-Assembly -Services.asp 530BD301-8275-428A-A4DB-7AEC076E8508 2009/08/25 Tue, Aug 25 2009 Supply chain services companies that intend to survive the recession use downtime to beef up systems and relationships. http://www.vendorseek.com/Third-Party-Logistics-Providers-Invest-to-Weather-Recession.asp 530BD301-8275-428A-A4DB-7AEC076E8508 2009/08/20 Thu, Aug 20 2009 The age of robotics was once merely a subject of science fiction novels. Present-day technology has not only made robots a reality--it has brought them into mainstream business operations. In fact, contract assembly services that utilize advanced robotics hold a variety of benefits over other outsourcing companies that rely on human labor. http://www.vendorseek.com/Utilizing-Cutting-edge-Assembly-Robotics-for-the-Competitive-Edge.asp 530BD301-8275-428A-A4DB-7AEC076E8508 2009/07/31 Fri, Jul 31 2009 Radio frequency identification, or RFID, allows fulfillment centers to track products like never before, at a reasonable cost. As RFID "tags" get ever smaller and ever cheaper, look for this technology to become ever more important to the fulfillment houses that rely on it. http://www.vendorseek.com/RFD-Technology-Revolutionizes-Fulfillment-Operations.asp 530BD301-8275-428A-A4DB-7AEC076E8508 2009/07/23 Thu, Jul 23 2009 Third party logistics providers can help customers track and shape demand for products in an effort to eliminate waste and increase margins. http://www.vendorseek.com/Demand-Sensing-Shaping-Supply-Chain-Services.asp 530BD301-8275-428A-A4DB-7AEC076E8508 2009/07/23 Thu, Jul 23 2009 Robots decrease noise and increase efficiency for logistics management companies. http://www.vendorseek.com/Quiet-Revolution-in-Third-Party-Logistics.asp 530BD301-8275-428A-A4DB-7AEC076E8508 2009/07/13 Mon, Jul 13 2009 Businesses considering outsourcing their assembly services face an interesting conundrum: how to assign kitting activities without giving up quality control over the finished product. After all, saving money and streamlining operations are good, but not if theres a sacrifice in the finished product. Heres how to optimize both productivity interests. http://www.vendorseek.com/Assembly-Services-Build-Brand-Loyalty.asp 530BD301-8275-428A-A4DB-7AEC076E8508 2009/07/06 Mon, Jul 06 2009 Drop shipping has revolutionized the fulfillment and distribution industry, and made it possible for small businesses to compete with giant corporations. However, dont fall for claims that promise easy riches for no work. http://www.vendorseek.com/Drop-Shipping-Makes-Fulfillment-Easy.asp 530BD301-8275-428A-A4DB-7AEC076E8508 2009/06/25 Thu, Jun 25 2009 Modern factories can run extremely efficiently. Sometimes, one assembly worker can operate an entire department. This arrangement renders certain assembly workers especially hard to lay off, even in tough times. http://www.vendorseek.com/Skilled-Assembly-Workers-Prove-Value.asp 530BD301-8275-428A-A4DB-7AEC076E8508 2009/06/18 Thu, Jun 18 2009 The environmental movement is making increasing demands upon the business community to reduce pollution. Assembly services and other manufacturers must find a way to address environmental concerns without overspending on expensive new machinery. http://www.vendorseek.com/Is-Green-Assembly-for-Real.asp 530BD301-8275-428A-A4DB-7AEC076E8508 2009/06/05 Fri, Jun 05 2009 Logistics management experts identify five things vendors can do to grow stronger during a recession. http://www.vendorseek.com/How-Supply-Chain-Services-Survive-Economic-Downturns.asp 530BD301-8275-428A-A4DB-7AEC076E8508 2009/06/04 Thu, Jun 04 2009 Yes, its extremely annoying how many people are talking about the "micro blog" service called Twitter. Nevertheless, Twitter may revolutionize certain industries. And fulfillment and distribution is one of them. http://www.vendorseek.com/Fulfillment-Distribution-and-Twitter.asp 530BD301-8275-428A-A4DB-7AEC076E8508 2009/05/21 Thu, May 21 2009 A surge in new warehousing facilities using next generation distribution strategies means good news for towns hit by factory closures. http://www.vendorseek.com/Warehousing-Revitalizes-Communities-with-Logistics-Parks.asp 530BD301-8275-428A-A4DB-7AEC076E8508 2009/05/15 Fri, May 15 2009 Third party logistics companies can save clients money by tracking shipments using innovative, durable pallets. http://www.vendorseek.com/Supply-Chain-Outsourcing-Pallet-Management.asp 530BD301-8275-428A-A4DB-7AEC076E8508 2009/05/07 Thu, May 07 2009 The United States has seen the number of manufacturing jobs fall off drastically in recent years. However, smart contract assembly companies are looking for ways to keep working by working together as part of the global economy. http://www.vendorseek.com/Can-Chinese-Assembly-Save-U-S-Manufacturing-Jobs.asp 530BD301-8275-428A-A4DB-7AEC076E8508 2009/04/27 Mon, Apr 27 2009 CD DVD duplication services are still required for some applications despite the widespread availability of the Internet and MP3 players. Although we take for granted that access to the Internet is available everywhere, just try finding a hot spot in the middle of a forest, desert or ocean. http://www.vendorseek.com/CD-DVD-Duplication-Provides-Physical-Media.asp 530BD301-8275-428A-A4DB-7AEC076E8508 2009/04/27 Mon, Apr 27 2009 When working with an outsourced fulfillment center, it may seem correct to let them do their job their way, as long as the results are good. However, the logistics often become everybodys business, so its smart to be a planner. http://www.vendorseek.com/Fulfillment-Strategy-Planes-Trains-Automobiles.asp 530BD301-8275-428A-A4DB-7AEC076E8508 2009/04/23 Thu, Apr 23 2009 Logistics companies get products to newly affluent buyers who drive demand, even during a downturn. http://www.vendorseek.com/Third-Party-Logistics-Help-Companies-Come-to-China.asp 530BD301-8275-428A-A4DB-7AEC076E8508 2009/04/15 Wed, Apr 15 2009 Assembly is at the center of several moral issues. These include unionization, prevailing wage, and "Buy American." Should the business decision-maker make assembly decisions based on those concerns? http://www.vendorseek.com/contract-assembly-a-matter-of-morality.asp 530BD301-8275-428A-A4DB-7AEC076E8508 2009/04/01 Wed, Apr 01 2009 When considering hiring a fulfillment center that will also perform various other services, such as assembly and distribution, its necessary to evaluate whether the company is up to such a task. The one-stop shop is a great concept, but doesnt always play as well in the real world. http://www.vendorseek.com/fulfillment-and-distribution-is-all-in-one-all-good.asp 530BD301-8275-428A-A4DB-7AEC076E8508 2009/03/27 Fri, Mar 27 2009 Under pressure from shareholders and from regulators, company leaders turn to logistics providers for affordable, innovative security measures. http://www.vendorseek.com/third-party-logistics-enhance-client-security.asp 530BD301-8275-428A-A4DB-7AEC076E8508 2009/03/27 Fri, Mar 27 2009 Though broad industry trends change little from year to year, warehousing services providers must address challenges during a recession. http://www.vendorseek.com/five-core-trends-for-warehousing-services.asp 530BD301-8275-428A-A4DB-7AEC076E8508 2009/03/18 Wed, Mar 18 2009 Whether you plan to slow production or to keep your assembly line churning, reviewing your warehousing strategy can save you money. http://www.vendorseek.com/warehousing-strategies-shift-as-manufacturers-pause-assembly-lines.asp 530BD301-8275-428A-A4DB-7AEC076E8508 2009/03/16 Mon, Mar 16 2009 http://www.vendorseek.com/ 530BD301-8275-428A-A4DB-7AEC076E8508 2009/02/23 Mon, Feb 23 2009 Most direct mail and information product businesses eventually reach the point where a decision must be made: Should the company continue to pack in-house or outsource to a contract assembly service? While both types of operations have their benefits, assembly services have the edge for a variety of undeniable reasons. http://www.vendorseek.com/Contract-Assembly-Service-When-a-Business-is-Ready-for-True-Automation.asp 530BD301-8275-428A-A4DB-7AEC076E8508 2009/02/23 Mon, Feb 23 2009 Company decision-makers offer ten reasons to partner with a logistics services specialist. http://www.vendorseek.com/Ten-Reasons-to-Hire-a-Third-Party-Logistics-Provider.asp 530BD301-8275-428A-A4DB-7AEC076E8508 2009/02/09 Mon, Feb 09 2009 When music, photo collections, movies, software, catalogs, or presentations for trade shows need to be distributed on CDs or DVDs, is it more cost effective to use a duplication service or to do it in-house? http://www.vendorseek.com/CD-and-DVD-Duplication-Do-It-Yourself-or-Use-a-Service.asp 530BD301-8275-428A-A4DB-7AEC076E8508 2009/02/05 Thu, Feb 05 2009 When seeking to cut costs on fulfillment operations, its a good idea to take a three-pronged approach of shipping cost reduction, increasing sales volume, and shopping around for the best deal. However, quality of fulfillment service counts, too, not just price. http://www.vendorseek.com/Fulfillment-Cost-Cuts-Made-Simple.asp 530BD301-8275-428A-A4DB-7AEC076E8508 2009/02/02 Mon, Feb 02 2009 An increasing number of companies that sell packaged products are deciding to exchange expensive labor hours for contract assembly services. Not only does it save them time and money on the backend, but it also allows both small and large business owners to concentrate on their marketing and advertising strategies. http://www.vendorseek.com/Contract-Assembly-Services-Streamline-Effective-Sales-Results.asp 530BD301-8275-428A-A4DB-7AEC076E8508 2009/01/16 Fri, Jan 16 2009 Assembly services are absolutely vital for internet-based companies that deal in physical products containing several individual components. They help cut costs on everything from shipping to storage and streamline getting a business product to its customers. http://www.vendorseek.com/Assembly-Services-Deliver-the-Whole-Package-for-Less-Time-and-Money.asp 530BD301-8275-428A-A4DB-7AEC076E8508 2008/12/19 Fri, Dec 19 2008 Whether in a strong or a weak economic environment, effective inventory management is a key part of order fulfillment excellence. http://www.vendorseek.com/Inventory-Management-Fulfillments-Greatest-Challenge.asp 530BD301-8275-428A-A4DB-7AEC076E8508 2008/12/19 Fri, Dec 19 2008 Storage services operating in tax-advantaged enterprise zones can reduce warehousing costs for businesses. http://www.vendorseek.com/Saving-Money-with-Enterprise-Zone-Warehousing.asp 530BD301-8275-428A-A4DB-7AEC076E8508 2008/12/19 Fri, Dec 19 2008 Companies should always be looking for ways to stand out from the pack. One of the less standard ways to communicate with customers, video has many benefits. Using DVDs to advertise, present product information, or even introduce customers to the employees they might be working with, can help promote business. A DVD replication or duplication service streamlines the use of video for companies. http://www.vendorseek.com/DVD-Tips-that-Promote-Business.asp 530BD301-8275-428A-A4DB-7AEC076E8508 2008/12/19 Fri, Dec 19 2008 A fulfillment house should not blindly adopt every single new technology, but taking advantage of new technologies that really work is a sign of excellence in a fulfillment company. http://www.vendorseek.com/Fulfillment-Tech-Whats-New-Whats-Good.asp 530BD301-8275-428A-A4DB-7AEC076E8508 2008/12/05 Fri, Dec 05 2008 Verifying that assembly workers are well-treated is a good idea when choosing an assembly services provider. http://www.vendorseek.com/All-Hands-on-Deck-Assembly-Services-Need-Good-Workers.asp 530BD301-8275-428A-A4DB-7AEC076E8508 2008/12/05 Fri, Dec 05 2008 Thinking about using CD DVD duplication or replication services? Learning about the differences between these two methods can help a business decide which one is best for a given project. Though the processes produce near identical results, choosing the correct method can save time, money, and unnecessary hassle. http://www.vendorseek.com/Comparing-CD-DVD-Duplication-and-Replication.asp 530BD301-8275-428A-A4DB-7AEC076E8508 2008/12/04 Thu, Dec 04 2008 When choosing an assembly service, there are many factors that go into the decision; here are three big factors to consider and address--every time. http://www.vendorseek.com/Three-Things-to-Think-About-When-Choosing-an-Assembly-Service.asp 530BD301-8275-428A-A4DB-7AEC076E8508 2008/12/04 Thu, Dec 04 2008 In order to achieve superior fulfillment, companies must balance three vital needs: customer service, revenue growth, and low cost. http://www.vendorseek.com/Fulfillment-Operations-Excellence.asp 530BD301-8275-428A-A4DB-7AEC076E8508 2008/11/06 Thu, Nov 06 2008 An assembly service seeking to achieve maximum productivity should be, above all, well-organized. http://www.vendorseek.com/Assembly-Service-Organization.asp 530BD301-8275-428A-A4DB-7AEC076E8508 2008/11/06 Thu, Nov 06 2008 Read how a business can use CD replication to elevate a marketing campaign. http://www.vendorseek.com/Promote-Business-With-CD-Replication.asp 530BD301-8275-428A-A4DB-7AEC076E8508 2008/11/05 Wed, Nov 05 2008 Marketers and retailers rely on warehouses and storage services to power short-term storefront promotions. http://www.vendorseek.com/Warehousing-Services-Prop-Up-Pop-Up-Retail-Trend.asp 530BD301-8275-428A-A4DB-7AEC076E8508 2008/10/23 Thu, Oct 23 2008 The dream of passive income from an Internet sales business is unattainable without a good order fulfillment operation. http://www.vendorseek.com/Order-Fulfillment-In-the-Age-of-the-Internet.asp 530BD301-8275-428A-A4DB-7AEC076E8508 2008/10/23 Thu, Oct 23 2008 Wall Street hopes that big box retailer The Home Depot can borrow a page from tiny Wawa Food Markets to solve problems with supply chain services. http://www.vendorseek.com/Supply-Chain-Services-Impact-Big-Boxes-and-Mini-Marts.asp 530BD301-8275-428A-A4DB-7AEC076E8508 2008/10/23 Thu, Oct 23 2008 Contracting out to a good assembly services provider can help keep costs low and increase customer satisfaction at the same time. http://www.vendorseek.com/Nice-Package-Happy-Customer-Assessing-the-Benefits-of-Assembly-Services.asp 530BD301-8275-428A-A4DB-7AEC076E8508 2008/10/07 Tue, Oct 07 2008 Assembly services can provide packaging, bagging, kitting, and a host of other services that can help a business bring its products to market. http://www.vendorseek.com/Selecting-Assembly-Pick-Pack-Services.asp 530BD301-8275-428A-A4DB-7AEC076E8508 2008/09/29 Mon, Sep 29 2008 You may need CD/DVD duplication services to deliver information to remote workers, as part of a promotion, for a special event, etc. Do you know how to best prepare your prototypical copy? Read the following article to find out. http://www.vendorseek.com/prepare-for-cd-dvd-replication.asp 530BD301-8275-428A-A4DB-7AEC076E8508 2008/07/28 Mon, Jul 28 2008 Have you thought of the marketing potential that can be created by working with your contract packaging service. The synergy of the two can help your business' branding, sales, and word-of-mouth marketing to name a few benefits. Read the following article to learn more. http://www.vendorseek.com/leveraging-contract-packaging.asp 530BD301-8275-428A-A4DB-7AEC076E8508 2008/07/23 Wed, Jul 23 2008 How efficient is your fulfillment process? Customers need to know important information in order to feel at ease. Using emails to complement your fulfillment services is a necessary step. Read the following article to learn why. http://www.vendorseek.com/the-importance-of-email-within-the-fulfillment-process.asp 530BD301-8275-428A-A4DB-7AEC076E8508 2008/07/18 Fri, Jul 18 2008 Are you in need of storage services? Many smaller companies are not reaching their potential due to a need for warehousing. Read how you can take your business to the next level by outsourcing for public warehousing. http://www.vendorseek.com/know-the-advantage-of-warehousing-facilities.asp 530BD301-8275-428A-A4DB-7AEC076E8508 2008/07/18 Fri, Jul 18 2008 Is using a fulfillment vendor right for your business? Most smaller companies find fulfillment outsourcing a necessary complement to their business. Read the following article to better understand if it will work for your business. http://www.vendorseek.com/fulfillment-outsourcing-is-it-right-for-you.asp 530BD301-8275-428A-A4DB-7AEC076E8508 2008/04/21 Mon, Apr 21 2008 Read the following article for a detailed information regarding fulfillment services. Learn about the service, the provisions, benefits, how to select a vendor, etc. http://www.vendorseek.com/what-is-fulfillment-outsourcing.asp 530BD301-8275-428A-A4DB-7AEC076E8508 2008/02/15 Fri, Feb 15 2008 Is your business considering using a fulfillment service? Companies selling products need an efficient method of shipment. The following article will help you to gain perspective on what factors to concern yourself with in choosing a service provider. http://www.vendorseek.com/fulfillment-factors-to-consider.asp 530BD301-8275-428A-A4DB-7AEC076E8508 2007/10/16 Tue, Oct 16 2007 Are you thinking about using the services of a warehouse for your business? Read the following to collect more information. http://www.vendorseek.com/what-you-need-to-know.asp 530BD301-8275-428A-A4DB-7AEC076E8508 2007/07/20 Fri, Jul 20 2007 Do you know what processes are involved in the fulfillment service industry? The following article offers an introduction. http://www.vendorseek.com/what-is-fulfillment-process.asp 530BD301-8275-428A-A4DB-7AEC076E8508 2007/07/13 Fri, Jul 13 2007 Do you know what supply chain management entails? The following article offers an introduction. http://www.vendorseek.com/supply-chain-management.asp 530BD301-8275-428A-A4DB-7AEC076E8508 2007/07/06 Fri, Jul 06 2007 Are you looking to duplicate CDs/DVDs? Would you like to outsource for the process? Read about how to do it. http://www.vendorseek.com/outsourcing-cd-duplication-services.asp 530BD301-8275-428A-A4DB-7AEC076E8508 2007/06/22 Fri, Jun 22 2007 Do you wonder about the best way to manage returns? Would you like to know how to avoid them altogether? Read the following article to find out how. http://www.vendorseek.com/how-to-manage-and-avoid.asp 530BD301-8275-428A-A4DB-7AEC076E8508 2007/06/17 Sun, Jun 17 2007 Do you have questions regarding order fulfillment? The following article offers insight on how the process happens. http://www.vendorseek.com/how-order-fulfillment-works.asp 530BD301-8275-428A-A4DB-7AEC076E8508 2007/06/13 Wed, Jun 13 2007 Do you have concerns about the handling of your goods? There are ways to make sure that they are delivered safely to your customers. http://www.vendorseek.com/how-to-make-sure.asp 530BD301-8275-428A-A4DB-7AEC076E8508 2007/05/17 Thu, May 17 2007 Do you have questions regarding warehouse services? Get your questions answered in the article. http://www.vendorseek.com/warehouse-services-faq.asp 530BD301-8275-428A-A4DB-7AEC076E8508 2007/05/15 Tue, May 15 2007 Do you have questions regarding fulfillment services? Get your answers in the following article. http://www.vendorseek.com/fulfillment-services-faq.asp 530BD301-8275-428A-A4DB-7AEC076E8508 2007/03/24 Sat, Mar 24 2007 Have you considered importing or exporting as a buisness move? Read about the advantages of integrating either or both into your company. http://www.vendorseek.com/expand-business-opportunities.asp 530BD301-8275-428A-A4DB-7AEC076E8508 2006/12/30 Sat, Dec 30 2006 Do you have questions about supply chain services? Get your answers in the following article. http://www.vendorseek.com/supply-chain-faq.asp 530BD301-8275-428A-A4DB-7AEC076E8508 2006/12/10 Sun, Dec 10 2006 Are you looking to outsource for warehouse services? It is important to find a warehouse befitting to your business model. Read and find out how. http://www.vendorseek.com/finding-right-warehouse.asp 530BD301-8275-428A-A4DB-7AEC076E8508 2006/12/02 Sat, Dec 02 2006 Do you have questions regarding Assembly/Kitting services? Get your questions answered. http://www.vendorseek.com/assembly-kitting-faq.asp 530BD301-8275-428A-A4DB-7AEC076E8508 2006/11/15 Wed, Nov 15 2006 Would you like to know more about the kitting process? The following article explains why it is advantageous to the process of fulfillment. http://www.vendorseek.com/kitting-is-befitting.asp 530BD301-8275-428A-A4DB-7AEC076E8508 2006/10/31 Tue, Oct 31 2006 Would your company like to save money on mailing and shipping? Read the following article to find out how. http://www.vendorseek.com/how-to-save-money.asp 530BD301-8275-428A-A4DB-7AEC076E8508 2006/10/30 Mon, Oct 30 2006