Susan Lacefield

Executive Editor, CSCMP's Supply Chain Quarterly at Supply Chain Quarterly

Editor at Large at DC Velocity

Executive Editor at Supply Chain Xchange

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Articles

The returns conundrum

3 days ago | thescxchange.com | Susan Lacefield

Returns have long been a thorny issue for retailers, especially since the rise of e-commerce. Reverse logistics and returns management are typically complex and resource intensive. Complicating matters is the fact that U.S. consumers have come to expect returns to be free and easy to perform, clearly indicating that a bad returns experience will keep them from buying from a retailer again.
Are you investing in the right supply chain technology for future success? Gartner reveals four key pathways to follow

1 week ago | dcvelocity.com | Susan Lacefield

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Are U.S. Companies Ready to Weather the Tariff Storm? Supply Chain Executives Share Strategies for Success

2 weeks ago | thescxchange.com | Susan Lacefield

In the wake of a flurry of tariff pronouncements from the Trump administration and retaliatory moves by other nations, U.S. companies are facing rising costs, potential supply chain disruptions, and mounting operational complexity. Supply chain executives are casting a wide net as they seek to identify strategies that will help them weather this storm.
Adapting to tariffs requires visibility and cost control

1 month ago | thescxchange.com | Laura Miguel Baumann |Susan Lacefield |Diane Rand

Recent times in manufacturing have been defined by both new and persistent challenges. Ongoing labor and skills shortages, a global pandemic, and supply chain disruptions have each shaped the industry, with lingering effects. Now, tariffs have taken center stage. Today’s landscape includes a complex environment burdened with fluctuating tariffs, rising input costs, and shifting global supply chains.
Google Cloud: AI will help address 5 urgent manufacturing challenges

1 month ago | thescxchange.com | Susan Lacefield |Diane Rand |Eva Ponce |Laura Lorenzo Allegue

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A3 says “National Robotics Strategy” will protect U.S. technology leadership

1 month ago | thescxchange.com | Susan Lacefield |John Santagate |Diane Rand |Eva Ponce

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MHI Report: Digital integration critical for today’s complex supply chains

1 month ago | thescxchange.com | Diane Rand |Susan Lacefield

Each spring, the material handling industry organization MHI and the consulting company Deloitte conduct a survey to capture what’s top-of-mind for supply chain managers—highlighting important supply chain challenges and trends while also providing insights into how companies are responding to those challenges.
Federal food regulators delay FSMA rule by 30 months

1 month ago | thescxchange.com | Ben Ames |Susan Lacefield

Companies throughout the U.S. food supply chain have gained 30 months of leeway in the rush to meet strict new guidelines for track and trace safety requirements under the Food Safety Modernization Act (FSMA), according to an announcement yesterday from federal regulators.
Good data, better AI: supply chain executives share insights at MIT event

1 month ago | thescxchange.com | Susan Lacefield |Diane Rand |Mark Baxa |Victoria Fraza Kickham

The potential of artificial intelligence (AI) to revolutionize the supply chain generated a significant amount of attention from a slate of researchers who presented at last Tuesday’s MIT’s Center for Transportation and Logistics’ Crossroads 2025 event. But when a panel of supply chain executives took the stage at the end of the day, they were all clear about one thing: Any supply chain transformation effort needs to be grounded in good data management and quality.
American SMBs will suffer rising costs due to trade wars, survey says

1 month ago | dcvelocity.com | Susan Lacefield

As volatile changes in tariff rates and trade wars continue to lash global markets, small and medium businesses (SMBs) should anticipate “significant impact and rising costs,” according to an analysis from Netstock, a provider of supply and demand planning software. Tariffs are a significant disruptor for businesses of all sizes, but their impact is amplified for SMBs who often lack the resources that larger enterprises can leverage, the firm said.