Multiple JPADS can be launched simultaneously and sent to different waypoints on a battlefield, Callis noted. At Project Convergence, the Army used JPADS to conduct an aerial resupply mission through congested airspace to a GPS-jammed battlefield.

The experiment reflects an operating environment Army leaders said they believe will be common in the future: one with multiple manned and unmanned systems, as well as cyber and electronic warfare technologies. The service is evaluating different ways an adversary can contest logistics and how autonomous capabilities could give them an advantage, Lt.

Charles Hamilton, deputy chief of staff for Army logistics, told reporters. Topics: Army News , Logistics , Robotics and Autonomous Systems. Print Email.

Home » Articles » Army Experiments With Next-Gen Aerial Resupply. Related Articles Army Trying to Expedite Flow of Supplies to Troops. Combat Troops Pitch a New Generation of Field Shelters.

Army Striving to Lighten Load for Combat Soldiers. Healthcare supply chain management hinges on traceability. Expiry of sensitive items, serial tracking, lot numbers, and even temperature controls can be requirements of the business or even regulatory compliance.

RFID is an excellent tool to automate the tracking of key information such as serial number, lot, expiration, and even temperature throughout the life of an item.

LIFO or FIFO picking methods ensure the customer always receives the best product. While these may be difficult to implement, engaging a logistics provider that already has the capabilities to track these data points can save both time and money.

A decentralized logistics provider like Warehouse Anywhere can help direct businesses to the tools best suited for each stage. Just like the cost-effective solution used to be centralized distribution, businesses used to overstock inventory in case of unforeseen spikes in demand.

While this did solve the problem, it tied up cash in inventory, increased the chance of damage, and consumed large amounts of real estate.

Being able to satisfy customers demands through better last mile management can give businesses a competitive advantage in the marketplace. Increased technological capabilities allow systems to communicate and bring the product where it is needed when it is needed, so cash isn't parked in inventory.

Changing the entire supply chain of a business may seem like a larger project than it actually is. Decentralizing is an agile supply chain solution by definition, and can be done in phases. When you decide to move your business forward with a decentralized logistics solution, you can roll it out strategically.

My team and I specialize in decentralized logistics solutions. We're here to answer any questions you may have about mini warehouses or third-party logistics. I'm always happy to help businesses serve their customer best, especially in today's competitive landscape.

Are you ready to get started with a decentralized solution? Let's get in touch! Supply Chain Efficiency: Centralized vs.

Decentralized Logistics The term supply chain refers to the many links that a product goes through on the way to a customer. Centralized Supply Chain Centralized distribution is the traditional network that most businesses are familiar with. Centralization Positives Fewer locations make the standardization of systems and processes through the business easier.

Company culture is easier to foster and maintain in a single location. Management has the ability to have eyes on a product within moments if there is a concern since everything is often located in the same building.

Centralization Negatives Limited to talent within a geographic radius, centralized businesses often find themselves competing for employees with other distribution centers that have similar concerns. Ownership of cost and staffing for all areas of business including systems, security, recruiting and training can be very costly.

Businesses can be locked into a multi-year contract for a specific building or geographic area regardless of growth or opportunity in the market. These leases often have penalties for early termination. Cross-country customers who have an urgent need may be charged steep shipping fees.

In a market dominated with free 2nd-day delivery, this could force them to look elsewhere for fulfillment. Decentralized Positives Each node of the supply chain can be tuned to that specific area's demand to best serve the customer base. Product levels can be distributed to locations across the country based on the volume of orders in that area.

Customers with critical need may have the option of will call or same-day delivery with moderate cost. For example, a customer may be able to order an item and pick it up in the same day.

The ability to test systems, products, markets, and suppliers on a small scale before rolling out to the entire organization can lead to better data-driven decisions. Local addresses on shipping labels increase trust in customers. Decentralized Negatives Shipping to multiple distribution locations may affect bargaining power with suppliers wanting to ship in bulk to a single location.

Control of operations and culture can be diluted through the nodes of the supply chain, which may not be relevant for outsourced decentralized supply chains.

Centralized and Decentralized Hybrid Supply Chain By blending centralized and decentralized supply chain methodologies, a business can enjoy some of the advantages of each while mitigating the negatives. Hybrid Positives Standardization of systems and processes are easier. Company culture can be fostered and maintained in a single location.

Leadership has the ability to locate products quickly if there are concerns about inventory status or reliability. The additional locations can be stocked to that specific area's demand in order to better serve customers.

Products can be distributed to locations across the US based on the volume of orders. Customers with critical needs may have the option of will call or same-day delivery with moderate cost.