We've bemoaned (rightfully) the loss of blue collar manufacturing jobs from the US for the last several decades. And if all else were equal it would seem the distances between US and our remote suppliers would be even less an issue than they have been because of the increased efficiency of our supply chain technology. Turns out those assumptions are wrong.

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A few decades ago the concept of making buying items more convenient lead to the growth of the 'convenience store.' 7-Eleven and its ilk popped up across the country. They were small stores with a limited selection of products. You could park directly at the front door, walk in and out with your purchase in about 2 minutes. Very convenient - and also pretty expensive. Read more...

Leave it to Apple to stir the pot. Usually it's because of an outrageously great technology, or for us in the supply chain business about how well they handle their own supply chain. This time it's about a payment scheme that involves technology in their newest devices. OK, so maybe it really isn't Apple making waves, but it's still falling on the company as the trigger to the debacle. Read more...