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What are Direct-to-Patient logistics, and what are the challenges?

Mike Sweeney Distribution & Warehousing

Direct-to-Patient (DtP) is an integrated supply chain system that enables patients to receive treatment in their own home or place of work — both clinical trials and licensed product applications can be supported. Services can include dispensing the therapeutic product, transporting it to the patient, or even in-home storage in a temperature-controlled manner. DtP also includes patient sample collection and unused drug/supply return. These services are often required in parallel and might be considered Direct-from-Patient (DfP) solutions. To help better understand some of DtP’s unique challenges, we have compiled the top three areas that you will need to consider.

Manufacturing slowdown sparks new political strategies

Michelle R. Matisons Manufacturing

The White House's official optimistic manufacturing narrative has been seriously disjointed from real-world production and employment issues in the very important and inherently political manufacturing sector. President Trump hung his hat on increased manufacturing jobs to get elected, but a persistent trade deficit haunts his administration — increasing by $100 billion under his watch. Now that this harsh reality can’t be ignored, we see some politicians initiating new strategies to address the slowdown.

American consumers, businesses set to suffer as trade war escalates

Seth Sandronsky Civil & Government

It took three days for the Chinese government to retaliate against President Trump imposing new import tariffs from 10% to 25% on $200 billion of goods earlier this month. U.S. imports in China will face retaliatory tariffs, according to China’s Finance Ministry, rising from 10% to 20 or 25% on thousands of goods, from alcoholic beverages to apparel. What does this latest move in the two nations’ escalating trade war mean for American businesses and consumers?

Unsafe firms imperil US workers, occupational safety group report says

Seth Sandronsky Facilities & Grounds

Employers can and should do a better job of ensuring U.S. worker safety, according to a new report from the National Council for Occupational Safety and Health (NCOSH). Titled "The Dirty Dozen," it details how 12 firms put workers and communities at risk with unsafe labor practices. The report marks Workers’ Memorial Week, which honors Americans who have died and suffered injuries and illnesses on the job. "Too many workers become ill, injured and die each year under the watch of their employers who, in some cases, are repeat offenders and among the world’s most profitable companies," said Marcy Goldstein-Gelb, co-executive director of NCOSH.

Climate change and the price of being poor

LeRon L. Barton Waste Management & Environmental

If you were to ask most people in low-income communities where climate change would rank in degree of importance, I would wager that it would be pretty low. This is not to say that folks living in these neighborhoods don't care or have no knowledge about the issues that affect the environment, it's just that paying the rent or mortgage, getting to work, and the stress of living in poverty take precedence. However, in 2019, there may be a change in how climate change is viewed, due to new legislation, research, and outreach.

7 common mistakes business owners make and how to avoid them

Roberta Matuson Business Management, Services & Risk Management

I've been in business for over 20 years and have seen my share of mistakes made by business owners — many that certainly could have been avoided. Here’s my list of common mistakes business owners make, along with advice on how to avoid following suit. For example, think about a job that you worked in that didn't work out. Was it because you didn't have the skills to do the job, or was it because your values did not align with the organization's?

Diminishing Arctic ice opens trade routes, commercial possibilities

Michelle R. Matisons Distribution & Warehousing

When it comes to predicting the Arctic’s future, we are all "skating on thin ice." Recent data taken from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's annual Arctic Report Card shows that, by 2018, the Arctic Ocean lost 95 percent of its "oldest ice." This melting produces warmer temperatures because thick ice coverage keeps ocean water from absorbing the sun’s heat. While ice melts, dollar (and ruble) signs accrue, and new ice-free navigable waters open up trade routes, extend commercial fishing possibilities, and make global energy markets more competitive — to the dismay of clean energy advocates everywhere.

Large new logistics center to boost San Bernardino’s cargo capabilities

Matt Falcus Distribution & Warehousing

One of California’s most successful cargo airports is set to benefit from major development and investment to further cement its position as one of Southern California’s primary freight centers. The Eastgate Air Cargo Logistics Center will be built on 101 acres of vacant land at San Bernardino International Airport, with plans for a 658,000-square-foot distribution center and parking for up to 16 aircraft outside. Last year, Mark Gibbs, director of aviation at the airport, said, "There’s tremendous opportunity here for air cargo and logistics companies to realize significant efficiencies and lower expansion costs." It seems this has now come true.

How the IoT powers predictive maintenance in manufacturing

Joseph Zulick Manufacturing

For far too often maintenance has been treated as expendable. Now, however, the internet of things (IoT) has brought along technology in a useful package to help maintain factories. New sensor technology can measure pressure, distance, temperature, and much more in a smaller package and from greater distances. No longer are you required to modify a machine or tool. You can now use external laser technology to measure quality and keep track of machine maintenance. If you want to know if the machine is deviating outside of its temperature range, you’ll know. If you need to track power usage, you can even see the readout from a beach in Florida.

Training is an investment, not a cost

Catherine Iste Business Management, Services & Risk Management

The race to attract skilled labor is on. Productivity may be slowing but it is still moving in a positive direction, and new unemployment applications are still declining. And according to a recent analysis by The Economist, American manufacturing, particularly among "agile smaller firms using advanced techniques" may be expanding. While this tight labor market may look different than the one before the recession, one thing is consistent: the most challenging staffing shortage is in skilled labor. Because of this, organizations across industries must recognize that training is an investment, not a cost.

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