10 Critical Steps to Take Before Signing a WMS Contract

| Brian Barry

At year end, software vendors will offer significant discounts to secure your business and book it in 2018. But don’t let last-minute discounts distract you from prudent due diligence in selecting the right WMS. Here are 10 critical decisions you need to complete before signing for that WMS discount.

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Warehouse-as-a-Service Providers Address Ecommerce Fulfillment Niche

| Mike O'Brien

The growth in online sales, the scarcity of ecommerce fulfillment space and increasing customer demands have all merged to drive interest in a particular kind of offering: Warehouse-as-a-Service (WaaS). Find out what’s behind the trend and what some startups and traditional 3PLs are doing to meet the need.

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UPS Outlines Peak Season Readiness, Price Increases

| Mike O'Brien

UPS has put in place tools and processes to handle an expected peak season volume of 800,000 packages between Thanksgiving and Christmas, up from 750,000 last year, announcing price increases in the form of over-max and special handling charges to offset the investments.

Target Blows Out Free Two-Day Delivery Ahead of the Holidays

| Mike O'Brien

In the never-ending pursuit of Amazon and seeking separation from other foes like Walmart, Target has announced the availability of same-day delivery in 46 states ahead of the peak holiday season from Thanksgiving through Christmas, while also eliminating its $35 order threshold for free two-day shipping as of Nov. 1.

5 Considerations for Evaluating Your Ecommerce Cyber Crime Risk

| Brian Barry

The risk of cyber crime is difficult to understand and deal with because of advanced technology and the changing risk landscape. IT professionals need management support and budget to address the risk, and management needs to understand it better. Here are 5 considerations in crafting a strong cyber strategy.

UPU Fast-Tracking Rate Review After Trump Pullout Threat

| Mike O'Brien

The Universal Postal Union (UPU), a hitherto quiet backwater that sets global cross-border mail and parcel rates, now plans to fast-track review of rate changes after President Trump last week threatened to pull out of the UPU accord, according to the Wall Street Journal.

Over 60% of U.S. Retailers Would Consider Banning Serial Returners

| Mike O'Brien

Sixty-one percent of U.S. retailers said they would consider banning serial returners as Amazon has done to combat the growing wave brought on by over-generous policies, according to a new survey from UK ecommerce software firm Brightpearl. In the UK, 45% of retailers said they would consider doing so.

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Trump Moves to Pull U.S. from Universal Postal Union

| Mike O'Brien

The Trump administration has announced plans to withdraw the United States from the Universal Postal Union by January 2020. The move is an effort to counteract below-market parcel shipping rates that China has enjoyed for years to the competitive disadvantage of U.S. merchants.