Archive of Author: Laura Dow

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The Complementary Power of ERP Systems and Human Insight in Supply Chain Management

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In today’s dynamic global market, efficient supply chain operations are critical to a company’s success—especially when it comes to supply chain management in China, where complexity and scale demand both precision and adaptability. Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) software plays a vital role in unifying functions such as inventory control, procurement,...

Sustainable Global Sourcing: How to Navigate Responsible Supply Chains in China

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As environmental and social concerns gain traction across industries, businesses around the world are placing a stronger emphasis on how and where their products are made. For companies sourcing from China—a longstanding epicenter of global manufacturing—adopting sustainable sourcing practices has become not just a reputational advantage but a strategic necessity....

Rethinking the Trade-Off: Quality and Cost in China Sourcing

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Imagine this: Years ago, an importer of hunting apparel decided to source a jacket from China using professional China sourcing services. The goal? A durable outerwear piece with a faux leather shoulder patch. But when the samples arrived, the sourcing team had not only beaten the target price—they had used...

Rethinking Your China Strategy? Read This First

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As global supply chains evolve, many companies are looking to reduce their reliance on China. Whether driven by tariffs, geopolitical tensions, or the need for diversification, one question looms: How can you shift production without sacrificing cost efficiency, stability, or quality? The good news? With the right strategy and effective...

Vietnam: Expanding Beyond China For Sourcing Needs

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For decades, China has been the cornerstone of global manufacturing. Its vast supplier networks, skilled workforce, and unparalleled infrastructure made it the obvious choice for companies seeking cost-effective production. Businesses have long relied on China sourcing services to streamline procurement and production. But as global dynamics shift, so do sourcing...

Offshoring or Local Manufacturing: Key Factors to Consider

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With global inflation and tariffs affecting nearly the entire world, and particularly with volatile logistics and freight costs, more and more people are asking important questions about offshoring and Supply chain management in China: - Does it still make sense to offshore? - Is it worth it? - What factors...

Worried About Trump Tariffs? So Are Your Competitors

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With President-elect Donald Trump proposing across-the-board tariffs of 10% on all imports and 60% on Chinese imports, U.S. businesses are bracing for significant changes in their sourcing and supply chains. These tariffs aim to boost domestic manufacturing and reduce reliance on China. However, historical evidence and expert analyses suggest such...

Understanding the De Minimis Loophole: Who Benefits, Who Loses

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The de minimis loophole has been mentioned frequently in the media lately, and the Biden administration is about to make changes to it. This is an interesting topic. Do you know exactly what it means? In this article, I’ll outline what the terms mean, the origins of this loophole, and...

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