Though the global economy remains in a tenuous state, a recent report by the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals found that logistics operations around the United States are in a slow but steady pattern of recovery. The study found areas from inventory to transit seeing boosts.
According to the new research, U.S. companies spent 6.6 percent more on logistics processes in 2011 than 2010. The market made up 8.5 percent of the U.S. gross domestic product and featured boosts in revenue for facets such as railroads. Inventory levels also rose in the year, which represents a change in inventory management, report authors said.
Supply chain management is a field closely tied to other facets of retail. Companies with an accurate knowledge of the market’s conditions and customer demand can make efficient decisions about manufacturing, shipping and storage.
Where the supply chain will go in the future remains an open question, as retail sales suffered in May. The Commerce Department reported a 0.2 percent sales drop during the month. Businessweek, however, saw potential for future spending among the overall anemic data. The source stated that customers’ willingness to make large purchases in May is encouraging, and lower gas prices could arm buyers with more disposable income.