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On time, or not, that is the question
In many ways, logistics is like a theatre show, particularly when we think about operational and transport planning. Paddy MacBrant explains why.
Ideas & Insights
Our guides, ideas and views. Explore our insights to deliver tangible improvements to your supply chain and logistics operations.
Read More about On time, or not, that is the question
Read More about Fantastic skills and where to find them
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Fantastic skills and where to find them
The magical origins of my title might have evaded some readers, but I stand by the mythical analogy.
Read More about Leading change; how low morale impacts performance amongst teams
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Leading change; how low morale impacts performance amongst teams
Effective leadership in sports teams makes them function well and develops confidence to compete as a single unit, united in their goal to do what it takes to beat the […]
Read More about Working in silos; why businesses need to burst their bubbles
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Working in silos; why businesses need to burst their bubbles
In busy operational environments, one of the challenges we see that hinders the speed and size of payback from new initiatives is teams working with their heads down. They are […]
Read More about Our ethos is based on self-management and mutual trust
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Our ethos is based on self-management and mutual trust
Hatmill is ranked the No. 1 Best Workplace™ in the Small size category. Founder Simon Dixon explains why.
Read More about A marathon, not a race
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A marathon, not a race
Aaron Thomas, Consultant at Logistics and Supply Chain Consultancy, discusses the urgency of Net Zero, and how to achieve it.
Read More about Improve your supply chain project results: Focusing on capacity & capability
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Improve your supply chain project results: Focusing on capacity & capability
A vital, yet often forgotten, element of delivering benefits from a project is making sure the organisation as a whole is ready for it. Projects can be compared to a journey, […]
Read More about Q&A with founder Simon Dixon: Does an organisation without hierarchy really work?
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Q&A with founder Simon Dixon: Does an organisation without hierarchy really work?
Hatmill is at the forefront of automation in the supply chain and manages projects with a total CAPEX value of over £1.5bn. Clients include Asda, Greggs and Royal Mail. But […]
Read More about Starting your career in a company with no hierarchy
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Starting your career in a company with no hierarchy
Katie Nickmans, Consultant at Hatmill Logistics and Supply Chain, talks to some of the young professionals of Hatmill about their journey into the world of logistics, working at a consultancy […]
Read More about Eight steps to beat peak fatigue
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Eight steps to beat peak fatigue
Nik Pamplin suggests eight steps to navigate the difficult peak period, and ensure a successful next season.
Read More about Peak trading: Nothing else can drive such terror into the hearts of logisticians
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Peak trading: Nothing else can drive such terror into the hearts of logisticians
This month, it felt topical to share a couple of articles on the most dreaded of dark arts – planning for peak (and recovering afterwards!). Nothing else can drive such […]
Read More about When forecasts speak a different language
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When forecasts speak a different language
In the battle for top-down versus bottom-up forecasting, the victim is a pragmatic, planning forecast that helps to better plan labour, space and resource. The solution? Purpose-led forecasting.
Read More about We live and breathe delivery – it is the underlying rhythm of our industry
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We live and breathe delivery – it is the underlying rhythm of our industry
Logistics and supply chain has always been focussed on delivery. As practitioners we are tasked with delivering to our customers on time and in full, within (and preferably under!) budget.
Read More about What is the smart way to manage increasing supply chain costs?
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What is the smart way to manage increasing supply chain costs?
Covid, Brexit and the war in Ukraine have brought about a perfect storm for supply chains. Covid has led to seismic changes in shopping behaviour, accelerating online sales by the […]
Read More about “For people who don’t know which direction to go, there is only one direction: To stay where they are.”
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“For people who don’t know which direction to go, there is only one direction: To stay where they are.”
Mehmet Murat ildan is not a supply chain professional, and I doubt he’s been quoted in this publication before, but the contemporary playwright’s commentary on the folly of undirected endeavour […]
Read More about How to have valuable engagement with automation suppliers from the get-go
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How to have valuable engagement with automation suppliers from the get-go
The white-hot warehouse automation market may have cooled slightly, but forecasters still expect significant growth – you will need to have a clear, well executed brief to get warehouse automation […]
Read More about Change is a Constant – speaking at the UKWA conference
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Change is a Constant – speaking at the UKWA conference
Linzi Parry, Hatmill’s change and transformation expert was asked to moderate the panel session ‘Change is a Constant’ at the recent UKWA Conference. Panellists included: Adam Jones, Carlton Forest Group […]
Read More about 5S and the warehouse: a practical 5S approach to deliver a best-in-class operating warehouse and workplace
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5S and the warehouse: a practical 5S approach to deliver a best-in-class operating warehouse and workplace
The COVID-19 pandemic crisis has put significant pressure on supply chains – forcing organisations to reassess their warehouse and estate strategy to meet unprecedented demand. Ensuring a world class warehouse […]
Read More about Warehouse automation – getting it right
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Warehouse automation – getting it right
Covid & Brexit are exacerbating labour shortages, companies are looking to automation as an answer
Read More about Taking your people with you: Manage change to accelerate ROI on supply chain and logistics automation
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Taking your people with you: Manage change to accelerate ROI on supply chain and logistics automation
Adapting your supply chain to meet current challenges and be fit for the future is a significant investment; don’t let the change overwhelm your teams.
Read More about Flow Rooms: Getting More From Warehouse Automation
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Flow Rooms: Getting More From Warehouse Automation
A high performing flow room brings rigour and confidence to all aspects of warehouse operations.
Read More about Ask the expert: Building resilience in supply chains
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Ask the expert: Building resilience in supply chains
Simon Dixon, CEO of Hatmill, looks at how to adapt supply chains and warehouse operations to build resilience in the wake of Covid and Brexit.
Read More about Don’t plan warehouse automation in a silo – automation touches every part of your organisation
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Don’t plan warehouse automation in a silo – automation touches every part of your organisation
When you’re thinking about automating your warehouse or supply chain, you’re impacting every part of your organisation, says Terry Murphy, consultant at Hatmill.
Read More about Greener Transport Logistics: 10 things to think about when making your transport logistics operation carbon neutral
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Greener Transport Logistics: 10 things to think about when making your transport logistics operation carbon neutral
Climate Change has been at the forefront of the conversation about transportation and logistics for some time. Change is coming and we all need to be ready for it. With […]
Read More about In 2021 flexibility is the key to solving supply chain challenges
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In 2021 flexibility is the key to solving supply chain challenges
In conversation with procurement consultancy firm Proxima, Hatmill’s founder Simon Dixon discusses how supply chain challenges posed by COVID-19 and Brexit will continue into 2021. Embracing technology and automation, and […]
Read More about How do organisations approach demand forecasting?
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How do organisations approach demand forecasting?
A few weeks ago, we published a series of LinkedIn polls to discover more about how organisations approached their demand forecasting.
Read More about Pop-up warehousing – creating online shopping fulfilment capacity, and fast
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Pop-up warehousing – creating online shopping fulfilment capacity, and fast
Traditionally supply chains require large budgets and take time to build capacity, but online shopping demands are here with us now. Is this a short-term phenomenon or an emerging trend? […]
Read More about M5 – are we forecasting for forecasting sake?
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M5 – are we forecasting for forecasting sake?
Can we apply outcomes from the M5 forecasting competition to real world supply chains?
Read More about Challenging, rewarding, defying the impossible: Building a supply chain network to deliver PPE to the front line.
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Challenging, rewarding, defying the impossible: Building a supply chain network to deliver PPE to the front line.
I’ve just finished a 14-week spell working to build a network to deliver #PPE to the @NHS. I can honestly say it was the hardest yet most rewarding job I […]
Read More about Preparing Your Supply Chains for the Logistics of Brexit
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Preparing Your Supply Chains for the Logistics of Brexit
With many businesses still reeling from the impact of COVID 19 on their supply chains and their business, there’s another major wave coming on the horizon – Brexit.
Read More about Demand Forecasting after COVID Lockdown
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Demand Forecasting after COVID Lockdown
Supply chain forum, the Intent Group, held a Covid huddle on managing demand & supply as we move into the next phase of the pandemic and towards a “new normal”. […]
Read More about When Lockdowns End: Preparing to Remobilise Your Supply Chain
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When Lockdowns End: Preparing to Remobilise Your Supply Chain
There’s no doubt that businesses large and small have been reeling from the impact of COVID-19 and trying to manage the impact on their business. Many are now turning their […]
Read More about Forecasting demand post COVID? 3 things management teams should do
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Forecasting demand post COVID? 3 things management teams should do
Being prepared for life post lockdown is where forecasting becomes paramount. A few connections have been asking me “How can you forecast COVID19?”. And there’s one simple answer: “You can’t!” […]
Read More about What is Demand Forecasting? And other common forecasting questions
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What is Demand Forecasting? And other common forecasting questions
Why forecast demand? How? And what’s the difference between forecasting and planning? Your questions answered…