The number of automated micro-fulfillment centers measuring below 50,000 square feet will jump from 86 in 2021 to roughly 7,300 by 2030, according to research by Interact Analysis. Walmart, Tesco and other grocery retailers that want to broaden same-day delivery will drive growth in the short term, while rapid delivery firms such as Delivery Hero and GoPuff will fuel longer-term adoption, the London-based firm predicts.

Trademark filings indicate UPS is preparing to deliver in the metaverse with non-fungible tokens, "virtual goods" and "virtual retail shipping." However, a UPS representative says it's "too early to determine exactly how this technology will fit into our business or commit to any specific plans."

Procurement teams need to look at immediate, short- and long-term strategies for adjusting to the new normal created by the pandemic, war in Ukraine and other recent events, according to this McKinsey analysis. "As procurement demonstrates its value to the enterprise, the stage will be set for procurement leaders to become full-fledged strategic partners to CEOs, CFOs, and COOs," the authors write.

Artificial intelligence and machine learning are poised to improve warehouse robots by enabling them to handle more complex tasks, Matt Kohler of Bastian Solutions and Kevin Reader of Knapp say. "[T]here is consensus that the future of robotic design is not just driven by AI, but that 'cloud is the enabler, data is the driver, and AI is the differentiator,'" Reader says.

Kellogg is boosting the sustainability of its MorningStar Farms brand by making all flexible packaging recyclable and using renewable sources for all of its electricity needs, according to a company statement. The plant-based brand is also sourcing soy ingredients from Benson Hill, which uses as much as 50% less carbon dioxide equivalent and 70% less water in its soy processing compared with traditional methods.

You're more likely to get help at work if you ask one person directly, outline specifically what you need them to do and don't apologize for asking, writes David Burkus. Following up with a thank-you that shares how their help made a difference means they'll be more likely to help again in the future, Burkus writes.

Fear must be divided into two camps: the unhealthy fear of being attacked or punished and the productive "fear of competition, fear of bankruptcy, fear of being wrong and fear of losing," writes Ed Batista, quoting the late Intel CEO Andy Grove. Candor has its limits, but "some leaders tend to reward people who only bring good news -- which means they won't hear bad news until it's too late to do anything about it," Batista writes.

New legislation proposed by Sen. John Barrasso, R-Wyo., would instruct the Department of Energy to focus on building domestic enrichment capabilities for high-assay, low-enriched uranium and provide advanced reactor demonstration projects with enriched uranium from federal stockpiles until commercial HALEU enrichment becomes possible. The bill would give the department until the end of 2027 to create a HALEU reserve and develop domestic commercial HALEU production capabilities of at least 22 short tons per year.

Companies' efforts to increase inventory levels and other economic factors are creating strong demand for industrial properties owned by entities such as Prologis. Warehouse rents were up 11% in 2021, and JLL's data shows that logistics vacancies fell under 4% for the first time in the US last year.

Pandemic-related supply chain issues have led to shortages of some baby formulas, with 29% of the most popular ones unavailable in mid-March, compared with 11% in November, according to a Datasembly analysis. The report also found that nearly one-third of formula was out of stock in the middle of March in 24 US states, and the situation was even worse in other states.

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