Supply Chain Shaman

DECEMBER 28, 2020

By combining leadership and technology, I believed that we had the opportunity to create a better supply chain. The gap is the result of the stewpot of corporate politics, misguided consultants, and over-hyped technologies. The first story is about a large regional food manufacturer. My focus was simple. I was wrong. The reason?

Supply Chain Planning Software 418

Supply Chain Planning Software Forecasting Forecasting Software Modeling 418

RFgen

DECEMBER 4, 2024

Supply chain efficiency is the cornerstone of success and involves the effective management of processes, resources, and technologies from procurement to production, transportation to warehousing. In the automotive sector, manufacturers are simultaneously reducing inventory costs and delivery times.

Sourcing Strategies 96

Sourcing Strategies Inventory Reduction Waste Reduction Expense Reduction 96

Logistics Viewpoints

MARCH 27, 2023

When it comes to running a company, when things break down executives have traditionally said “we need to improve our forecasting!” Would better forecasting accuracy be a good thing? Unfortunately, most companies cannot, and will never be able to, consistently rely on highly accurate forecasts. Absolutely!

Forecasting 276

Forecasting Forecasting Software Modeling Optimal Sourcing 276

Logistics Viewpoints

MARCH 9, 2023

Commerce is global and regional at the same time, the world is getting smaller and more interconnected, and Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) manufacturers operate in this build-anywhere and sell-anywhere market. End-to-end supply chain visibility, planning, and execution support software are critical in agile supply chain performance.

Supply Chain Planning Software 288

Supply Chain Planning Software Modeling Forecasting Software Optimization Software 288

Logistics Viewpoints

APRIL 10, 2025

When a critical Tier-2 supplier is affected by a tariff policy change or regional shutdown, the ripple effects often catch manufacturers by surprise. All of this points to a larger issue: systems that perform well under stable conditions but lack the flexibility to respond when those conditions change.

Optimal Sourcing 130

Optimal Sourcing Modeling Cost Reduction Strategies Supply Chain Optimization 130

Supply Chain Shaman

APRIL 9, 2021

of revenue on information technology (IT), only six percent of manufacturers drove performance at the intersection of growth and margin. Average performance in 2016-2019 across twenty-seven manufacturing sectors on inventory turns, Return on Invested Capital and operating margin was worse than in 2012-2015. Rise in Inventories.

Supply Chain Planning Software 367

Supply Chain Planning Software Procurement Analytics Supply Chain Performance Manufacturing Procurement 367

Supply Chain Shaman

OCTOBER 11, 2023

Definition As I follow the evolution of supply chain technology, I am struck by what I see as a stream of paradox and anomaly, and the tendency of supply chain leaders to cling to convention. technologies. My observation is that software technology leaders are attempting to make historic practices faster versus redefining capabilities.

Supply Chain Planning Software 404

Supply Chain Planning Software Supply Chain Software Forecasting Software Supply Chain Network Software 404

RFgen

NOVEMBER 13, 2024

It’s like having a magic wand that optimizes inventory levels, prevents shortages, and sharpens your demand forecasting—all from your smartphone. Mobile inventory management is a digital solution that combines a mobile inventory app with cloud-based software to track, manage, and optimize inventory in real-time.

Inventory Management Software 96

Inventory Management Software Real-time Visibility Inventory Reduction Inventory Management 96

RFgen

NOVEMBER 27, 2024

Connected technology transforms traditional supply chains into dynamic systems capable of real-time decisions and proactive problem-solving. Demand Forecasting: Analyze past data to predict future needs. Route Optimization: Calculate the most efficient delivery routes based on several factors.

Optimal Sourcing 98

Optimal Sourcing Supply Chain Optimization Modeling Inventory Reduction 98

Supply Chain Shaman

MARCH 21, 2024

During the 1980s, I was on a management team for a large manufacturer. The Company was attempting to gain economies of scale by grouping manufacturing technologies within a common infrastructure to reap the benefits of a co-generation facility, a centralized warehouse, and a talented administrative team.

Inventory Reduction 417

Inventory Reduction Supply Chain Planning Software Cost Reduction Strategies Supply Chain Design Software 417

Supply Chain Shaman

JANUARY 2, 2023

A large consumer products manufacturer with nine Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) instances and several divisions wanted to discuss forecasting. The team was not calibrated on the role of forecasting and the basics around process excellence. ” The next call was with a technology provider. Bear with me.

Supply and Demand 391

Supply and Demand Modeling Demand Planning Supply Chain Planning Software 391

Logistics Viewpoints

JULY 18, 2022

Driving an excellent supply chain depends on how people are recruited and managed, processes, and the technology used. In the annual report where they report on their key performance indicators (KPIs), they don’t just report on core financial metrics and the NPS, they also have people metrics. The company recorded 1.9

Supply Chain Design Software 305

Supply Chain Design Software Supply Chain Planning Software Supply Chain Software Network Design Software 305

Logility

JULY 20, 2023

Good forecasting leads to good demand planning —and good demand planning means better profitability. That’s why it’s essential to be sure you’re equipping your organization with the right demand planning software. Here are our answers to some of the most common questions about demand planning software.

Supply and Demand 185

Supply and Demand Supply Chain Planning Software Demand Planning Software Forecasting Software 185

SYSPRO Smarter ERP

APRIL 8, 2025

In manufacturing, performance improvement, cost reduction and process optimization are crucial. Manufacturers have adopted innovative solutions and technologies to deal with these issues. There is no question that AI and ML will have important roles in shaping the future of manufacturing ERP. What is AI and ML?

Supply Chain Design Software 52

Supply Chain Design Software Modeling Software Forecasting Software Modeling 52

Logility

JUNE 23, 2023

That’s precisely what demand forecasting feels like for many businesses today. Enter causal forecasting. Unfortunately, many companies hesitate to use causal forecasting, thinking it’s too complicated or resource-hungry. What is Causal Forecasting? That’s where causal forecasting comes into play.

Forecasting 190

Forecasting Forecasting Software Modeling Predictive Analytics Software 190

Logistics Viewpoints

JULY 10, 2024

For companies with any complexity surrounding products, channels, or customers, no IBP process can be considered robust without employing SCP tools. Supply Planning Supply planning systems create models that allow a company to understand capacity and other constraints it has in producing goods or fulfilling orders.

Supply Chain Planning Software 320

Supply Chain Planning Software Supply Chain Planning Scenario Planning Modeling 320

ToolsGroup

AUGUST 20, 2019

They say usage of SCP BPO increased about 25% this year, driven by challenges with end users’ talent retention, technology constraints, and inefficient planning processes. Gartner says that the most common outsourced SCP processes are inventory management, statistical forecasting and service parts planning. versus $4.84

Supply Chain Planning Software 214

Supply Chain Planning Software Supply Chain Planning Gartner Supply Chain Software 214

Supply Chain Shaman

FEBRUARY 18, 2021

The systems–based on shipment and order data–were out of step with the market. With fixed models and hard-wired data feeds, teams could not adjust the planning systems to use consumption data or market indicators. Advanced planning evolved with a focus on modeling manufacturing constraints. The reason?

Supply Chain Planning Software 303

Supply Chain Planning Software Supply Chain Design Software Supply and Demand Procurement Analytics 303

Supply Chain Shaman

JULY 25, 2021

Implementation of Sales Forecasting. The focus on sales forecasting started shortly after Y2k. Few companies measured the impact on error and bias through the rigor of Forecast Value Added (FVA) analysis. While the input from sales on market trends is invaluable, sales should never be asked to forecast. The reason?

Procurement Analytics 370

Procurement Analytics Supply Chain Design Software Agile and Lean Supply Chain Supply Chain Planning Software 370

Logistics Viewpoints

JULY 22, 2021

While the terminology evolved, the underlying thesis of S&OP has stayed the same, i.e., bridge the divide between sales forecasts and operational plans while respecting the budget. More recently the technology has evolved to a point where such processes can be conducted at a faster cadence than a typical monthly cadence that was the norm.

S&OP 290

S&OP Supply and Demand Optimal Sourcing Supply Chain Design Software 290

Logistics Viewpoints

SEPTEMBER 19, 2023

Management practices such as lean manufacturing and just-in-time inventory management, along with globalization, have made tremendous impact on cost and service, but have accentuated risk. Metrics such as lead-times, forecast accuracy, inventory levels, and service are used to measure operational risks. are most exposed to risk?

Supply Chain Design Software 299

Supply Chain Design Software Supply Chain Design Supply Chain Planning Software Supply Chain Software 299

The Logistics of Logistics

JUNE 14, 2024

Karl is the CEO and Co-founder of Pull Logic , an AI-enabled tech company focused on reducing lost sales for retailers, brands, and manufacturers due failure points in the supply chain and selling processes. Understand the concept of creating a pull system rather than the traditional push system in inventory management.

Inventory Reduction 264

Inventory Reduction Inventory Inventory Management Software Modeling 264

Logistics Viewpoints

JUNE 1, 2023

Recessionary environments cause disruptions in the manufacturing industry around the globe, leading to long lead times, shortages, rising prices, and complications in transportation lines. And future supply chains will rely on effective data collection, advanced analytics, automation, and control towers augmented with AI/ML technology.

Supply Chain Planning Software 277

Supply Chain Planning Software Supply Chain Design Software Supply Chain Planning Supply Chain Software 277

Logistics Viewpoints

DECEMBER 8, 2022

Transportation execution solutions allow shippers to connect to multiple carriers and then tender, track, and pay in the system. Headquartered in Waterloo, Ontario, Canada, Descartes is a global leader in providing on-demand, SaaS solutions focused on improving the productivity, performance, and security of logistics-intensive businesses.

Rail Software 285

Rail Software Real-time Visibility Supply Chain Network Software Supply Chain Planning Software 285

Logistics Viewpoints

JULY 19, 2021

A pound of apples costs about the same as a pound of steel, yet steel is a complex product produced using high-tech metallurgical and manufacturing processes. IBP is a multifunctional planning process that includes sales, marketing, demand planners, manufacturing, and finance. A ton of steel can cost as little as $700.

Supply Chain Planning Software 290

Supply Chain Planning Software Scenario Planning Supply Chain Planning Negotiating Skills 290

Supply Chain Shaman

SEPTEMBER 17, 2014

There are three reasons why: Vertical excellence—having the best manufacturing, procurement or transportation function—has not worked. A big bang technology focus has not worked. Enlightened leadership that focuses on the management of the supply chain as a complex system. Aligned Metrics. Outside-in Processes.

Optimal Sourcing 308

Optimal Sourcing Supply Chain Design Software Supply Chain Planning Software Manufacturing Procurement 308

Logistics Viewpoints

OCTOBER 4, 2021

A study by E2open – the 2021 Forecasting and Inventory Benchmark Study: Supply Chain Performance During the Covid-19 Pandemic – provides the answers. Benchmarking the forecasting process is difficult. Forecasting Accuracy Was Terrible . No matter what kind of demand planning solution was used, forecasting accuracy dropped.

Supply Chain Performance 290

Supply Chain Performance Inventory Reduction Cost Reduction Strategies Supply and Demand 290

Logistics Viewpoints

JUNE 29, 2023

By fostering collaboration across all stakeholders, including suppliers, manufacturers, and logistics providers, companies can enhance visibility, streamline processes, and proactively address disruptions. Make to Order: Here, products are manufactured based on specific customer orders.

Manufacturing Procurement 275

Manufacturing Procurement Procurement Analytics Material Savings Inventory Reduction 275

Supply Chain Shaman

OCTOBER 29, 2014

The second step is usually a large implementation of a technology project–Enterprise Resource Planning, Customer Relationship Planning or Analytics. The first evolution of technologies were built by best-of-breed solution vendors. This new solution was favored by the Information Technology (IT) organization.

Supply Chain Planning Software 320

Supply Chain Planning Software Modeling Demand Planning Software Optimization Software 320

Logistics Viewpoints

FEBRUARY 16, 2021

In a survey of 150 global manufacturing executives, 47% committed to improving supply chain visibility and tracking. According to the Global Supply Chain Disruption and Future Strategies Survey Report, this goal was the top-ranked planned tool investment. What is supply chain visibility? Sightlines for success.

Supply Chain Visibility 331

Supply Chain Visibility Agile and Lean Supply Chain Supply Chain Planning Software Scenario Planning 331

BlueYonder

APRIL 8, 2025

The traditional metrics of excellence cost efficiency, on-time delivery while still important, are no longer sufficient in an era defined by volatility, complexity and political changes. The convergence of artificial intelligence and digital networking technologies is fundamentally reshaping our operating models.

Supply Chain Network Software 86

Supply Chain Network Software Supply Chain Planning Software Network Optimization Supply Chain Design Software 86

Supply Chain Shaman

NOVEMBER 15, 2021

Self-reported projections of the ocean carriers forecast that the industry is posting over $200B in profits. Especially grievous are the gaps between finance and operations, manufacturing and procurement, and the operations and commercial teams. Today, we are nearing the end of the fourth quarter of corporate reporting.

Supply Chain Design Software 303

Supply Chain Design Software Supply Chain Planning Software Sourcing Strategies Supply and Demand 303

Logistics Viewpoints

FEBRUARY 21, 2022

What follows are some key things a newcomer to the supply chain profession, or an interested reader of news headlines, needs to know about SCP technologies, processes, and roles. The key solutions are demand forecasting/inventory optimization, supply planning, and network design. Supply chain planning is a complex solution. No plan is.

Supply Chain Planning Software 325

Supply Chain Planning Software Supply Chain Planning Scenario Planning Modeling 325

Supply Chain Shaman

DECEMBER 23, 2014

At that time, manufacturers talked about customer-centric supply chains, but were afraid to aggressively adopt ecommerce strategies. Manufacturers, today, are aggressively pursuing e-commerce strategies. Some of the packages on the trucks moving right now are the first shipments of Metrics that Matter. This has changed.

Packaging 292

Packaging Inventory Reduction Supply Chain Design Software San Francisco 292

Logistics Viewpoints

APRIL 26, 2021

For example, a vaccine manufacturer increased their order size by a factor of four in one weekend; a video call company wanted to receive ten times as much product as they initially forecast with just a month’s lead-time. The company has grown very quickly based on their differentiated technology. The Pure Storage Supply Chain.

Supply Chain Design Software 298

Supply Chain Design Software Manufacturing Procurement Supply Chain Planning Software Czech Republic 298

Logistics Viewpoints

MAY 19, 2022

Operational innovations like the invention of containers led to the huge growth in global value chains, and today 95% of manufactured goods move on ships. Work planners previously did manually can be calculated by software. But advances in this area have two limitations – the software itself and our ever-changing world.

Optimal Sourcing 306

Optimal Sourcing Modeling Supply Chain Optimization Optimization Software 306

RFgen

JANUARY 8, 2025

Modern medical inventory software offers a transformative solution, moving beyond outdated methods like spreadsheets and manual counts to provide real-time visibility and automated alerts. Medical inventory software provides this level of control, improving efficiency and directly impacting patient well-being.

Inventory Management Software 52

Inventory Management Software Inventory Reduction Optimization Software Supply Chain Planning Software 52