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 261

Forecasting Forecasting Software Modeling Optimal Sourcing 261

DELMIA Quintiq

NOVEMBER 17, 2020

New technologies revolutionizing transportation are creating tremendous opportunities but also unprecedented challenges for tire manufacturers. Supply chain optimization is essential to achieve this and can help tire manufacturing companies deliver significant reductions in supply chain costs and improvements in service levels.

Optimal Sourcing 296

Optimal Sourcing Manufacturing Procurement Supply Chain Optimization Supply Chain Planning Software 296

ToolsGroup

NOVEMBER 2, 2020

Melitta Sales Europe (MSE) embarked on an initiative to revamp existing planning and forecasting processes to increase efficiency and sustainability. The process brings together all the plans for the business (sales, marketing, development, manufacturing, sourcing, and financial) into one integrated set of plans.”

Forecasting 287

Forecasting Forecasting Software Optimal Sourcing S&OP 287

ToolsGroup

JUNE 17, 2021

Distribution industry supply chains have always been squeezed between manufacturers and their customers; facing increased competitive threats, escalating SKU counts, and expanding ecommerce. Accurate forecasting of uncertain demand. It goes beyond the “demand forecast number” to the probability of demand in any given time period.

Forecasting 295

Forecasting Forecasting Software Modeling Supply Chain Planning Software 295

ToolsGroup

MARCH 18, 2025

Yet many organizations still rely on outdated demand forecasting methods that fail to address the long tail phenomenon , resulting in inventory imbalances excess stock in some locations and critical shortages in others. If your business is still guessing at demand instead of optimizing it, youre sacrificing more than efficiency.

Supply Chain Planning Software 156

Supply Chain Planning Software Optimal Sourcing Inventory Reduction Waste Reduction 156

Logistics Viewpoints

JUNE 29, 2023

It is crucial for organizations to understand the importance of Purchase Order collaboration to effectively manage their direct spend, optimize operations, and mitigate risks. Make to Order: Here, products are manufactured based on specific customer orders.

Manufacturing Procurement 260

Manufacturing Procurement Procurement Analytics Material Savings Inventory Reduction 260

Logistics Viewpoints

FEBRUARY 24, 2025

Production plans might be locked for as long as a month, regardless of how accurate the forecast was. That supply planning application needs to be integrated into an array of internal systems ERP, transportation management, warehouse management, procurement, and other applications. That makes the integration even more difficult.

Supply Chain Planning Software 275

Supply Chain Planning Software Prescriptive Analytics Software Agile and Lean Supply Chain Modeling 275

Supply Chain Shaman

FEBRUARY 4, 2025

Process-based companies continue to focus on manufacturing efficiency (OEE) and discrete on procurement (PPV) without designing the supply chain to balance transportation, manufacturing, and procurement to a balanced scorecard. Functional Metrics and the Lack of Alignment to Strategy. The Lovefest with Shiny Objects.

Supply Chain Design Software 221

Supply Chain Design Software Price Reduction Cost Reduction Strategies Supply Chain Planning Software 221

Logistics Viewpoints

JUNE 7, 2021

The implementation also involves leveraging weather data to improve forecasting. Gijs Majoor, vice president of supply chain and sustainable fuels, and Jacob Gladysz, the director of logistics explained the Pinnacle Propane business and their journey to improve their forecasting. Forecasting is harder there. This is also rare.

Forecasting 242

Forecasting Forecasting Software Modeling Optimal Sourcing 242

ToolsGroup

OCTOBER 14, 2024

Moreover, maintaining optimal service levels while balancing inventory costs is a delicate act that requires sophisticated forecasting and inventory management techniques, underlining the importance of advanced spare parts management solutions.

Inventory Reduction 156

Inventory Reduction Negotiating Skills Optimal Sourcing Cost Reduction Strategies 156

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. What Is a Forecast Anyway? A forecast is not a forecast.

Supply and Demand 372

Supply and Demand Modeling Demand Planning Supply Chain Planning Software 372

ToolsGroup

MARCH 14, 2025

Yet many organizations still rely on outdated demand forecasting methods that fail to address the long tail phenomenon , resulting in inventory imbalances excess stock in some locations and critical shortages in others. If your business is still guessing at demand instead of optimizing it, youre sacrificing more than efficiency.

Optimal Sourcing 156

Optimal Sourcing Supply Chain Planning Software Optimization Software Inventory Reduction 156

RFgen

DECEMBER 19, 2024

Keep in mind that a WMS may not be enough and you might need to add an Inventory Management System (IMS) , which focuses specifically on optimizing inventory levels, forecasting demand, and preventing stockouts or overstocking. Data-driven forecasting improves purchasing and cuts storage expenses.

Optimal Sourcing 95

Optimal Sourcing Optimization Software Waste Reduction Inventory Reduction 95

RFgen

DECEMBER 27, 2024

Running a manufacturing business isn’t easy. That’s where a manufacturing ERP comes in. Manufacturing ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) software integrates all your core business processes into one powerful platform. It’s a lot to handle. Let’s get started.

Supply Chain Planning Software 97

Supply Chain Planning Software Supply Chain Design Software Manufacturing Procurement Inventory Management Software 97

Logistics Viewpoints

APRIL 1, 2021

In a previous post , I made a case for how the Chief Supply Chain Officer (CSCO) and Chief Procurement Officer (CPO) are smarter together. Accordingly Supply Chain and Procurement will need continuous collaboration. Such sourcing events can be in the context of direct materials or logistics capacity.

Optimal Sourcing 268

Optimal Sourcing Manufacturing Procurement Procurement Analytics Procurement Solutions 268

Supply Chain Shaman

NOVEMBER 9, 2023

Traditionally, the definition of end-to-end supply chain planning meant: Forecasting based on order or shipment patterns. Forecast consumption into supply planning based on rules (rules-based-consumption). Translation of the demand forecast into planned orders to minimize manufacturing constraints.

Optimal Sourcing 348

Optimal Sourcing Supply Chain Planning Software Manufacturing Procurement Modeling 348

Logistics Viewpoints

DECEMBER 2, 2024

The high-tech firm is more than a manufacturer of PCs, tablets, smartphones, and servers. The company has more than 2000 suppliers and operates over 30 manufacturing sites. It might highlight logistics jams, manufacturing capacity, quality issues, or procurement cost trends. Factories serve local markets.

Supply Chain Planning Software 267

Supply Chain Planning Software Supply Chain Planning Supply Chain Software Supply Chain Network Software 267

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. Despite spending 1.1%

Supply Chain Planning Software 360

Supply Chain Planning Software Procurement Analytics Supply Chain Performance Manufacturing Procurement 360

Supply Chain Shaman

DECEMBER 28, 2020

The first story is about a large regional food manufacturer. The SAS forecasting system implemented in 2019 was not tested for model accuracy. An example for this client would be to use 2017 and 2018 history to forecast 2019. So, I asked the questions, “Is your data forecastable? Let’s Be Customer Centric.

Supply Chain Planning Software 418

Supply Chain Planning Software Forecasting Forecasting Software Modeling 418

RFgen

DECEMBER 19, 2024

Scaling manufacturing operations is crucial for business growth but presents unique challenges. Balancing increased demand with consistent quality and controlled costs is difficult but essential for manufacturers looking to expand. Successfully scaling manufacturing requires more than just adding resources.

Material Savings 82

Material Savings Sourcing Strategies Resource Reduction Inventory Reduction 82

Enterra Insights

DECEMBER 17, 2024

They write, “This includes tackling bigger issues such as compliance, supplier relationship management, risk and disruption, responsible sourcing, and transparency. “Sophisticated predictive analytics tools process sales data, seasonal trends, and market fluctuations to forecast demand accurately.

Optimal Sourcing 130

Optimal Sourcing Supply Chain Optimization Modeling Optimization Software 130

Logistics Viewpoints

FEBRUARY 20, 2024

Assumptions around demand are in the center here because, unlike all other main components, they are the most difficult to forecast. Another strategy is to dedicate resources and build the best algorithm for demand forecasting. This means that pouring resources into better forecasting will not produce the anticipated result.

Sourcing Strategies 293

Sourcing Strategies Supply Chain Design Software Modeling Inventory Reduction 293

Logistics Viewpoints

DECEMBER 14, 2023

And even before they begin, they must realize these problems are too big for any single team—supply chain must connect with finance and procurement to treat the n-tier suppliers as an extended part of their network and become their preferred customer. By identifying these gaps, you can create sourcing events to close them.

Supply Chain Design Software 311

Supply Chain Design Software Optimal Sourcing Modeling Supply Chain Planning Software 311

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. Instead, we need to Jump.

Inventory Reduction 402

Inventory Reduction Supply Chain Planning Software Cost Reduction Strategies Supply Chain Design Software 402

Supply Chain Shaman

JUNE 3, 2024

similarly, over 95% of manufacturers invested and implemented supply chain planning, but their primary tool today is Excel. This technique has been very useful for retail store inventory and MRO where demand is lumpy, latent, and difficult to forecast. ” Does the Dog Hunt? Makes sense. So, my conclusion? So, does this dog hunt?

Supply Chain Planning Software 341

Supply Chain Planning Software Supply Chain Design Software Modeling Software Forecasting Software 341

QAD

FEBRUARY 4, 2025

For 58 years, food and beverage and consumer goods manufacturers have battled for dominance, from chips and wings to soda, beer, party supplies, and even aluminum foil for food storage and DIY trophies. Manufacturers that dont plan ahead will lose the game. That takes a data-driven approach to forecasting, procurement and distribution.

Manufacturing Procurement 52

Manufacturing Procurement Beverage Inventory Reduction Optimal Sourcing 52

Supply Chain Shaman

DECEMBER 7, 2023

Today, I speak at the North American Manufacturing Association, Manufacturing Leadership Conference, in Nashville on the use of data to improve supply chain resilience. Expand the “FLOW” program for logistics information sharing to forecast transportation flow. The result was restatement. My conclusion?

Supply Chain Design Software 315

Supply Chain Design Software Supply Chain Planning Software Modeling Supply Chain Software 315

ivalua

NOVEMBER 8, 2022

US Government Passes the CHIPS Act to Increase Semiconductor Manufacturing and Research. The CHIPS Act was created in response to pandemic-induced shortages of semiconductors and other critical manufacturing supplies, causing widespread disruption to supply chains across the country. . Part A: Manufacturing in the U.S.

Manufacturing Procurement 223

Manufacturing Procurement Manufacturing South Korea Supply Chain Planning Software 223

SYSPRO Smarter ERP

MARCH 13, 2025

Advances in automation, sensors, analytics, and other technologies have made significant changes in manufacturing. A modern manufacturing ERP system will make use of these technologies so that their benefits can be realized. Two major transformational changes have occurred in manufacturing.

Manufacturing Procurement 52

Manufacturing Procurement Optimal Sourcing Supply Chain Planning Software Supply Chain Design Software 52

Logistics Viewpoints

APRIL 10, 2023

Or, alternatively, a company carries too much inventory, storage for excess inventory must be purchased, and cash flows become tight. The Franklin Sports Supply Chain 75% of Franklin Sports goods products, by revenue, are produced by third party contract manufacturers. 25% of the products are purchased and then kitted by the company.

Security 264

Security Supply Chain Planning Jordan Forecasting 264

Logistics Viewpoints

FEBRUARY 28, 2022

Machine Learning, a Form of Artifical Intelligence, Has Feedback Loops that Improve Forecasting. Having an agent detect how long it takes to ship from a supplier site to a manufacturing facility, and then doing a running calculation on how the average lead time is changing, is trivial math. But that was pre-COVID.

Optimal Sourcing 353

Optimal Sourcing Supply Chain Planning Software Supply Chain Design Software Supply Chain Planning 353

ToolsGroup

SEPTEMBER 30, 2024

This sector is driven by several factors, including the ageing vehicle population, the rise of e-commerce platforms , and technological advancements in vehicle manufacturing. Moreover, the proliferation of e-commerce is reshaping how aftermarket products are purchased.

Manufacturing Procurement 156

Manufacturing Procurement Optimization Software Supply Chain Planning Software ToolsGroup 156

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 92

Sourcing Strategies Inventory Reduction Waste Reduction Expense Reduction 92

Logistics Viewpoints

MARCH 17, 2022

It is one of those high-end brands with global recognition, and to my surprise, the manufacturer’s own website did not have any stock and no indication on when it would be available. Automated forecasting processes. I recently changed continents and realized that my favorite hair styler wouldn’t work in the U.S.,

Supply Chain Planning Software 327

Supply Chain Planning Software Forecasting Software Analytics Software Supply Chain Network Software 327

DELMIA Quintiq

SEPTEMBER 16, 2021

Meeting these objectives, on top of addressing existing industry challenges, requires steel manufacturing companies to become more efficient and flexible in their operations—and this means optimizing their master production schedules. As your steel manufacturing operations transform, so too will the complexity of your planning needs.

Optimal Sourcing 287

Optimal Sourcing Supply Chain Optimization Network Optimization Optimization Software 287

Supply Chain Shaman

JANUARY 25, 2024

My definition of a network is the bi-directional information exchange of manufacturing, procurement, quality, and transportation signals across multiple tiers of trading partners in a many-to-many trading partner information exchange with minimal latency. Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) does not meet this definition.

Supply Chain Network Software 272

Supply Chain Network Software Manufacturing Procurement Inventory Reduction Purchasing Skills 272

Jaggaer

FEBRUARY 5, 2025

What Is Strategic Sourcing? A Complete Guide Strategic sourcing is a data-driven approach to securing the best value for your organization from its strategic suppliers. It is called strategic because it replaces traditional ad hoc approaches to sourcing, which were almost entirely focused on cost savings, item by item.

Negotiating Skills 52

Negotiating Skills Sourcing Strategies Purchasing Skills Optimal Sourcing 52