Logistics Viewpoints

FEBRUARY 25, 2025

The manufacturing sector is facing unprecedented volatility in global trade, with tariffs becoming the latest in a series of uncertainty drivers that are impacting virtually all industries. Manufacturing plants are deeply entrenched; tied to infrastructure, suppliers, skilled labor, and regulatory requirements.

Manufacturing Procurement 253

Manufacturing Procurement Inventory Reduction Price Reduction Material Savings 253

Supply Chain Shaman

APRIL 2, 2025

The issue is that when companies optimize functional metrics, they throw the supply chain out of balance and sub-optimize value. Traditional approaches built optimization on top of relational databases. This shift improves modeling options and the use of disparate data. Supply chain leaders love bright and shiny objects.

Optimal Sourcing 195

Optimal Sourcing Supply Chain Planning Software Modeling Supply Chain Design Software 195

Logistics Viewpoints

FEBRUARY 24, 2025

They offer software systems and technology for complex integration, rapid application development, and advanced analytics and sell those solutions to companies that need to accelerate optimized business outcomes. Further, each product a manufacturer produces usually has different end-to-end supply chain partners.

Supply Chain Planning Software 297

Supply Chain Planning Software Prescriptive Analytics Software Agile and Lean Supply Chain Supply Chain Software 297

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. During COVID, this more agile and resilient model allowed the firm to grow their market share. Factories serve local markets. We operate in many countries.

Supply Chain Planning Software 290

Supply Chain Planning Software Supply Chain Planning Supply Chain Software Supply Chain Network Software 290

ToolsGroup

MARCH 31, 2025

Advanced supply chain planning is being transformed by probabilistic forecasting , which revolutionizes demand forecasting, supply planning, and inventory optimization. Probabilistic demand planning enables businesses to optimize stock levels while reducing costs and improving service levels. The result?

Forecasting 156

Forecasting Supply Chain Planning Software Forecasting Software Supply Chain Planning 156

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. By aligning supply chain and procurement, spend can be considered more holistically.

Optimal Sourcing 291

Optimal Sourcing Manufacturing Procurement Procurement Analytics Procurement Solutions 291

SCMDOJO

JANUARY 9, 2025

Strategic sourcing and innovative solutions are often viewed as two distinct procurement tools, but they should not be seen in isolation. Think of them as apples and gearseach essential and effective on its own, yet when combined; they create a formidable mechanism for achieving procurement excellence.

Optimal Sourcing 98

Optimal Sourcing Manufacturing Procurement Procurement Solutions Negotiating Skills 98

ToolsGroup

MARCH 31, 2025

Probabilistic forecasting is revolutionizing demand forecasting, supply planning, and inventory optimization by significantly improving forecast accuracy and decision-making across distribution networks. Probabilistic demand planning enables businesses to optimize stock levels while reducing costs and improving service levels.

Supply Chain Planning Software 156

Supply Chain Planning Software Forecasting Forecasting Software Inventory Reduction 156

Supply Chain Shaman

NOVEMBER 9, 2023

Translation of the demand forecast into planned orders to minimize manufacturing constraints. Use of optimization to consume planned orders into manufacturing scheduling and distribution requirements planning (including inventory optimization of safety stock). The focus is on functional optimization.

Optimal Sourcing 406

Optimal Sourcing Supply Chain Planning Software Manufacturing Procurement Modeling 406

Logistics Viewpoints

MAY 19, 2022

Supply chain optimization has also improved in significant ways that can address these trade-offs better than before. 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. Supply chain optimization for today’s realities.

Optimal Sourcing 306

Optimal Sourcing Modeling Supply Chain Optimization Optimization Software 306

Supply Chain Shaman

APRIL 18, 2023

During the pandemic, companies struggled with planning systems turning off the optimizers, and using the technology as a system of record. In the face of variability, this is two-to-six weeks too long to make allocation or procurement decisions. Steps to Take Here are three steps to take: Adaptive Modeling. Higher variability.

Supply Chain Planning Software 418

Supply Chain Planning Software Supply Chain Design Software Optimal Sourcing Supply Chain Software 418

Supply Chain Shaman

NOVEMBER 15, 2023

PWC’s Digital Trends in Supply Chain Survey reports that 83% of manufacturers say that supply chain technologies have not delivered the expected results. Let’s zoom to the bottom line: the results are less than optimal for all the monies spent and practices deployed. When he speaks of the supply chain, he means procurement.

Supply Chain Planning Software 419

Supply Chain Planning Software Optimal Sourcing Modeling Forecasting Software 419

RFgen

NOVEMBER 27, 2024

By harnessing the power of data science and analytics, you can gain end-to-end visibility across your entire network, breaking down information silos and optimizing every stage of your operations. Route Optimization: Calculate the most efficient delivery routes based on several factors. Ready to get started? Let’s dive in.

Optimal Sourcing 98

Optimal Sourcing Supply Chain Optimization Modeling Inventory Reduction 98

Logistics Viewpoints

FEBRUARY 26, 2025

Supply chains, which facilitate the movement of products from manufacturers to consumers, have historically encountered issues such as inefficiency, fraud, and a lack of transparency. As Mediledger states The life sciences industry is uniquely complex in how pharmaceutical drugs move from manufacturers to serving patients.

Supply Chain Software 225

Supply Chain Software Pharmaceutical Supply Chain Network Software Optimal Sourcing 225

Supply Chain Shaman

JUNE 9, 2023

The discussions included the pros and cons of probabilistic versus deterministic optimization, advancements in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Deep Learning, and improvements in Machine Learning. Each box has an optimizer that drives output from a model based on a functional definition using enterprise data.

Optimal Sourcing 359

Optimal Sourcing Supply Chain Planning Software Supply and Demand Manufacturing Procurement 359

Supply Chain Shaman

JULY 31, 2024

How should a global manufacturer make a decision? In short, the research tells me that the manufacturing industries are stuck. In contrast, for a global manufacturer, the answer is more complex. Coefficient of Determination or R² measures how well a statistical model predicts an outcome. ) What defines a feasible plan?

Supply Chain Planning Software 413

Supply Chain Planning Software Supply Chain Planning Supply Chain Design Software Scenario Planning 413

Logistics Viewpoints

FEBRUARY 20, 2024

Optimization and simulation are the two main branches of SCND. Optimization accounts for over 90% of all work that is being done by SCND teams. This article describes how to incorporate simulation techniques into optimization, build a stochastic optimization model, and end up with a more resilient supply chain model.

Sourcing Strategies 311

Sourcing Strategies Supply Chain Design Software Modeling Inventory Reduction 311

Supply Chain Shaman

NOVEMBER 21, 2022

” As I dipped my spoon into some scrumptious chestnut soup at a great restaurant, my companion asked, “With the advancements in optimization and self-learning, aren’t we close to having self-driving supply chains?” The perspective of a manufacturing leader is quite different than that of a business leader in logistics.

Supply Chain Planning Software 363

Supply Chain Planning Software Supply Chain Design Software Optimal Sourcing Modeling 363

Supply Chain Shaman

MAY 26, 2023

The basic frame of supply chain planning–functional taxonomies for optimization on a relational database–must be redesigned before supply chain leaders can reap the benefit of deep learning, neural networks, and evolving forms of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Or a unified data model across source, make, and deliver for planning?

Optimal Sourcing 369

Optimal Sourcing Modeling Supply and Demand Manufacturing Procurement 369

Logistics Viewpoints

APRIL 6, 2023

Procurement and Supply Chain Management are essential functions that can help companies navigate these challenges, but they are often siloed and operate in separate departments. Their metrics are often misaligned as well – supply chain focuses on service and procurement focuses on the cost of acquiring materials and services.

Optimal Sourcing 246

Optimal Sourcing Sourcing Strategies Manufacturing Procurement Material Savings 246

ToolsGroup

MAY 30, 2018

There has been a lot of discussion around this topic lately and I wanted to offer a few insights, including around the importance of the data model in high-quality decision making using digital twins. These are virtual counterparts to the physical world that model a product’s uniqueness and its lifecycle.

Modeling 168

Modeling Modeling Software Supply Chain Planning Software Optimization Modeling 168

DELMIA Quintiq

SEPTEMBER 22, 2021

An increasing lineup of advanced digital solutions have given manufacturers the edge to transform and achieve better inventory control. The manufacturing industry is constantly searching for new and inventive ways to improve inventory management. Types of inventory that can be optimized.

Inventory Management Software 294

Inventory Management Software Inventory Reduction Inventory Management Optimal Sourcing 294

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. For this to happen, finance needs to be in lockstep with procurement.

Supply Chain Design Software 325

Supply Chain Design Software Optimal Sourcing Supply Chain Planning Software Modeling 325

Supply Chain Shaman

SEPTEMBER 13, 2023

I know that your primary focus is procurement. The distribution models were never tested when implemented. As a result, after four years of the initial go-live, the team blindly used planning models, distorting the plan. I encourage all to backcast to test and improve their models. The reason? Just ask Anna.

Supply and Demand 431

Supply and Demand Supply Chain Planning Software Modeling Demand Planning 431

ivalua

MAY 6, 2020

The key to Zara’s ability to establish an agile Supply Chain rests on the following unique approaches: Procurement Methodology: Zara’s Procurement team doesn’t work on the number of finished clothes but on the quantity of raw materials needed to manufacture the clothes.

Agile and Lean Supply Chain 37

Agile and Lean Supply Chain Optimal Sourcing Manufacturing Procurement Procurement 37

Jaggaer

APRIL 9, 2025

The Manufacturing Supply Chain Journey through AI and Automation Manufacturing Supply Chains Explained The manufacturing supply chain comprises all the processes a business uses to turn raw materials and components into final products that are ready to be sold to customers, whether these are consumers or other businesses.

Manufacturing Procurement 52

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

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. As companies across industries have discovered, a well-optimized supply chain can drive significant improvements throughout their operations.

Sourcing Strategies 96

Sourcing Strategies Inventory Reduction Waste Reduction Expense Reduction 96

Jaggaer

APRIL 9, 2025

How MES is Shaping the Future of Manufacturing and Boosting Production Efficiency What is a Manufacturing Execution System (MES)? A manufacturing execution system (MES) is a comprehensive, dynamic software system that monitors, tracks, documents, and controls the process of manufacturing goodsfrom raw materials to finished products.

Manufacturing Procurement 52

Manufacturing Procurement Sourcing Strategies Supply Chain Planning Software Modeling Software 52

Jaggaer

APRIL 24, 2025

Supply chain management typically does not fit very well with procurement, which is a challenge at the best of times, and can be a disaster in difficult times. The success of this globalized model rested on three assumptions, the first of which was that governments would act in a rational manner to ensure frictionless trade.

Optimal Sourcing 52

Optimal Sourcing Manufacturing Procurement Procurement Analytics Demand Planning Software 52

Supply Chain Shaman

JULY 13, 2023

How wrong and how biased depends on the inputs and the refinement of the model. The problem is helping models sort through inaccuracy and bias. The general AI models like ChatGPT are the buzz, but the greatest lift for the supply chain is happening in the world of narrow AI driven by deep learning. What Will Be the Value?

Optimal Sourcing 368

Optimal Sourcing Supply Chain Planning Software Modeling Supply Chain Planning 368

ToolsGroup

JANUARY 21, 2020

Boston and Paris, 21 January 2020 – ToolsGroup, a leader a global leader in supply chain planning software, announces that Allopneus, France’s number one tire retailer, has chosen ToolsGroup Service Optimizer 99+ supply chain planning software to optimize inventory and respond ever more swiftly and effectively to customer requirements.

Optimal Sourcing 35

Optimal Sourcing ToolsGroup Inventory Reduction Optimization Software 35

Supply Chain Game Changer

AUGUST 30, 2022

Many businesses use some form of Total Cost of Ownership model to support their Procurement and sourcing decisions. In fact these models are not just used casually, but they often are designed to inform and make optimal sourcing choices. What is a Total Cost of Ownership Model? Where do these TCO Models break down?

Optimal Sourcing 103

Optimal Sourcing Purchasing Skills Manufacturing Procurement Negotiating Skills 103

Logistics Viewpoints

FEBRUARY 28, 2022

Further, while artificial intelligence helps solve certain types of problems, Jay Muelhoefer – the chief marketing officer at Kinaxis pointed out – optimization and heuristics work better for other types of planning problems. So, models for heavy process industries often include first principle parameters.

Optimal Sourcing 355

Optimal Sourcing Supply Chain Planning Software Supply Chain Design Software Supply Chain Planning 355

Logistics Viewpoints

APRIL 19, 2023

Autonomous Planning in Supply Chain At its core, autonomous supply chain planning entails making decisions to optimize the delivery of goods and services from supplier to customer without the need for human intervention. DC procurement is also automated by aggregating the needs of the MFCs. It is comparable to autonomous cars.

Supply Chain Planning Software 298

Supply Chain Planning Software Optimal Sourcing Supply Chain Planning Scenario Planning 298

Logistics Viewpoints

AUGUST 23, 2021

Those include trust issues, the operating model, and technology. The sooner a company knows a planned delivery is apt to be late, the more options there are to cost optimally mitigate the situation. Make messages allow a company to monitor the quality of goods produced by a contract manufacturer or key suppliers.

Optimal Sourcing 299

Optimal Sourcing Supply Chain Planning Software Supply Chain Network Software Modeling Software 299

SYSPRO Smarter ERP

MAY 30, 2022

Disruptions like the pandemic, supply shortages, global trade barriers, high customer expectations and inflation all add tremendous pressure on the procurement process. According to SYSPRO Research 70% of manufacturing businesses experienced material handling and supply chain disruptions during the pandemic.

Manufacturing Procurement 105

Manufacturing Procurement Optimal Sourcing Procurement Solutions Procurement Analytics 105

Logistics Viewpoints

SEPTEMBER 19, 2023

Supply chain executives must evolve from cost and service as the key objectives for optimal demand-supply balancing towards the “quadfecta” of cost, service, resiliency, and sustainability. Lean manufacturing also focused on managing these operational risks, especially within the four walls of the enterprise.

Supply Chain Design Software 299

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