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

MARCH 12, 2025

Procurement & Supplier Agreements Traditionally, businesses negotiate procurement contracts manually, issuing purchase orders, invoices, and letters of credit that require human validation. How Smart Contracts Improve Procurement Automated Payments: When a supplier meets predefined conditions (e.g.,

Supply Chain Design Software 287

Supply Chain Design Software Supply Chain Software Supply Chain Planning Software Negotiating Skills 287

Precoro

DECEMBER 24, 2024

Traditionally, procurement has been a process weighed down by manual tasks, fragmented systems, and endless paperwork. Today, procurement is undergoing a transformation. While procurement teams have long worked to add strategic value, Artificial Intelligence (AI) amplifies their impact.

Price Reduction 105

Price Reduction Sourcing Strategies Cost Reduction Strategies Expense Reduction 105

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 295

Optimal Sourcing Manufacturing Procurement Procurement Analytics Procurement Solutions 295

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

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.

Forecasting 156

Forecasting Supply Chain Planning Software Forecasting Software Supply Chain Planning 156

Logistics Viewpoints

FEBRUARY 25, 2025

Strengthening the Supply Chain Supply chains must embrace agility, where companies proactively adjust and optimize their customer, product and network strategies to maximize opportunity – as opposed to fragility – where uncertainty leads to disruptions and chaos.

Manufacturing Procurement 268

Manufacturing Procurement Inventory Reduction Price Reduction Material Savings 268

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

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. Marketing may want an optimization scenario that costs more but leads to maximum service levels for a new product.

Supply Chain Planning Software 301

Supply Chain Planning Software Prescriptive Analytics Software Agile and Lean Supply Chain Modeling 301

Logistics Viewpoints

MAY 19, 2022

Supply chain optimization has also improved in significant ways that can address these trade-offs better than before. Analytical techniques like linear programming can create the mathematically “optimal” plan, but these methods must be implemented well to avoid creating other challenges. Supply chain optimization for today’s realities.

Optimal Sourcing 306

Optimal Sourcing Modeling Supply Chain Optimization Optimization Software 306

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

DECEMBER 2, 2024

During COVID, this more agile and resilient model allowed the firm to grow their market share. It might highlight logistics jams, manufacturing capacity, quality issues, or procurement cost trends. We have many products, many different bill of material structures, and many different business models. This is fascinating!

Supply Chain Planning Software 294

Supply Chain Planning Software Supply Chain Planning Supply Chain Software Supply Chain Network Software 294

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 401

Supply Chain Planning Software Supply Chain Design Software Optimal Sourcing Supply Chain Software 401

Supply Chain Shaman

NOVEMBER 15, 2023

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. Likewise, when he speaks about the supply chain, his partner, Yossi, his mental model is logistics. For this blog post, never mind the comparison.

Supply Chain Planning Software 409

Supply Chain Planning Software Optimal Sourcing Modeling Forecasting Software 409

Supply Chain Shaman

NOVEMBER 9, 2023

Use of optimization to consume planned orders into manufacturing scheduling and distribution requirements planning (including inventory optimization of safety stock). And, there is no translation of planned orders for manufacturing into aggregate procurement. The focus is on functional optimization.

Optimal Sourcing 368

Optimal Sourcing Supply Chain Planning Software Manufacturing Procurement Modeling 368

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

Logistics Viewpoints

FEBRUARY 26, 2025

FDAs Drug Supply Chain Security Act (DSCSA) and global standards like ISO 20400 for sustainable procurement are driving companies to adopt blockchain for improved compliance and accountability. Quantum-safe cryptographic primitives (e.g.,

Supply Chain Software 240

Supply Chain Software Pharmaceutical Supply Chain Network Software Optimal Sourcing 240

SCMDOJO

FEBRUARY 21, 2025

Why Your Procurement Strategy is More Critical Now Than Ever Before In an era of global supply chain disruptions, a robust procurement strategy is no longer optionalits essential. The right procurement strategy ensures that organizations: Mitigate risks before they escalate. Want to future-proof your procurement function?

Optimal Sourcing 58

Optimal Sourcing Supply Chain Disruption Vendor Strategies Cost Reduction Strategies 58

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 312

Sourcing Strategies Supply Chain Design Software Modeling Inventory Reduction 312

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 326

Supply Chain Design Software Optimal Sourcing Supply Chain Planning Software Modeling 326

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 356

Optimal Sourcing Modeling Supply and Demand Manufacturing Procurement 356

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

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?” I started with, “How can I help you?” “ Reflection. The facts are clear. Next Steps?

Supply Chain Planning Software 316

Supply Chain Planning Software Supply Chain Design Software Optimal Sourcing Modeling 316

ThroughPut

APRIL 4, 2025

With effective Spare Parts Inventory Optimization , businesses can strike a balance between availability and cost, ensuring seamless operations without overburdening budgets. Why Spare Parts Inventory Optimization Matters Spare parts inventory optimization is essential for keeping operations smooth and cost-efficient.

Optimal Sourcing 52

Optimal Sourcing Inventory Reduction Cost Reduction Strategies Waste Reduction 52

Jaggaer

MARCH 7, 2025

In an era where digital transformation is reshaping industries, government procurement is no exception. Advanced technologies such as AI, automation, and predictive analytics are playing a pivotal role in optimizing procurement processes, enhancing transparency, and driving efficiency.

Optimal Sourcing 52

Optimal Sourcing Analytics Software Predictive Analytics Software Optimization Software 52

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. Zara’s Supply Chain Approach.

Agile and Lean Supply Chain 37

Agile and Lean Supply Chain Optimal Sourcing Manufacturing Procurement Procurement 37

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 402

Supply and Demand Supply Chain Planning Software Modeling Demand Planning 402

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 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 324

Optimal Sourcing Supply Chain Planning Software Supply and Demand Manufacturing Procurement 324

Logistics Viewpoints

DECEMBER 14, 2021

To keep customers like my dad satisfied, RGD and Quick-commerce companies need to invest in new technologies to optimize the supply chain and logistics operations. Inventory Optimization. Inventory Optimization involves decisions about the inventory level, the location, and the mix of products.

Supply Chain Planning Software 300

Supply Chain Planning Software Forecasting Software Supply Chain Design Software Optimization Software 300

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

Logistics Viewpoints

JULY 23, 2024

Without sufficient data, AI models can’t uncover meaningful patterns, make accurate predictions, or provide valuable insights for informed decision-making in complex and dynamic environments. At the same time, feeding your AI models too much data can also be a problem. Data is the lifeblood of AI in the supply chain.

Optimal Sourcing 312

Optimal Sourcing Agile and Lean Supply Chain Supply Chain Software Modeling 312

SCMDOJO

FEBRUARY 5, 2025

The world of procurement is constantly evolving, demanding professionals with the right skills and knowledge. Moreover, two popular options often considered are the MCIPS qualification from the Chartered Institute of Procurement & Supply (CIPS) and the Procurement Track offered by SCMDOJO.

Negotiating Skills 58

Negotiating Skills Procurement Solutions Optimal Sourcing Purchasing Skills 58

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. Relationship Management.

Optimal Sourcing 348

Optimal Sourcing Supply Chain Planning Software Modeling Supply Chain Planning 348

GlobalTranz

AUGUST 18, 2021

Even more complex, some 3PLs may offer different degrees of service, such as a 4PL model that blends a shipper’s existing network and fleets with a 3PL’s technology and solution, as discussed in this third-party versus fourth-party value article. . Focus on Carrier Procurement and Management. Learn More.

Logistics Network Optimization Software 309

Logistics Network Optimization Software Optimal Sourcing Negotiating Skills Optimization Software 309

Logistics Viewpoints

APRIL 24, 2023

This technology allows businesses to unify their procurement, expense management, invoicing, payments, contract management, and spend analysis processes and reporting. Coupa Introduces a Supply Chain Collaboration Network Solution Coupa has claimed that their platform unifies processes across procurement, finance, and supply chain functions.

Supply Chain Design Software 278

Supply Chain Design Software Supply Chain Planning Software Optimal Sourcing Optimization Software 278

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