The Logistics of Logistics

MAY 1, 2024

Samuel Parker and Joe Lynch discuss DAT iQ: the metrics that matter. Samuel is Director of Product Marketing at DAT Freight & Analytics ‘ Shipper segment. About Samuel Parker Samuel is the Associate Director for DAT Freight & Analytics’ Shipper segment. He lives in Denver, Colorado with his wife and son.

Metrics 246

Metrics Logistics Network Optimization Software Analytics Software Optimal Sourcing 246

Logistics Viewpoints

NOVEMBER 20, 2024

Ethical sourcing is a fundamental aspect of social sustainability. Technologies such as artificial intelligence, IoT, and predictive analytics enable smarter inventory management, real-time tracking, and predictive maintenance, reducing waste and costs. Efficiency is a vital component of economic sustainability.

Waste Reduction 298

Waste Reduction Sustainability Supply Chain Design Software Resource Reduction 298

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. Strategic Sourcing: The Foundation of Effective Procurement Strategic sourcing is far more than simply choosing suppliers. Done well, it can become a key driver of competitive advantage.

Optimal Sourcing 98

Optimal Sourcing Manufacturing Procurement Procurement Solutions Negotiating Skills 98

The Logistics of Logistics

FEBRUARY 25, 2025

Erika is Vice President of Information Security at DAT Freight & Analytics, the largest truckload freight marketplace in North America. Currently Vice President of Information Security at DAT Freight & Analytics, she leads the vision, strategy, and execution of advanced security protections. Erika holds a Ph.D.

Optimal Sourcing 210

Optimal Sourcing Freight Logistics Network Optimization Software Analytics Software 210

Logistics Viewpoints

JUNE 3, 2025

Optimizing fulfillment requires a series of steps to get a shipment from its source to the end customer. These steps include sourcing and receiving inventory, storing inventory, order processing, picking and packing an order, shipping the order, and returns management. The ability to meet fulfillment goals is impeded by several issues.

Optimal Sourcing 225

Optimal Sourcing Optimization Software Sourcing Strategies Price Mitigation Strategies 225

Supply Chain Shaman

SEPTEMBER 3, 2018

We consistently see that companies focused on functional excellence–a focus within a functional silo like manufacturing, transportation or distribution– or singular metrics– like inventory or costs– underperform against their peer groups. Reward teams for cross-functional metrics. Maturity in Analytics.

Supply Chain Planning Software 377

Supply Chain Planning Software Supply Chain Design Software Agile and Lean Supply Chain Supply Chain Software 377

Talking Logistics

MARCH 19, 2019

Relying on proactive rather than reactive analytics, and the ability to make specific actionable callouts from these data sets, will be key to navigating the ever-changing shipping landscape both now and in the future. Although very informative in their own right, retrospective analytics cannot undo the past. Enter proactive analytics.

Analytics Software 186

Analytics Software Analytics Shipping Metrics 186

RFgen

NOVEMBER 27, 2024

That’s where data analytics comes in. It’s the key to transforming your supply chain from a source of frustration into a well-oiled, profit-generating machine. In this post, we’ll explore how data analytics can revolutionize your supply chain. You’re not alone. Ready to get started? Let’s dive in.

Optimal Sourcing 98

Optimal Sourcing Supply Chain Optimization Modeling Inventory Reduction 98

Freightos

APRIL 23, 2025

It creates a single source of truth for your rate management, automating RFQs and streamlining the entire procurement process. billion rate data points monthly to provide the most comprehensive view of the market, helping you identify savings opportunities and make data-driven decisions.

Optimal Sourcing 156

Optimal Sourcing Benchmarking Manufacturing Procurement Procurement 156

Supply Chain Shaman

OCTOBER 25, 2021

We cannot change things overnight, but there are some steps that we can take through the use of advanced analytics. Manage Make, Source, and Deliver Together. Invest in analytics to sense and translate demand. Change internal metrics to a balanced scorecard and force the functions to work better together. What to do?

Analytics Software 195

Analytics Software Analytics Supply Chain Design Software Supply Chain Planning Software 195

Supply Chain Shaman

OCTOBER 25, 2021

We cannot change things overnight, but there are some steps that we can take through the use of advanced analytics. Manage Make, Source, and Deliver Together. Invest in analytics to sense and translate demand. Change internal metrics to a balanced scorecard and force the functions to work better together. What to do?

Analytics Software 195

Analytics Software Analytics Supply Chain Design Software Supply Chain Planning Software 195

Enchange Supply Chain Consultancy

JUNE 10, 2025

Do Set Clear KPIs and Governance Structures : Establish transparent metrics for sales, coverage, and service levels. Do Invest in Distributor Capability Building : Provide training, digital tools, and performance incentives. A well-equipped distributor is an extension of your brand and a key to market penetration.

Waste Reduction 165

Waste Reduction Vendor Strategies Inventory Reduction Cost Reduction Strategies 165

ToolsGroup

AUGUST 29, 2017

Gartner measures supply chain analytics maturity across seven different dimensions. There are supply chain and demand analytics models that describe the type of analytics being deployed (e.g., Gartner reports a strong correlation between supply chain organizations that use analytics and improved business performance.

Modeling 189

Modeling Prescriptive Analytics Software Analytics Software Modeling Software 189

ivalua

MAY 21, 2025

Digital procurement streamlines workflows and unifies data, enabling faster sourcing, better collaboration, and improved accuracy. Digital procurement is the use of digital technologies to enhance, automate, and optimize procurement processes across the entire source-to-pay (S2P) lifecycle.

Optimal Sourcing 130

Optimal Sourcing Procurement Solutions Procurement Analytics Analytics Software 130

ToolsGroup

MARCH 25, 2025

This democratization of advanced analytics allows businesses of all sizes to benefit from sophisticated techniques once available only to enterprise organizations with dedicated data science teams.

Supply and Demand 156

Supply and Demand Forecasting Forecasting Software Modeling 156

Logistics Viewpoints

MARCH 27, 2025

A disruption at any point in the global logistics network including the average of 12 touch points from shipment packaging to final delivery can prove disastrous for profits, service levels, customer loyalty, and other key metrics. With the global e-commerce market predicted to reach $8.1 billion to $23.07

Supply Chain Planning Software 330

Supply Chain Planning Software Supply Chain Network Software Logistics Network Optimization Software Predictive Analytics Software 330

SCMDOJO

MAY 23, 2025

By embedding analytics across logistics, sourcing, and fulfillment, businesses gain the visibility and foresight needed to stay competitive.Analytics-driven leadership is no longer a luxury; it’s the foundation of operational survival in todays volatile business environment. Prescriptive analytics tells them what to do about it.

Prescriptive Analytics Software 59

Prescriptive Analytics Software Procurement Analytics Analytics Software Supply Chain Planning Software 59

Kinaxis

MARCH 22, 2017

by Alexa Cheater From designing, sourcing and manufacturing, to distribution and consumption, your supply chain is at the heart of your customer satisfaction levels. The focus with Inventory optimization is often on analytics, but that’s just the beginning. It has become a competitive weapon that could help you win the consumerism war.

Optimal Sourcing 199

Optimal Sourcing Supply Chain Optimization Network Optimization Inventory Reduction 199

ivalua

MAY 10, 2025

This guide breaks down the key procurement technologies in use today and the trends reshaping the future, such as AI-driven sourcing, predictive risk management, and deeper integration across the supply chain. What Is Procurement Technology?

Procurement Solutions 130

Procurement Solutions Sourcing Strategies Optimal Sourcing Analytics Software 130

Supply Chain Shaman

APRIL 18, 2023

For organizations layered in functional metrics and driving a cost agenda, this is a tough nut to crack. In the survey, 48% of companies were driving digital transformation, but the only element that improved performance was descriptive analytics. Build in-market sourcing. Tougher than most understand. The reason?

Supply Chain Planning Software 417

Supply Chain Planning Software Supply Chain Design Software Optimal Sourcing Supply Chain Software 417

ivalua

MAY 30, 2025

AI is reshaping the way organizations source, manage suppliers, and drive value today. AI agents offer a smarter, faster way to manage sourcing, risk, and spend across the entire procurement lifecycle. For example, agentic AI can analyze supplier data, evaluate contracts, manage purchase orders, or recommend sourcing strategies.

Optimal Sourcing 130

Optimal Sourcing Procurement Solutions Procurement Analytics Negotiating Skills 130

ivalua

MAY 30, 2025

AI is reshaping the way organizations source, manage suppliers, and drive value today. AI agents offer a smarter, faster way to manage sourcing, risk, and spend across the entire procurement lifecycle. For example, agentic AI can analyze supplier data, evaluate contracts, manage purchase orders, or recommend sourcing strategies.

Optimal Sourcing 130

Optimal Sourcing Procurement Solutions Procurement Analytics Negotiating Skills 130

Logistics Viewpoints

DECEMBER 15, 2022

There is so much data, and to make use of it, we need to use data mining and analytics to drive meaningful insights that can be put to some good use. Now, we can do better than that by using advanced analytics, which can be extended to include more dimensions, such as trends, and provide further insights.

Optimal Sourcing 260

Optimal Sourcing Analysis Procurement Analytics Purchasing Skills 260

Supply Chain Shaman

SEPTEMBER 17, 2014

The use of channel data into advanced analytics to sense demand. Aligned Metrics. To ensure the management of the complex system, the metrics of operating margin, inventory turns, ROIC, customer service, revenue, and forecast accuracy need to be managed together as a non-linear system. This is what I think works: Leadership.

Optimal Sourcing 365

Optimal Sourcing Supply Chain Design Software Supply Chain Planning Software Manufacturing Procurement 365

ivalua

JUNE 12, 2025

This blog offers a clear, practical overview of what spend analysis is, how it supports strategic sourcing, and why it matters for both direct and indirect procurement. We’ll walk through key benefits, types of spend analysis, steps to get started, and metrics to track—backed by lessons learned from real-world implementations.

Cost Reduction Strategies 130

Cost Reduction Strategies Material Savings Expense Reduction Negotiating Skills 130

SCMDOJO

OCTOBER 30, 2024

Developing Analytical Skills Data analysis is at the heart of effective supply chain management. MTSS platforms support the development of these analytical skills by integrating advanced tools and resources that allow learners to engage with real-world data sets.

Supply Chain Planning Software 97

Supply Chain Planning Software Analytics Software Forecasting Software Predictive Analytics Software 97

RFgen

DECEMBER 4, 2024

We’ll examine the key components of efficient supply chains, explore essential performance metrics, and uncover the fundamental drivers that influence efficiency. Efficient supply chains strengthen collaborative relationships through automated communication systems and shared performance metrics.

Sourcing Strategies 96

Sourcing Strategies Waste Reduction Inventory Reduction Expense Reduction 96

Logistics Viewpoints

AUGUST 15, 2022

Of the professionals surveyed, 59% saw the gap between procurement/sourcing and supply chain to be a major disconnect, and the most pressing pain point. MSCN solutions provide supply chain visibility, network-based applications, and network analytics across an extended supply chain. Networks and Sourcing.

Supply Chain Network Software 309

Supply Chain Network Software Manufacturing Procurement Procurement Analytics Optimal Sourcing 309

Jaggaer

FEBRUARY 5, 2025

The Power of Source-to-Pay Digital Transformation To put it briefly, source-to-pay refers to the entire process that starts with finding, negotiating with, and contracting the suppliers of materials, goods and services, and culminates in the final payment for those items. Who Should Prioritize an S2P Digital Transformation?

Sourcing Strategies 52

Sourcing Strategies Optimal Sourcing Manufacturing Procurement Negotiating Skills 52

GlobalTranz

NOVEMBER 30, 2021

When you track transportation metrics and KPIs like transit time, on-time pickups, and percent of truckload capacity utilized across your carrier partners, you can identify trends and opportunities for streamlined OTR transportation management. Analytics provides visibility into your transportation network and operations.

Optimal Sourcing 296

Optimal Sourcing Transportation Rail Software Sourcing Strategies 296

Supply Chain Shaman

OCTOBER 16, 2023

Clear operating strategy and definition of supply chain excellence across plan, source, make and deliver. A shift from functional metrics to a balanced scorecard. I like the use of growth, margin, inventory turns, Return on Invested Capital, customer service and ESG metrics. Drives Value. S&OP is a business process.

S&OP 390

S&OP Supply and Demand Forecasting Supply Chain Design Software 390

DELMIA Quintiq

OCTOBER 7, 2020

Identify metrics, analytics and projects to drive business improvements. That means turning the impossible to the possible like producing ventilators for the world, with a global team from open-sourced plans shared by MIT. One place to start is in assembling a well-represented, well-formed steering committee.

Supply Chain Design Software 358

Supply Chain Design Software Supply Chain Planning Software Analytics Software Supply Chain Software 358

Silvon Software

MAY 6, 2025

Analytics and business intelligence (BI) are no longer optionaltheyre essential. They need visibility across multiple internal systemslike ERP, CRM, and financial platformsand even external sources shared with suppliers, partners, and customers. Think of it as the central nervous system of your analytics ecosystem.

Prescriptive Analytics Software 89

Prescriptive Analytics Software Analytics Software Predictive Analytics Software Supply Chain Design Software 89

Supply Chain Shaman

MARCH 5, 2019

While there are many types of visibility (see Figure 1), the most common use case is either sourcing or transportation visibility. What most companies want is a system with prescriptive analytics to tell them when a shipment is expected to be late and what action to take. In this blog post, I give a framework to drive discussions.

Supply Chain Design Software 339

Supply Chain Design Software Real-time Visibility Prescriptive Analytics Software Supply Chain Planning Software 339

ToolsGroup

JUNE 2, 2023

In this blog post, we’ll explore the challenges of inventory management in today’s manufacturing landscape , discuss the importance of a “single source of truth” for global inventory, and introduce a powerful solution that can help manufacturers transform their operations and drive profitability. How do they achieve this?

Real-time Visibility 294

Real-time Visibility Manufacturing Procurement Optimal Sourcing Inventory Reduction 294

Logistics Viewpoints

OCTOBER 26, 2021

Supply chains must be connected and collaborative so all links can align to business strategy and oriented toward a common set of the most important metrics (and not functional metrics that drive siloed behavior). But to operate at the board level we need to be able to speak the CFO’s language. Spike up to protect against attack.

Supply Chain Design Software 306

Supply Chain Design Software Agile and Lean Supply Chain Supply Chain Planning Software Pharmaceutical 306

Supply Chain Shaman

JUNE 6, 2013

Closing the gaps happens when there are aligned metrics, clarity of vision and aligned planning processes. It combines decisions across sell, deliver, make and source processes to drive value based outcomes. Metrics Alignment. They are championing the building of sensing/learning supply chains based on new forms of analytics.

Supply Chain Planning Software 330

Supply Chain Planning Software Supply Chain Planning Optimal Sourcing Scenario Planning 330