Supply Chain Shaman

JUNE 29, 2021

Using balance sheet data from 2011 to 2019, we chart companies’ progress by peer group on rate of improvement and performance in the metrics of growth, operating margin, inventory turns, and Return on Invested Capital (ROIC). We share the report to help companies benchmark and reflect. Does functional ownership matter?

Supply Chain Planning Software 370

Supply Chain Planning Software Supply Chain Design Software Supply Chain Planning Supply Chain Design 370

Logistics Viewpoints

DECEMBER 18, 2024

Companies like DHL and Amazon are already setting benchmarks by integrating EVs into their logistics operations. Innovative tools provide actionable insights and improve operational efficiency Artificial Intelligence (AI): AI systems optimize routing and demand forecasting, reducing energy consumption and empty miles.

Optimal Sourcing 267

Optimal Sourcing Supply Chain Design Software Material Savings Supply Chain Planning Software 267

Logistics Viewpoints

APRIL 23, 2025

With freight transport accounting for a significant share of global emissions, efforts to improve logistics now extend beyond operational metrics to include resilience, regulatory compliance, and climate performance. CEVA Logistics, a CMA CGM subsidiary, uses Googles AI tools for warehouse management and demand forecasting.

Supply Chain Planning Software 165

Supply Chain Planning Software Logistics Network Optimization Software Optimization Software Rail Software 165

Logistics Viewpoints

JUNE 3, 2025

The formula for OTIF is: Measuring a supply chain against OTIF metrics is a key strategy that helps decision makers attach a tangible value to the success of their fulfillment and allows them to determine key strategies. Establishing standard benchmarks for services and innovations in fulfillment centers is crucial in this context.

Optimal Sourcing 230

Optimal Sourcing Optimization Software Price Mitigation Strategies Sourcing Strategies 230

Supply Chain Shaman

JULY 19, 2015

Benchmarking is a measurement of the quality of an organization’s policies, products, programs or strategies against standard measurements. Today, I am going to share five insights that I have gleaned from our work on Supply Chain Planning Benchmarking. Benchmarking is not Benchmarking. Business Dictionary.com.

Supply Chain Planning Software 150

Supply Chain Planning Software Benchmarking Supply Chain Planning Scenario Planning 150

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 . I look forward to this study every year.

Supply Chain Performance 284

Supply Chain Performance Inventory Reduction Supply and Demand Cost Reduction Strategies 284

ivalua

JULY 1, 2025

Measuring and Improving Procurement Strategy Performance A successful procurement strategy is data-driven andsupports continuous improvement across key metrics such as cost savings, supplier performance, delivery reliability, and ESG compliance. Platforms should support structured collaboration from intake management to invoice automation.

Material Savings 130

Material Savings Sourcing Strategies Cost Reduction Strategies Vendor Strategies 130

ivalua

JULY 1, 2025

Measuring and Improving Procurement Strategy Performance A successful procurement strategy is data-driven andsupports continuous improvement across key metrics such as cost savings, supplier performance, delivery reliability, and ESG compliance. Platforms should support structured collaboration from intake management to invoice automation.

Material Savings 130

Material Savings Sourcing Strategies Cost Reduction Strategies Vendor Strategies 130

Precoro

JUNE 2, 2025

Definition: Financial forecasting is a projection of the company's future financial performance based on historical data, market research, and business needs. The forecasts act as a guide, which you can use to make strategic decisions on resource allocation and define clear, attainable goals.

Forecasting 45

Forecasting Forecasting Software Expense Reduction Procurement Solutions 45

ivalua

MAY 21, 2025

AI and automation boost procurement’s strategic impact, helping teams reduce risk, ensure compliance, and forecast spend. Enterprises need visibility into supplier performance, risk, and ESG metrics—alongside the tools to engage and collaborate effectively. Learn how Ivalua can help you on your journey to digital procurement.

Optimal Sourcing 130

Optimal Sourcing Procurement Solutions Procurement Analytics Analytics Software 130

Logistics Viewpoints

MARCH 4, 2021

Fourth Step: Benchmark KPIs to understand limitations and discover opportunities. Creating dashboards in this step will also enable you to benchmark your KPIs before proceeding with the following steps on your journey and help you measure the before & after results. . Attribute-based forecasting when introducing new products.

Supply Chain Planning Software 284

Supply Chain Planning Software Supply Chain Planning Scenario Planning Modeling 284

Logistics Viewpoints

NOVEMBER 23, 2020

Our inventories were in line with benchmarks, but we knew that intensifying the pace of launches could become challenging in the long run.”. Though service levels were already very good versus external benchmarks, the number of stockouts dropped a further 75% from 2016 levels. The results?

Supply and Demand 246

Supply and Demand Customer Service Logistics Network Optimization Software Supply Chain Planning Software 246

Talking Logistics

SEPTEMBER 12, 2017

A sense of complacency can lurk behind benchmarks. The four key methods here will help you drive more success as you bring the metrics to life on your warehouse floor: 1. Show the “story” of your metrics with quarterly and yearly growth charts; show how far you’ve come as a team over time.

Metrics 157

Metrics Supply Chain Planning Software Supply Chain Software Supply Chain Planning 157

QAD

JUNE 25, 2019

It is critical to monitor inventory effectiveness using five key metrics: Expedited orders, inventory turns, obsolete inventory, safety stock and stockouts. Using Metrics to Measure the Health of the Business. Companies use these metrics to minimize their investment in inventory without adversely affecting customer service levels.

Procurement Analytics 111

Procurement Analytics Metrics Inventory Reduction Inventory 111

Logility

MARCH 12, 2021

Better forecasting and demand planning processes, which in the past had been beset by low accuracy and poor adoption, were a priority. Forecasting and demand planning can be a challenge because they require a significant amount of quantitative analysis and subjective management judgment. Why are our error metrics (MAPE, MAE, etc.)

Supply and Demand 192

Supply and Demand Prescriptive Analytics Software Demand Planning Modeling 192

Supply Chain Shaman

AUGUST 7, 2019

In Figure 1, we show the aggregate trend of the chemical industry in an orbit chart format showing year-over-year results at the intersection of two metrics operating margin and inventory turns. Determine Forecastability and Forecast Value Added (FVA). I am often asked to benchmark demand. Let’s take an example.

Supply Chain Design Software 271

Supply Chain Design Software Supply Chain Planning Software Supply Chain Software Supply Chain Design 271

Logistics Bureau

JANUARY 21, 2025

Performance Management Having just three key metrics at each organisational level is a good idea for performance management in logistics. A CEO doesn’t need to know every single picking accuracy percentage in the warehouse – you simply need the high-level metrics that tell you if your supply chain is healthy.

Supply Chain Design Software 98

Supply Chain Design Software Supply Chain Planning Software Supply Chain Software Supply Chain Design 98

Logistics Viewpoints

SEPTEMBER 13, 2022

Thus, organizations must make sure that data are complete, accurate, timely, and consistent as well as capture the required metrics. Otherwise, it provides only a historical view but does not enable firms to forecast future performance or adapt to an evolving regulatory framework. Next, the enterprise can set targets.

Cost Reduction Strategies 261

Cost Reduction Strategies Supply Chain Planning Software GEP Supply Chain Network Software 261

Supply Chain Shaman

JUNE 3, 2013

At a time that marketplace offerings were super-hyped, I forecasted the doom of ten e-marketplace providers. Instead, they are standalone marketplace offerings solving one of four business problems: supply chain multi-tier visibility, inter-enterprise systems of record, benchmark analytics, and delivering collaborative workflows.

Supply Chain Design Software 321

Supply Chain Design Software Supply Chain Planning Software Procurement Analytics Manufacturing Procurement 321

ivalua

MAY 30, 2025

Here’s a quick overview: Machine Learning (ML): Enables AI agents to detect patterns in procurement data, forecast demand, assess supplier performance, and continuously improve decision models. They can also perform automated contract compliance checks and continuous price benchmarking, and help teams negotiate more effectively.

Optimal Sourcing 130

Optimal Sourcing Procurement Solutions Procurement Analytics Negotiating Skills 130

ivalua

MAY 30, 2025

Here’s a quick overview: Machine Learning (ML): Enables AI agents to detect patterns in procurement data, forecast demand, assess supplier performance, and continuously improve decision models. They can also perform automated contract compliance checks and continuous price benchmarking, and help teams negotiate more effectively.

Optimal Sourcing 130

Optimal Sourcing Procurement Solutions Procurement Analytics Negotiating Skills 130

Logistics Bureau

DECEMBER 22, 2024

Using KPIs for performance measurement ensures that you are continuously evaluating your business activity against a static benchmark. Another powerful use of KPIs is in the benchmarking of your companys performance against that of your competitors and industry peers. Why Are KPIs Important?

KPI 74

KPI Agile and Lean Supply Chain Supply Chain Strategy Supply Chain 74

Supply Chain Shaman

AUGUST 14, 2016

It is about much, much more than Vendor Managed Inventory (VMI ) or Collaborative Forecasting and Replenishment. In contrast, the traditional supply chain forecasts using historical orders and adjusts based on sales forecasting. The sharing forecasts in supplier relationships is of little value. Use of Channel Data.

Material Savings 246

Material Savings Inventory Reduction Price Reduction Vendor Strategies 246

Supply Chain Shaman

SEPTEMBER 3, 2015

This morning, unexpectedly, I found myself in the middle of a debate between my two panelists on the Planning Benchmarking Panel for the Summit. Recently through my analysis of the planning benchmarking work, I have become fascinated on the role of inventory in the market-driven value network. This is a series of preparation calls.

Waste Reduction 150

Waste Reduction Inventory Reduction Inventory Optimal Sourcing 150

Supply Chain Shaman

DECEMBER 29, 2016

As I study research methods, and the market, I realize the lies I’ve spun for prior employers (Gartner and AMR Research) are untrue: The AMR Research Hierarchy of Supply Chain Metrics. This research, released in 2005, gives a compelling view of a metrics hierarchy. This does not mean I think forecasting is an unimportant process.

Supply Chain Planning Software 0

Supply Chain Planning Software Inventory Reduction Forecasting Gartner 0

Logility

AUGUST 25, 2020

Poorly implemented demand planning software mis-forecasts demand for branded sneakers. Demand planning systems unable to forecast demand-slowing associated with economic meltdown. Every company today runs on data – the key to using your data is choosing the right metrics for visibility into your supply chain. The common thread?

Supply Chain Planning Software 173

Supply Chain Planning Software Supply Chain Design Software Agile and Lean Supply Chain Supply Chain Software 173

Supply Chain Shaman

JULY 9, 2013

This research was the backbone of the Supply Chain Metrics that Matter series of reports. Instead, they have measured functional metrics or focused on projects. I believe that customer service is a critical metric and a key element of managing a complex supply chain system. The Building of the Index. What do I mean?

Supply Chain Software 210

Supply Chain Software Supply Chain Modeling Modeling Software 210

Supply Chain Shaman

JULY 12, 2015

Invest in benchmarking salary comparable(s) for your region. 4) Attention to Detail in Forecasting Processes. The products on the tail are the most difficult to forecast, and are also the most important to get right to manage costs and supply chain cycles. Consensus forecasting can often degrade forecasting accuracy.

Supply Chain Planning Software 150

Supply Chain Planning Software Supply Chain Planning S&OP Forecasting 150

ToolsGroup

JULY 11, 2017

For instance, a Gartner industry benchmarking shows that a 1% increase in forecast accuracy typically achieves: 2-7% reduction in the value of total inventory as a percentage of sales (working capital). 4-9% decrease in the value of obsolete inventory as a percentage of total stocked goods (product costs).

S&OP 92

S&OP Supply and Demand Inventory Reduction Price Reduction 92

Unleashed

MARCH 9, 2021

That’s where Procurement Metrics and Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) come into play. Procurement metrics and KPIs allow organisations to measure results and guide best practice performance. In this post, we’ll unpack ten top procurement metrics and why they matter. Undamaged shipment rate. On-time delivery: all suppliers.

Procurement Analytics 104

Procurement Analytics Procurement Solutions Optimal Sourcing Material Savings 104

Silvon Software

APRIL 16, 2025

Available to Promise (ATP) Available to Promise (ATP) is a real-time inventory management metric that tells you how much of a product you can promise to customers without overcommitting. Supply chain managers use ATP to trigger reorders or adjust forecasts. Benchmark against your industry average for best insight.

Optimal Sourcing 65

Optimal Sourcing Inventory Reduction Supply Chain Optimization Price Mitigation Strategies 65

TransAudit

FEBRUARY 13, 2025

Key collaborative practices include: Demand Planning: Share forecasts with upstream partners to ensure readiness. Define the Vision Set clear goals for your supply chains future state: Identify key performance metrics (e.g., fill rates, inventory accuracy, and forecast reliability). However, data quality remains critical.

Supply Chain Software 59

Supply Chain Software Supply Chain Planning Software Supply Chain Strategy Supply Chain Planning 59

Supply Chain Shaman

AUGUST 26, 2015

As the markets plummet, it is time to remind ourselves that demand is not a forecast. Traditional forecasting approaches are not adequate in a time of market volatility. In the real world, companies operate with a Mean Absolute Forecast Error of 24-60%, and have a bias of 9-40%. Markets drive supply chains.

Supply and Demand 150

Supply and Demand Forecasting Modeling Forecasting Software 150

Supply Chain Shaman

MAY 19, 2016

According to folklore, if it is cloudy when a Groundhog emerges fro m the burrow, then the forecast of an early spring is predicted. We believe that supply chain excellence is driving improvement while averaging a higher level of performance in the Supply Chain Metrics That Matter. Groundhog Day is celebrated on February 2.

Gartner 210

Gartner Pharmaceutical Predictive Analytics Modeling Software 210

ToolsGroup

MAY 4, 2020

Along with its AI-driven demand forecasting and inventory planning software, ToolsGroup has introduced new customer support offerings for COVID-19 planning as well as educational resources including the ebook “ COVID-19 Risk: Enable Swift and Efficient Response to Supply Chain Disruptions.” Companies Share COVID-19 Response.

Supply Chain Planning Software 120

Supply Chain Planning Software Modeling Supply Chain Disruption Supply Chain Software 120

ivalua

JUNE 12, 2025

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. They can optimize RFx timing, identify negotiation opportunities, benchmark supplier performance, and fine-tune strategies for high-impact categories. Let’s dig in!

Cost Reduction Strategies 130

Cost Reduction Strategies Material Savings Expense Reduction Negotiating Skills 130

TransAudit

JUNE 24, 2025

Here’s what it enables: Proactive Budget Management Spot anomalies before they balloon into systemic issues Track spend-to-budget in real time across lanes, carriers, and modes Adjust forecasts based on actual trends, not historical guesses Informed Carrier Negotiations Use verified data to push back on unjustified accessorials or rate hikes Benchmark (..)

Real-time Visibility 61

Real-time Visibility Negotiating Skills Optimal Sourcing Cost Reduction Strategies 61