Logistics Viewpoints

AUGUST 9, 2022

While consumers may see some short-term benefit in the form of discounted goods, many retailers have had to reset investor expectations , reflecting the expected hit on margins from carrying so much inventory. Inventory management is challenging enough in normal times. So, what is it going to take to enable better inventory management?

Inventory Management Software 263

Inventory Management Software Inventory Management Inventory Reduction Supply Chain Planning Software 263

Logistics Viewpoints

DECEMBER 18, 2024

Companies like DHL and Amazon are already setting benchmarks by integrating EVs into their logistics operations. AI-powered warehouse management improves inventory flow and reduces waste. Transitioning to EVs can also benefit from government subsidies and tax incentives, accelerating adoption.

Optimal Sourcing 265

Optimal Sourcing Supply Chain Design Software Material Savings Supply Chain Planning Software 265

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. We feel so strongly about this that we do not have an inventory planning role.” We feel so strongly about this that we do not have an inventory planning role.”

Waste Reduction 150

Waste Reduction Inventory Reduction Inventory Optimal Sourcing 150

Logistics Viewpoints

MAY 1, 2025

Download Executive Summary Warehouse Management Systems (WMS) Beyond inventory: WMS is the control tower of modern fulfillment. From fleet coordination to pick optimization, see how AMRs are shaping the next-gen fulfillment center. Download Executive Summary Transportation Management Systems (TMS) Plan, execute, optimize.

Supply Chain Planning Software 186

Supply Chain Planning Software Research Supply Chain Software Agile and Lean Supply Chain 186

Logistics Viewpoints

JUNE 3, 2025

These steps include sourcing and receiving inventory, storing inventory, order processing, picking and packing an order, shipping the order, and returns management. Factors like planning tools, inventory management, demand patterns, and innovations in technology contribute to the success or failure of fulfillment optimization.

Optimal Sourcing 151

Optimal Sourcing Optimization Software Sourcing Strategies Price Mitigation Strategies 151

Supply Chain Shaman

APRIL 27, 2022

At each company, there is a relationship between the metrics of growth, margin, inventory, customer service, and asset strategy. When we compare the results of P&G to its peer group for 2012-2021, P&G outperforms in inventory turns and margin but underperforms in growth and asset utilization. Was this by design? My reasoning?

Procurement Analytics 369

Procurement Analytics Manufacturing Procurement Supply Chain Planning Software Supply Chain Design Software 369

Supply Chain Shaman

JANUARY 14, 2014

Organizations are unable to power progress on operating margin and inventory turns together in the same year. For example, I have just finished interviewing thirteen Vendor Managed Inventory (VMI) leaders. We would love to help you benchmark your current process. The slides all look the same. Why does it matter? This is sad.

Supply Chain Design Software 367

Supply Chain Design Software Supply Chain Planning Software Supply Chain Design Vendor Strategies 367

AIMMS

JANUARY 20, 2021

Inventory management has always been challenging. Too often, inventory is viewed from an aggregate position, likely driven by finance, who are concerned about working capital implications. Inventory should act as a buffer to adsorb variability and decouple the demand from the supply side of our supply chains. – Tweet this.

Supply Chain Optimization 156

Supply Chain Optimization Price Mitigation Strategies Inventory AIMMS 156

Supply Chain Shaman

NOVEMBER 10, 2013

This week I interviewed Robert Byrne, Founder of Terra Technology , on the results of their fourth benchmarking study on forecasting excellence. The work done by Terra Technology, in my opinion, is one of two accurate sources of benchmark data on forecasting in the industry. The other is Chainalytics demand benchmarking.

Supply and Demand 252

Supply and Demand Forecasting Forecasting Software Modeling Software 252

Silvon Software

APRIL 16, 2025

Inventory is the lifeblood of any manufacturing business. By leveraging analytics and key performance indicators (KPIs), manufacturers can optimize inventory, reduce waste, and boost profitability. Tracking inventory flow and performance across your supply chain is a must. Thats where data-driven decision-making comes in!

Optimal Sourcing 65

Optimal Sourcing Inventory Reduction Supply Chain Optimization Price Mitigation Strategies 65

Supply Chain Shaman

NOVEMBER 9, 2014

When we started benchmarking companies, Deborah and I had a friendly wager. I also believed that this company would have the best inventory and customer service. I also believed that this company would have the best inventory and customer service. Deborah and I benchmarked 97 supply chains; and, we found the inverse to be true.

Manufacturing Procurement 318

Manufacturing Procurement Optimal Sourcing Benchmarking Supply Chain Design Software 318

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. The company provides demand and inventory planning solutions based on a public cloud architecture.

Supply Chain Performance 287

Supply Chain Performance Inventory Reduction Supply and Demand Cost Reduction Strategies 287

Logistics Viewpoints

MARCH 27, 2023

As demand forecasting accuracy increases, and the standard deviation associated with the forecast decreases, the need to hold “just in case” inventory also goes down. This leads to lower inventory carrying costs and thus better case flow. Demand forecasting should be tightly integrated to an inventory optimization application.

Forecasting 272

Forecasting Forecasting Software Modeling Optimal Sourcing 272

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. It is harder than you might think.

Supply Chain Planning Software 370

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

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

MAY 3, 2015

When it comes to the management of inventory in value chains, frustration abounds. Executive, after executive, lament, “They have purchased many technologies and sponsored many projects to reduce inventories, but they are not seeing results.” Inventory is the culmination of many business decisions. Tracking Progress.

Inventory Reduction 150

Inventory Reduction Supply Chain Design Software Supply Chain Planning Software Inventory Management Software 150

Logistics Viewpoints

AUGUST 15, 2022

This will almost surely lead to high cycle times in fulfilling orders, the inability for both to production plan, inventory shortages or delivery disruptions caused by delays, and/or high inventory safety stocks and costs due to poor supply order management. Networks and Benchmarking. Coupa calls this community intelligence.

Supply Chain Network Software 310

Supply Chain Network Software Manufacturing Procurement Procurement Analytics Optimal Sourcing 310

Logistics Viewpoints

APRIL 5, 2023

Most recently, the APQC has conducted best practice and benchmarking research on digital transformation. This report provides a cross-industry perspective on digital transformation in logistics including digital maturity in inventory management, transportation, fleet maintenance, safety and compliance, and more.

Logistics Network Optimization Software 304

Logistics Network Optimization Software Analytics Software Predictive Analytics Software Inventory Management Software 304

Supply Chain Shaman

SEPTEMBER 24, 2017

Across the industry, we find that companies think that they are managing costs and inventory better through technology investments like supply chain planning, but they have a false sense of accomplishment. Due to popular demand, we are kicking-off an organizational benchmarking effort. The answer is simple.

Cost Reduction Strategies 263

Cost Reduction Strategies Inventory Reduction Resource Reduction Manufacturing Procurement 263

RFgen

NOVEMBER 20, 2024

Think about it: How much time is wasted hunting down misplaced inventory? These include: Barcode Scanning Devices: These handheld devices, equipped with integrated inventory management apps, enable real-time tracking and data entry. Think real-time inventory visibility across all your locations.

Inventory Reduction 98

Inventory Reduction Inventory Management Software Waste Reduction Cost Reduction Strategies 98

Supply Chain Shaman

JULY 6, 2020

Tom, the colorful warehouse manager, constantly heckled Frank for the increasing inventory levels while Ed, the quiet material/logistics manager, constantly questioned if there was a better way. He felt that inventory was no problem, he would just cut it at the end of each quarter to make the balance sheet goals.

Agile and Lean Supply Chain 363

Agile and Lean Supply Chain Supply Chain Design Software Supply Chain Planning Software Supply Chain Strategy 363

Supply Chain Shaman

OCTOBER 29, 2013

There is such power in being able to pull together quantitative data with financial benchmarking analysis and qualitative interviews to help them see new insights. This requires using new forms of analytics for inventory optimization and network design and doing less on spreadsheets. Help others to Understand the Impact of Complexity.

Forecasting 258

Forecasting Supply Chain Design Software Modeling Forecasting Software 258

Supply Chain Shaman

MAY 1, 2014

As hospitals adopted consignment planning programs, inventory progress slowed. The turns are the lowest of any industry, and despite investments in technologies and processes, inventory turns have only improved 3%, and Cash-T0-Cash (C2C) cycles have declined 4%. The shift of inventory without the sharing of data is a mistake.

Supply Chain Planning Software 333

Supply Chain Planning Software San Diego Supply and Demand Pharmaceutical 333

Logistics Viewpoints

NOVEMBER 23, 2020

In supply chain management, it is widely accepted that holding enough finished goods inventory to fulfill every order is just too costly. The thinking goes that at some point, improving service levels means you are not adding inventory in a linear manner but rather exponentially. The company has visibility to demand and inventory.

Customer Service 246

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

Logistics Bureau

JANUARY 21, 2025

An efficient supply chain strategy is one that takes every aspect of your supply chain into account, from inventory management and warehouse design to freight tendering and transport optimisation. Inventory Management The key starting point is implementing proper ABC analysis, and you need to look at it from multiple angles.

Supply Chain Design Software 98

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

Logistics Viewpoints

FEBRUARY 14, 2024

Logistics and inventory management rounds out the top four focus areas at 82 percent. Logistics In line with the past several years, inventory management continues to be the top focus area in logistics. In addition to cost savings, having optimized inventory management can help balance cash flow with customer satisfaction.

Supply Chain Planning Software 326

Supply Chain Planning Software Supply Chain Planning Optimal Sourcing Scenario Planning 326

ToolsGroup

OCTOBER 11, 2017

"You must be able to make a direct link between the forecasting accuracy improvement and customer service, cost, efficiency, inventory, cash flow or capability improvements,” says Gartner. 9% reduction in inventory obsolescence (percent of inventory value). 9% reduction in inventory obsolescence (percent of inventory value).

Forecasting 180

Forecasting Supply and Demand Forecasting Software Optimal Sourcing 180

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. . On-time-in-full performance of distribution centers.

Supply Chain Planning Software 287

Supply Chain Planning Software Supply Chain Planning Scenario Planning Modeling 287

Supply Chain Shaman

OCTOBER 5, 2018

The award, based on beating the industry peer group on rate of improvement on the key metrics of growth, operating margin, inventory turns, and Return on Invested Capital (ROIC) while outperforming their peer group, is tough to achieve. Orbit Chart for L’Oréal at the Intersection of Inventory Turns and Operating Margin. Growing Pains.

Case Study 329

Case Study Inventory Reduction Study Agile and Lean Supply Chain 329

GlobalTranz

DECEMBER 1, 2014

Benchmark DC Systems to Handle the Volume. Make your Inventory Omni-Channel. For a handful of huge shippers and retailers, it makes sense to divide inventory into one stream for traditional replenishment and another for e-commerce fulfillment. Here are 5 tips to prepare any shipper to master the art of holiday logistics.

DC 323

DC Supply Chain Planning Software Logistics Network Optimization Software Supply Chain Planning 323

Logistics Viewpoints

JANUARY 3, 2023

The opportunity for better demand planning at retail, wholesale, and distributor/franchise channels comes from the availability of data representing consumer sales as well as external data such as weather, sector benchmarks, and price monitoring applications. To read the full article, click HERE.

Modeling 275

Modeling Supply and Demand Supply Chain Optimization Price Reduction 275

Logistics Viewpoints

APRIL 24, 2024

Available to sell is the on-hand inventory minus any promised inventory. Available to promise is a reserve against incoming inventory. This intersection ensures that a company does not oversell its inventory, putting on-time delivery and customer satisfaction at risk.

Course 303

Course Supply Chain Planning Software Predictive Analytics Software Optimization Software 303

Logistics Viewpoints

OCTOBER 2, 2023

This allows the company to do some interesting benchmarking. Elenjickal points out that there is a difference between transportation visibility – where the truck or plane or ship is, inventory visibility – visibility to where stock keeping units are located across the end-to-end network, and order visibility.

Real-time Visibility 311

Real-time Visibility Supply Chain Visibility Inventory Reduction Agile and Lean Supply Chain 311

Supply Chain Shaman

JUNE 16, 2014

Despite two decades of advancement in supply chain technologies, companies are struggling to gain balance at the intersection of operating margin, inventory turns and case fulfillment. Instead, I would look at network flows, the form and function of inventory, cost-to-serve analysis, and the determination of the supplier network.

Supply Chain Design Software 319

Supply Chain Design Software Network Design Software Supply Chain Planning Software Supply Chain Network Software 319

The Logistics of Logistics

JUNE 5, 2024

The podcast delves into the substantial costs of detention, the benefits of benchmarking and scorecarding, and the potential of generative AI in improving logistics operations. Khandelwal also discusses the significance of driver efficiency, cost optimization through automation, and the potential impact of a four-day workweek on scheduling.

Optimization Software 264

Optimization Software Logistics Network Optimization Software Supply Chain Software Cost Reduction Strategies 264

GlobalTranz

SEPTEMBER 24, 2018

Benchmark existing freight spend and use of transportation modes. Use reporting tools to benchmark performance and improve efficacy. Keep customers informed of available inventory. Shippers should expect a 3PL-shipper partnership to follow these steps to improve e-commerce logistics management.

Transportation Management 285

Transportation Management 3PL Logistics Network Optimization Software Supply Chain Network Software 285