Logistics Viewpoints

MARCH 9, 2023

Commerce is global and regional at the same time, the world is getting smaller and more interconnected, and Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) manufacturers operate in this build-anywhere and sell-anywhere market. Here we have compiled a list of the top six challenges that CPG companies face in the post-pandemic market.

Supply Chain Planning Software 283

Supply Chain Planning Software Modeling Forecasting Software Optimization Software 283

Supply Chain Shaman

JANUARY 30, 2025

My head is wobbling with announcements, late-night Friday press releases, company name changes, and executive turnover in the supply chain planning market. Renames the Company Daybreak. No doubt that the company, Noodle.ai, needed a fresh start after burning through $107M in capital of five rounds of financing. Kinaxis and o9.

Supply Chain Planning Software 221

Supply Chain Planning Software Supply Chain Design Software Modeling Modeling Software 221

Supply Chain Shaman

APRIL 27, 2022

Supply chain excellence is easier to say than to explain. Executive teams strive to drive improvement in supply chain results; yet, sadly, only four percent of public companies succeed. In this area of research, I find that companies are like dogs chasing cars. The grass is always greener at another company. The reason?

Procurement Analytics 369

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

Supply Chain Shaman

DECEMBER 15, 2022

” Followed by “How are you organized, and what defines functional excellence? And, how do you tie functional excellence to corporate value?” ” In this work, my observation is that large companies have a more difficult journey to drive organizational alignment, than smaller companies.

Manufacturing Procurement 397

Manufacturing Procurement Supply Chain Design Software Supply Chain Planning Software Procurement Analytics 397

Supply Chain Shaman

JUNE 26, 2025

I walked away thinking, “What a great company!” And, this company was celebrated as #17 on the Gartner Top 25? Companies have traditional processes, but they have never questioned their knowledge of how to utilize market data to improve outcomes market-to-market. Over time, as I watched, this changed. I hung my head.

Material Savings 195

Material Savings Waste Reduction Cost Reduction Strategies Price Reduction 195

Supply Chain Shaman

JUNE 10, 2025

Companies today making a fundamental mistake: they are attempting to automate current processes with AI versus challenging and redefining work. In May 2025, one in seven home-purchase agreements fell through resulting in the cancellation of 56,000 purchase contracts. Most companies forecast a single stream with a focus on error.

Supply Chain Planning Software 221

Supply Chain Planning Software Supply Chain Design Software Supply Chain Software Waste Reduction 221

Supply Chain Shaman

APRIL 19, 2024

In this research, 81% of brand owners and contract manufacturers primarily depend on communication through email and spreadsheets. Approximately 32% of manufacturing, across industries, is outsourced. Purchase order data, while not as important, has the smallest gap. PE Firm Buy-out and Consolidation. Lack of a Buyer.

Supply Chain Network Software 374

Supply Chain Network Software Resource Reduction Cost Reduction Strategies Manufacturing Procurement 374

Supply Chain Shaman

JUNE 30, 2023

Each executive has a different perspective on the definition of supply chain excellence, but they are never discussed and aligned. His organization purchased an advanced planning technology from well-known best of breed provider, and the implementation should have been successful, but it was not. What Is The Ring of Fire?

Supply Chain Planning Software 387

Supply Chain Planning Software Supply Chain Design Software Agile and Lean Supply Chain Eliminating Excel in Purchasing 387

Supply Chain Shaman

MARCH 21, 2024

During the 1980s, I was on a management team for a large manufacturer. The Company was attempting to gain economies of scale by grouping manufacturing technologies within a common infrastructure to reap the benefits of a co-generation facility, a centralized warehouse, and a talented administrative team. Let me explain.

Inventory Reduction 434

Inventory Reduction Supply Chain Planning Software Cost Reduction Strategies Supply Chain Design Software 434

Supply Chain Shaman

NOVEMBER 21, 2024

Building a software company is hard work. Most of the business networks were hollowed out by venture capitalists or purchased by opportunists. The homework is to bring a list of the data that you think could drive better decisions to the conference and ask the technology company for insights on how to best use different forms of data.

Supply Chain Planning Software 396

Supply Chain Planning Software Modeling Software Modeling Supply Chain Network Software 396

Logistics Viewpoints

JULY 18, 2022

The company sources goods from 34,000 suppliers out of 30 nations. The company is piloting secure lockers for stock at their major sites. Adding to the complexity of the supply chain is that Ferguson is an acquisitive company. The company recorded 1.9 The company has shown sustained improvement on this metric.

Supply Chain Design Software 300

Supply Chain Design Software Supply Chain Planning Software Supply Chain Software Network Design Software 300

Supply Chain Shaman

NOVEMBER 11, 2020

Today, supply chain excellence matters more than ever. Globally ten percent of jobs are in manufacturing, while 37% are associated with supply chain management. ” Companies know they have a problem with adopting new technologies, but they do not have clear answers on what to do next. Reflection. The Market Response.

Supply Chain Design Software 362

Supply Chain Design Software Procurement Solutions Manufacturing Procurement Supply Chain Planning Software 362

Supply Chain Shaman

JANUARY 9, 2024

Nvidia, Northrup Grumman, PACCAR Inc, PCA (Packaging Corporation of America), ResMed, Rockwell Automation, Ross Stores, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing (TSMC) Company, Tempur-Pedic, TJX, Toro, Toyota, West Pharma, United Tractors, and Urban Outfitters. How Do You Define Excellence? Most companies are not clear.

Supply Chain Planning Software 386

Supply Chain Planning Software Pharmaceutical Supply Chain Planning Gartner 386

Supply Chain Shaman

DECEMBER 7, 2023

Today, I speak at the North American Manufacturing Association, Manufacturing Leadership Conference, in Nashville on the use of data to improve supply chain resilience. In short, resilience is what keeps things running during a disruption — and what helps companies get back on track afterward. I cannot get a clear answer.

Supply Chain Design Software 395

Supply Chain Design Software Supply Chain Planning Software Modeling Supply Chain Software 395

SCMDOJO

MARCH 24, 2025

Introduction Gardner, (1954) and Huntzinger, (2007) define Purchase price variance (PPV) as a metric used to measure the effectiveness of cost-saving efforts by calculating the difference between the planned cost (standard pricing) allocated for purchasing activities and the actual cost incurred.

Purchasing Skills 69

Purchasing Skills Negotiating Skills Negotiate Pricing Procurement Analytics 69

Supply Chain Shaman

JUNE 28, 2021

As an analyst for nearly two decades, I am constantly amazed watching companies throwing the baby out with the bathwater. Consumers constantly change the mix preferences in purchases. Somedays, the focus is on steaks or ribs and the next on the purchase of ground or cubed meat. What do I mean? There are 192 ways to cut up a cow.)

Supply Chain Planning Software 322

Supply Chain Planning Software Supply Chain Design Software Supply Chain Planning Supply Chain Software 322

Supply Chain Shaman

FEBRUARY 18, 2021

No company interviewed was able to successfully use their current what-if solutions to model pandemic impacts. Companies need an easy-to-use sandbox deployment to visualize supply chain constraints and the impact of variability. Advanced planning evolved with a focus on modeling manufacturing constraints. Next Steps.

Supply Chain Planning Software 355

Supply Chain Planning Software Supply Chain Design Software Supply and Demand Procurement Analytics 355

Supply Chain Shaman

JANUARY 25, 2024

My definition of a network is the bi-directional information exchange of manufacturing, procurement, quality, and transportation signals across multiple tiers of trading partners in a many-to-many trading partner information exchange with minimal latency. Less than 1% of companies in this value chain outperform their peer group.

Supply Chain Network Software 359

Supply Chain Network Software Manufacturing Procurement Inventory Reduction Purchasing Skills 359

RFgen

DECEMBER 19, 2024

Data-driven forecasting improves purchasing and cuts storage expenses. To maintain operational excellence, establish feedback loops between staff and management. Mobile barcoding helps supply chain companies achieve their green and sustainability initiatives. This includes real-time visibility and tracking via mobile devices.

Optimal Sourcing 97

Optimal Sourcing Optimization Software Waste Reduction Modeling 97

Supply Chain Shaman

NOVEMBER 21, 2022

So, I smile, catch my dinner partner’s eye and ask, “In our prior conversations, you mentioned the lack of clarity on the definition of supply chain excellence in your current deployments and how this is a barrier to implementing supply chain planning properly. “ Reflection. Self-driving supply chains are an example.

Supply Chain Planning Software 376

Supply Chain Planning Software Supply Chain Design Software Optimal Sourcing Modeling 376

Supply Chain Shaman

FEBRUARY 1, 2024

He feels he has the answer for companies. ” However, his company remains small with a couple of clients. If it was an answer, why is the company not growing? As I analyze business results , I see that most companies are really stuck. How did the company perform against the plan?” On average, it takes 2.8

Supply Chain Planning Software 392

Supply Chain Planning Software Optimal Sourcing Manufacturing Procurement Waste Reduction 392

Supply Chain Shaman

SEPTEMBER 27, 2021

The word of the day is visibility, yet this is the nut–that companies implementing many projects, — cannot seem to crack. In our recent survey on analytics, today 74% of companies are attempting to improve supply chain visibility (as shown in Figure 1). The reason? The solution remains elusive. What Is Visibility?

Supply Chain Planning Software 390

Supply Chain Planning Software Sourcing Strategies Manufacturing Procurement Supply Chain Design Software 390

Supply Chain Shaman

DECEMBER 27, 2022

In a recent research project, we found that 2/3 of companies had a digital supply chain transformation strategy; however, those that were evolving their strategy performed better during the early months of the pandemic than those that were “clear” on the project plan for a digital transformation. Companies struggle to use data.

Supply Chain Software 418

Supply Chain Software Supply Chain Planning Software Supply Chain Design Software Inventory Reduction 418

Logistics Viewpoints

AUGUST 12, 2024

Pirelli’s Business Model and Supply Chain Pirelli (PIRC.MI) is a consumer tire company headquartered in Milan, Italy. This company focuses on the high-value segment of the market: they provide tires for premium and prestige car makers like BMW, Audi, Mercedes, JLR, Lamborghini, Ferrari, Maserati, Aston Martin, and McLaren.

Modeling 307

Modeling Supply Chain Planning Software Supply Chain Design Software Modeling Software 307

Supply Chain Shaman

JUNE 20, 2014

However, what is clear from our recent study of 73 manufacturers using supply chain planning is that companies using best-of-breed solutions implement faster, achieve a quicker Return-on-Investment (ROI), and are more satisfied. These companies were merged into other entities and/or changed their names. Or accidental?

Supply Chain Planning Software 366

Supply Chain Planning Software Supply Chain Planning Scenario Planning Supply and Demand 366

Supply Chain Shaman

SEPTEMBER 24, 2018

. <Bear with me… > Here I share a nine-step process in an attempt to help companies unravel the process for buying supply chain planning software. I get the same questions over-and-over again, and see companies making the same mistakes. Most have purchased software, but are dependent on Excel spreadsheets.

Supply Chain Planning Software 252

Supply Chain Planning Software Supply Chain Design Software Supply Chain Planning Supply Chain Software 252

The Logistics of Logistics

OCTOBER 30, 2023

Over his 30+ year career in the supply chain, Richard has worked with manufacturers around the world in operations, supply chain, and lean strategy roles to develop systems that can manage complex supply chains on a global scale. Richard previously founded and led Factory Logic, Inc. acquired by SAP). The Greenscreens.ai

Optimal Sourcing 278

Optimal Sourcing Inventory Reduction Supply Chain Design Software Manufacturing Procurement 278

Supply Chain Shaman

JULY 6, 2020

Frank, the line manager for manufacturing, dominated the meetings. Ed argued that instead of buying new packaging equipment that we should work with R&D to have a base flavor and add the color and flavoring at the head of the machine. Strong manufacturing organizations do not make the most effective manufacturers.

Agile and Lean Supply Chain 362

Agile and Lean Supply Chain Supply Chain Design Software Supply Chain Planning Software Supply Chain Strategy 362

Supply Chain Shaman

SEPTEMBER 13, 2023

Solving from a supply side seems to work for many companies I work with. Only 2% of companies are pushing forward in our Supply Chains to Admire analysis. The issues are largely rooted in politics and the lack of clarity on supply chain excellence. Or planned orders to purchase orders?) Should companies care?

Supply and Demand 431

Supply and Demand Supply Chain Planning Software Modeling Demand Planning 431

SCMDOJO

JANUARY 9, 2025

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. By engaging in rigorous supplier selection and negotiation, companies can secure better pricing and ensure higher quality standards. Click here!

Optimal Sourcing 98

Optimal Sourcing Manufacturing Procurement Procurement Solutions Negotiating Skills 98

Supply Chain Shaman

JUNE 21, 2023

While companies talk digital, the projects follow traditional supply-centric paths. The Gartner analysis is biased toward companies within the Gartner network. While companies that supply chain leaders believe are top performers– J&J, P&G, and Unilever– do not outperform their peer group. Is this success?

Gartner 424

Gartner Supply Chain Planning Software Supply Chain Design Software Supply Chain Planning 424

Supply Chain Shaman

JUNE 14, 2014

“We live in a world where supply chains, not companies, compete for market dominance. But companies often have diverging incentives and interests from their supply chain partners, so when they independently strive to optimize their individual objectives, the expected result can be compromised. ”. This is a group of leaders.

Manufacturing Procurement 345

Manufacturing Procurement Optimal Sourcing Procurement Analytics Modeling 345

The Logistics of Logistics

SEPTEMBER 24, 2024

About Barry Aumiller Barry Aumiller ‘s 18-year transportation journey began as an intern at North America’s largest refrigerated trucking company. There, he navigated the complexities of the fuel desk, advising drivers nationwide on Comdata issues, optimizing purchase orders, and leveraging tax advantages.

Supply Chain Network Software 246

Supply Chain Network Software Network Optimization St. Louis Logistics Network Optimization Software 246

Logistics Viewpoints

MAY 16, 2022

But when ARC has done writing on SCCN, we have written about how this solution set can help a company optimize its own supply chain operations. A company buys these solutions to optimize their business. Companies,” Mr. Sherman points out, “are realizing that their supply chain is not really a chain at all.”

Supply Chain Planning Software 307

Supply Chain Planning Software Optimal Sourcing Supply Chain Optimization Supply Chain Planning 307

Supply Chain Shaman

AUGUST 18, 2022

At the end of a long day of a strategy session on supply chain excellence with a client, I needed to fill up some time in an agenda. Over the last decade, I find fewer and fewer companies understand supply chain planning. This large food manufacturer used a popular technology to forecast monthly using orders as an input.

Supply and Demand 259

Supply and Demand Demand Planning Software Supply Chain Planning Software Optimal Sourcing 259

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. It takes more than one or two respondents from a company. The greatest gap is in the design of supplier and manufacturing networks.

Supply Chain Design Software 319

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

o9 Solutions

JUNE 9, 2025

Instead of high-level frameworks, attendees heard directly from global manufacturers including RHI Magnesita, Teleflex, and Marelli. The company reported early gains, including a 24 percent reduction in inventory levels and verified cost savings exceeding €81 million. The agenda prioritized outcomes over abstraction.

Manufacturing Procurement 52

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