Logistics Viewpoints

MARCH 6, 2025

As a supply chain executive, picture beginning your day with a cup of coffee when a news alert notifies you of newly imposed tariffs affecting your primary suppliers in China. An automotive company I collaborated with conducted detailed modeling of potential tariff impacts on semiconductor supply chains.

Price Reduction 209

Price Reduction Material Savings Cost Reduction Strategies Waste Reduction 209

Logistics Viewpoints

DECEMBER 11, 2023

I’ve completed research on supply chain planning (SCP) boutiques. We are teaming up to bring you the coolest supply chain boutiques, listed alphabetically, that we identified through those studies. Clarkston Consulting is focused on the Consumer Goods and Life Sciences industries. What is a boutique?

Supply Chain Design Software 313

Supply Chain Design Software Supply Chain Planning Software Supply Chain Software Supply Chain Design 313

Logistics Viewpoints

APRIL 3, 2023

Aera Technology offers a solution they call “Aera Decision Cloud” A key challenge for manufacturers is connecting integrated business planning (IBP) – a longer term plan – to operational planning and execution – what needs to be done in the near term. The supply chain team must grapple with a couple of questions.

Supply Chain Planning Software 318

Supply Chain Planning Software Supply Chain Design Software Supply Chain Software Supply Chain Planning 318

ToolsGroup

MARCH 18, 2025

Your Aftermarket Supply Chain is More Complex Than You Think: Stop Guessing, Start Optimizing Lets be honest: managing spare parts inventory requires specialized strategies unlike any other inventory management process. Your distribution network spans multiple locations. And demand patterns are highly unpredictable.

Supply Chain Planning Software 156

Supply Chain Planning Software Optimal Sourcing Inventory Reduction Waste Reduction 156

Logistics Viewpoints

MARCH 25, 2021

If your company’s supply chain survived 2020 and the disruptions of early 2021, it’s safe to say it has passed the supply chain resiliency test. Supply chain disruption has many sources: tariffs and trade disputes, natural disasters, pandemics, economic uncertainty and cybersecurity attacks.

Supply Chain Planning Software 329

Supply Chain Planning Software Supply Chain Design Software Agile and Lean Supply Chain Supply Chain Software 329

Logility

AUGUST 31, 2023

The consumer goods industry may have experienced tremendous growth, but figuring out what consumers want is an ever-evolving puzzle. From where they shop and how frequently they buy to what price points entice them, consumer behaviors have been challenging to predict over the past year.

Consumer Goods 186

Consumer Goods Network Optimization Software Optimal Sourcing Inventory Reduction 186

ToolsGroup

MARCH 14, 2025

Your Aftermarket Supply Chain is More Complex Than You Think Lets be honest: managing spare parts inventory requires specialized strategies unlike any other inventory management process. Traditional supply chain planning tools fall short for several key reasons: Inability to handle intermittent demand patterns.

Optimal Sourcing 156

Optimal Sourcing Supply Chain Planning Software Optimization Software Inventory Reduction 156

Logistics Viewpoints

AUGUST 1, 2024

According to Bloomberg , the coffee supply chain is struggling with constrained supply and increase in prices is inevitable. Traditional, linear supply chains struggle to adapt. This article explores how adaptive supply chains can help businesses thrive.

Modeling 313

Modeling Network Optimization Supply Chain Design Software Material Savings 313

ToolsGroup

JULY 6, 2023

It’s also why so many of our customers are eager to share their supply chain success – and have even won awards of their own in partnership with ToolsGroup! Check out some of our most recent accolades and discover why so many companies turn to ToolsGroup for better, faster supply chain decision making.

ToolsGroup 295

ToolsGroup Supply Chain Planning Software Supply Chain Planning Optimal Sourcing 295

The Network Effect

OCTOBER 23, 2014

If you want to know ahead of time the changes awaiting the pharmaceuticals supply chain it is useful to extrapolate experiences from the consumer and retail sectors, which were dealing with the same trends and pressures long before pharmaceuticals (for example, the proliferation of distribution channels).

Pharmaceutical 188

Pharmaceutical Consumer Goods Retail Company 188

Logistics Viewpoints

APRIL 29, 2021

Today’s DCs and fulfillment centers are a major driver of employment growth and a highly visible proving ground for autonomous robots and other next-generation technologies. For companies across industries, transforming existing DCs and narrowing this technology gap is key to competitive advantage in a changing economy.

Optimal Sourcing 205

Optimal Sourcing Optimization Software Supply Chain Design Software Supply Chain Planning Software 205

Supply Chain Shaman

OCTOBER 5, 2018

At the Supply Chain Global Summit 2018 , Francois discussed the impact of digitalization, Industry 4.0, and L’Oréal’s approach to business that has allowed the company to continuously rank as a Supply Chains to Admire winner for four consecutive years. Supply Chains to Admire Methodology.

Case Study 329

Case Study Inventory Reduction Agile and Lean Supply Chain Study 329

GlobalTranz

APRIL 13, 2021

Supply chain disruption is a fact of life for every company that moves any type of product. Don’t expect to plan for every disruption; instead, develop a strategy to overcome supply chain disruption, regardless of the source. A resilient supply chain may be stretched to the max, but it doesn’t break.

Supply Chain Disruption 307

Supply Chain Disruption Supply Chain Planning Software Supply Chain Design Software Supply Chain Strategy 307

AIMMS

JANUARY 30, 2019

We recently created a quiz to help supply chain professionals answer this question. Our goal was to help you identify potential improvement opportunities by answering a few questions and get a temperature check on the current landscape of network design solutions. It’s great to see the enthusiasm for this interactive tool.

Supply Chain Design Software 230

Supply Chain Design Software Supply Chain Network Software Network Design Software Network Optimization 230

Supply Chain Shaman

OCTOBER 25, 2013

Last week, I wrote about the evolution of supply chain planning. In my blog post, I commented on HOW little supply chain planning has changed in its twenty-year evolution. I, like other analysts, are stuck in the traditional software APS paradigm. I am part of the problem. 1) Kinaxis.

Supply Chain Planning Software 286

Supply Chain Planning Software Supply Chain Design Software Network Design Software Forecasting Software 286

Logility

JULY 22, 2024

With approximately 95% of American households relying on products like recyclable aluminum foil, self-sealing wax, freezer paper, disposable bakeware, trash liners, and more, this organization strives for continuous improvement in their supply chain. But what are they really chasing?

Continuous Improvement 207

Continuous Improvement Supply Chain Planning Software Supply Chain Software Cost Reduction Strategies 207

Supply Chain Shaman

NOVEMBER 3, 2015

As an analyst in the battered supply chain software market for a decade, it is fun to watch you grow. Clients buy your software because you make it real. For those who are new to reading the Supply Chain Shaman blog, let me begin my analysis with a disclaimer.

Supply Chain Design Software 0

Supply Chain Design Software Supply Chain Planning Software Network Design Software Supply Chain Software 0

BlueYonder

JUNE 19, 2025

A team from Blue Yonder attended the recent Gartner ® Supply Chain Symposium/Xpo 2025 in Barcelona, Spain. encouraged 2,000 executive attendees to imagine a future where disruption and risk are minimized, thanks to advanced technology, connectivity and process innovation. Supply chains must be as well.

Gartner 81

Gartner Supply Chain Planning Software Supply Chain Design Software Supply Chain Software 81

Logistics Viewpoints

JANUARY 11, 2023

In early November, my colleague Steve Banker wrote an article looking at the top supply chain trends for 2023 and beyond. Supply chain disruptions have brought about an age of innovation. From a transportation standpoint, this has included major technological advancements. billion in 2019.

Logistics Network Optimization Software 305

Logistics Network Optimization Software Supply Chain Planning Software Forecasting Software Supply Chain Design Software 305

ToolsGroup

AUGUST 20, 2019

More and more businesses are hopping on the outsourcing bus and letting the experts take the wheel to drive supply chain planning processes. Several years ago ToolsGroup pioneered business process outsourcing (BPO) as an alternative to in-house supply chain planning (SCP). Driven by improvements in performance and cost.

Supply Chain Planning Software 214

Supply Chain Planning Software Supply Chain Planning Gartner Supply Chain Software 214

Logility

JULY 20, 2023

That’s why it’s essential to be sure you’re equipping your organization with the right demand planning software. When you choose the right solution, you can stay ahead of fluctuations in customer demand, achieve high levels of forecast accuracy, handle seasonality, and drive collaboration across supply chain stakeholders.

Supply and Demand 188

Supply and Demand Supply Chain Planning Software Demand Planning Software Forecasting Software 188

Supply Chain Shaman

OCTOBER 22, 2015

I was moving from a position where I led a manufacturing operation to being a part of a team to design supply chain software to improve planning decisions. I was moving from the world of manufacturing to a new world of software. When I went through the training to learn the new software, I struggled.

Inventory Reduction 150

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

The Logistics of Logistics

DECEMBER 2, 2013

Today’s supply chain and logistics management executives are tasked with managing multiple supply chain configurations, maximizing flexibility and incorporating complex technology systems into the mix. Today, RFID is building a new era for process automation and supply chain transparency.

Supply Chain Planning Software 154

Supply Chain Planning Software Supply Chain Software Pharmaceutical Demand Planning Software 154

Logility

JUNE 28, 2022

With Starboard’s Digital Twin Technology, Logility Clients Can Better Answer “What if” Scenarios and Optimize Supply Chain Networks to Overcome Disruptions and Drive Growth. a Traverse City, Michigan based innovator of supply chain network design software. ATLANTA (June 28, 2022) – Logility, Inc.,

Optimal Sourcing 253

Optimal Sourcing Network Optimization Software Logility Supply Chain Network Software 253

Logistics Viewpoints

SEPTEMBER 19, 2022

But there is a type of solution known as multi-enterprise supply chain networks (MSCN). Metcalf’s law does not apply to these supply chain networks. Yes, these supply chain networks advantages do improve as more companies and users join. TraceGains’ solution digitizes the food ingredient supply chain.

Supply Chain Design Software 229

Supply Chain Design Software Supply Chain Design Supply Chain Software Supply Chain Network Software 229

AIMMS

SEPTEMBER 9, 2019

In Part I of this series , we looked at supply chain professionals’ perception of forecast accuracy and how they see their forecast evolving in the future. With supply chain complexity on the rise, can new technologies help to improve forecast accuracy and achieve benefits like an optimized inventory and better customer service?

Forecasting 207

Forecasting Forecasting Software Demand Planning Software Modeling 207

Logility

OCTOBER 8, 2021

Companies using outmoded tools such as Excel spreadsheets and simple database systems to manage sales and operations planning (S&OP) have found themselves in an almost impossible position — stuck with outdated data and a manual reconciliation process that is both time-consuming and error-prone.

Supply Chain Planning Software 171

Supply Chain Planning Software Forecasting Software Demand Planning Software Modeling Software 171

Supply Chain Shaman

JUNE 13, 2024

This week, I attended the Consumer Goods Forum in Chicago. My takeaway is a serious concern by attendees on the impact of SAP RISE on global supply chains. On the top of mind for many retail and consumer goods executives is the looming forced upgrade by SAP named RISE. The networking was great. I listened.

Supply Chain Planning Software 221

Supply Chain Planning Software Supply Chain Network Software SAP Supply Chain Software 221

Logistics Viewpoints

JUNE 26, 2023

Mars has been on a journey to transform their digital supply chain. In 2019, Will Beery was appointed the vice president and tasked with leading the company’s global digital supply chain transformation. Mars is one of the largest fast moving consumer goods companies in the world.

Supply Chain Planning Software 210

Supply Chain Planning Software Supply Chain Design Software Agile and Lean Supply Chain Supply Chain Planning 210

ToolsGroup

MAY 15, 2018

Your company has an older supply chain planning (SCP) system of record (SOR) like SAP APO that was developed in the 1990s. You may have added some best-of-breed add-ons for specialized applications such as multi-echelon inventory optimization (MEIO). You plan your supply chain to guarantee your service level outcomes.

Supply Chain Planning Software 191

Supply Chain Planning Software Supply Chain Planning Scenario Planning Modeling 191

Logility

NOVEMBER 13, 2020

In our increasingly interconnected supply chains, potentially valuable information is hidden in plain sight, obscured by the chaotic flood of structured and unstructured data a business generates and consumes. This approach is not sustainable. Let’s apply it to a real scenario.

Forecasting 246

Forecasting Forecasting Software Supply Chain Planning Software Price Reduction 246

BlueYonder

JANUARY 10, 2023

Consumer packaged goods manufacturers are simultaneously managing changing market dynamics and pressures that require very careful consideration and management to drive sound business decisions and outcomes. We at Blue Yonder have the privilege of serving hundreds of consumer goods companies globally. Business Needs.

Consumer Goods 104

Consumer Goods Optimal Sourcing Supply Chain Planning Software Supply Chain Software 104

Supply Chain Shaman

SEPTEMBER 30, 2014

With the shifts in power, the relationships in the value chain are morphing. Each year I go to the Consumer Goods and Technology (CGT) conference where speaker-after-speaker talks about retail/supplier collaboration. Current State of Perpetual Inventory. Get Good at Data Sharing. The supply chain needs it.

Forecasting 353

Forecasting Optimal Sourcing Forecasting Software Supply Chain Network Software 353

Logistics Viewpoints

MARCH 27, 2023

Here are ten things to keep in mind in terms of the role that forecasting can have on supply chains: While not a cure all, forecasting does matter. 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.

Forecasting 271

Forecasting Forecasting Software Modeling Optimal Sourcing 271

ToolsGroup

OCTOBER 17, 2017

Gartner says, “To guarantee this, the supply chain operating model must change. Supply chains need to deliver new types of customer experiences, and they will do so through virtual ecosystems that are powered by new digital technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI),” says Gartner. See diagram above).

Supply Chain Planning Software 180

Supply Chain Planning Software Supply Chain Planning Gartner Supply Chain Software 180

DELMIA Quintiq

APRIL 6, 2020

The key challenge is to not over-produce and stock up on excessive inventory , but at the same time be ready for summer by securing on-shelf availability and fulfillment. The impact on inventory and demand will depend on the extent and timing of the pandemic ending. Often, consumer goods are produced in wide varieties.

Scenario Planning 296

Scenario Planning Supply Chain Planning Software Food Modeling 296

ToolsGroup

DECEMBER 4, 2018

Direct-to-Consumer (DTC) presents special supply chain planning challenges for both smaller microbrands (e.g., eyeglass brand Warby Parker or mattress seller Casper) and much larger consumer goods incumbents, but the planning challenges are different depending on which type of company you are.

Supply Chain Planning Software 159

Supply Chain Planning Software Supply Chain Planning Scenario Planning Supply Chain Software 159