Supply Chain Shaman

OCTOBER 1, 2013

Over the last five years, I have helped two companies, Sonoco Products and Owens Illinois (OI) with their selection of technologies to improve Sales and Operations (S&OP) planning. Both companies provide packaging materials to the food manufacturing industry. It cannot be about singular metrics. Owens Illinois (OI), a $6.3

Illinois 253

Illinois Waste Reduction S&OP Supply Chain Planning Software 253

GlobalTranz

JULY 28, 2021

That means identifying areas of waste, overlap and large volumes and enabling continuous improvement through the use of transportation metrics to track performance. Leveraging data for continuous improvement makes transportation optimization more synonymous with managed transportation.

Optimal Sourcing 317

Optimal Sourcing Optimization Software Network Optimization Supply Chain Optimization 317

Precoro

JUNE 3, 2025

Businesses often use it in retail and purchasing. Category management isn’t just another procurement trend. It’s a way for companies to group similar goods or services (like IT infrastructure, facilities, or raw materials) and manage them holistically instead of handling every purchase in isolation.

Manufacturing Procurement 45

Manufacturing Procurement Procurement Analytics Procurement Solutions Material Savings 45

GlobalTranz

APRIL 25, 2016

3 Key Metrics for Measuring Supply Chain Performance Beyond Cost Reduction. Inventory measurement is critical and it is money after all in that it took a capital expense to procure. 10 Soft Metric Considerations in Measuring Supply Chain Performance. The goal is to keep inventory levels at a minimum to meet customer needs.

Procurement Analytics 120

Procurement Analytics Supply Chain Performance Metrics Supply Chain Software 120

RFgen

NOVEMBER 27, 2024

It’s the key to transforming your supply chain from a source of frustration into a well-oiled, profit-generating machine. Implementing Data Analytics for Supply Chain Success Data analytics transforms supply chains with precise insights and real-time monitoring by bringing together multiple data sources. The result?

Optimal Sourcing 98

Optimal Sourcing Supply Chain Optimization Modeling Inventory Reduction 98

GlobalTranz

MARCH 23, 2016

Today I will discuss how a company can sustain a lean culture once they have implemented lean practices in order to achieve continuous improvement. I use a method I call managing for daily improvement or MDI. How can we Continuously Improve Daily and Sustain a Lean Culture and Behavior? Industry Week, March, 2016).

Agile and Lean Supply Chain 120

Agile and Lean Supply Chain Manufacturing Procurement Lean Sustainability 120

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

Supply Chain Shaman

MARCH 27, 2023

Just as the electric light bulb did not come from the continuous improvement of candles, I believe that supply chain planning improvements will not come from doing more of the same. ” Today only 7% of manufacturers are innovators. Integrating data does not align an organization motivated by functional metrics.

Supply Chain Planning Software 365

Supply Chain Planning Software Supply Chain Planning Scenario Planning Supply Chain Design Software 365

Supply Chain Shaman

SEPTEMBER 2, 2016

Before I started doing this research, I believed procurement and manufacturing were aligned. While this is the case in 50% of the organizations, there are many organizations with large alignment gaps between finance/operations and procurement/manufacturing. Digital manufacturing is also a disruption. I was wrong.

Supply Chain Planning Software 0

Supply Chain Planning Software Supply Chain Strategy Supply Chain Design Software Supply Chain Software 0

GlobalTranz

NOVEMBER 17, 2016

Transportation modes used in procurement and shipping. Distribution of goods prior to purchase. However, rapid growth and diversification of products are making shippers, manufacturers, and suppliers rethink their business strategy. But the possibilities for continuously improving. Demand forecasts.

Supply Chain Design Software 120

Supply Chain Design Software Big Data Supply Chain Software Continuous Improvement 120

Logistics Viewpoints

APRIL 4, 2022

They source from approximately 15,000 suppliers with a sourcing spend of over €7 billion. It started in manufacturing and spread, step by step, to improvements in the way the company runs its supply chain. Being able to look at a service failure and get down to root causes is necessary for continuous improvement.

Supply Chain Transformation 260

Supply Chain Transformation Supply Chain Planning Software Modeling Scenario Planning 260

Logistics Viewpoints

NOVEMBER 23, 2020

Ronan Stephens, the Senior Vice President of Supply Chain Management and External Manufacturing, explained how the company set out on a journey to improve customer service while also reducing costs. It was thought that the company probably did need to improve their supply chain planning (SCP) capabilities.

Supply and Demand 246

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

QAD

APRIL 13, 2023

While Contract Pharma & BioPharma manufacturers continue to experience an increase in demand for more projects, new challenges are emerging from nearly every angle including new regulatory and quality requirements, workforce shortages and of course, supply chain disruptions. is likely to reach 2.1

Pharmaceutical 98

Pharmaceutical Sourcing Strategies Manufacturing Procurement Optimal Sourcing 98

Arena Solutions

APRIL 9, 2024

As the pressure mounts for manufacturers to deliver in shorter timelines because of increased competition and the urgency to solve a myriad of climate-related challenges, legacy ways of doing things have become an insurmountable hindrance to progress. Overcoming Challenges in Product Lifecycle Management With Advanced Solutions The problem?

Manufacturing Procurement 108

Manufacturing Procurement Supply Chain Design Software Manufacturing Analytics Software 108

Logility

APRIL 29, 2021

As global supply chains and procurement scrutiny become more and more complex, risks increase and the range of stakeholders who demand a compliant supply chain has increased from simply regulators to investors, providers, partners, consumers, and the media.

Optimal Sourcing 204

Optimal Sourcing Supply Chain Planning Software Sourcing Strategies Supply Chain Optimization 204

AFFLINK

JUNE 10, 2025

For AFFLINK's partners and affiliates navigating complex procurement environments, ESG integration reshapes how supply chains are built, evaluated, and optimized. With consumers and investors alike expecting higher accountability, ESG compliance has become a key differentiator in global procurement.

Optimal Sourcing 48

Optimal Sourcing Supply Chain Design Software Waste Reduction Vendor Strategies 48

The Network Effect

OCTOBER 3, 2014

Supply chain organizations within the automotive supplier industry contribute to manufacturing excellence in many ways, including quality, cost, and delivery to their OEM and subsystem customer base. Repeatable processes that minimize human intervention including continuous process measurement and reporting.

Supply Chain Network Software 195

Supply Chain Network Software Automotive Modeling Software Supply and Demand 195

synchrono

NOVEMBER 4, 2015

If you follow the Demand-Driven Matters blog, you know we specialize in Demand-Driven Manufacturing and have identified the two key components of this method as synchronization and flow. In this post, I want to introduce a discussion around what we’ve identified as the Five Key Elements that Drive Flow in manufacturing production.

Manufacturing Procurement 75

Manufacturing Procurement Manufacturing Internet of things Demand Planning Software 75

Synovos

OCTOBER 30, 2023

In one case, a long-time packaging manufacturer changed its reporting structure, putting in place a new manager responsible for the MRO supply chain. It is our responsibility to know their business inherently and introduce new savings opportunities and continuous improvements to continue driving those savings.

Material Savings 105

Material Savings Manufacturing Procurement Packaging Vendor Strategies 105

Unleashed

APRIL 6, 2022

Lean manufacturing involves 13 core principles – many more than the ‘five principles’ that are often associated with this popular manufacturing system. The lean concept originally came from manufacturing, but it has gained in popularity and is now used widely across different industries and sectors.

Manufacturing Procurement 98

Manufacturing Procurement Agile and Lean Supply Chain Lean Inventory Management Software 98

Logistics Bureau

DECEMBER 28, 2024

This means developing supplier evaluation frameworks that include carbon metrics, working together on joint emission reduction projects, and incentivising suppliers to meet or beat carbon targets. Also consider on-site renewable energy generation through solar panels or purchasing renewable energy credits (RECs) to offset facility emissions.

Material Savings 75

Material Savings Resource Reduction Supply Chain Design Software Supply Chain Planning Software 75

Logistics Viewpoints

AUGUST 7, 2023

Cardinal Health, a global manufacturer and distributor of medical, surgical and laboratory products, is focused on continuous improvement of service. Global logistics leaders wanted to improve service levels, lower costs, and fortify Cardinal Health’s supply chain planning process.

Supply Chain Planning Software 242

Supply Chain Planning Software Supply Chain Design Software Predictive Analytics Software Modeling Software 242

Supply Chain Shaman

APRIL 16, 2014

I have taken myself off the road to write the book Metrics That Matter. Because he had reduced his buffers—both inventory and manufacturing—and had built a push-based supply chain using a forecasted demand signal, he was failing in many markets. It is a slow week. Most of my friends are on vacation. It is tedious.

Supply Chain Design Software 298

Supply Chain Design Software Agile and Lean Supply Chain Modeling Supply Chain Planning Software 298

Supply Chain Shaman

AUGUST 11, 2014

Over the course of the last two years, we at Supply Chain Insight s have worked on a methodology to gauge supply chain improvement. We have found that supply chain metrics are gnarly and complicated.During I strongly believe diversity of experience and thought leads to improved performance. We named it the Supply Chain Index.

Case Study 305

Case Study Optimal Sourcing Supply Chain Planning Software Supply Chain Design Software 305

SCMDOJO

APRIL 26, 2023

Category management is a procurement strategy that involves grouping similar products or services together into categories and managing them as a single unit. This approach can help organizations streamline their procurement processes, negotiate better deals with suppliers, and ultimately save money.

Procurement Solutions 108

Procurement Solutions Manufacturing Procurement Procurement Analytics Optimal Sourcing 108

GlobalTranz

MAY 20, 2015

We have talked a great deal about the evaulation of suppliers on our blog and this post continues that great tradition. When you choose a company to transport your freight or to supply you with the materials you need to manufacture a product, you are putting your hard work and reputation in their hands. Cost of quality.

Procurement Analytics 120

Procurement Analytics Metrics Quality Supply Chain Planning Software 120

GlobalTranz

MAY 18, 2018

If the customer uses online and in-store shopping to make a purchase, shipping and pickup options should include A, B and C. Leverage Inventory as Data When systems communicate, they create inventory data, but actual inventory can be turned into data points and metrics to understand the flow of products.

Supply Chain Design Software 184

Supply Chain Design Software Supply Chain Software Omnichannel Analytics Software 184

SCMDOJO

JULY 3, 2023

In today’s fast-paced and competitive business landscape, organizations across industries are realizing the immense value of effective procurement practices. Procurement professionals play a vital role in driving operational efficiency, cost savings, and strategic decision-making. But how do you get started? Do not worry!

Purchasing Training 98

Purchasing Training Negotiating Skills Buyer Training Manufacturing Procurement 98

Supply Chain Shaman

MARCH 28, 2016

The average manufacturing company’s supply chain organization is 15 years old. Historically, the traditional supply chain focused on improving costs. While companies want to improve supply chain performance and drive value, it is easier said than done. We find that companies can improve one, but not two of the metrics.

Pharmaceutical 195

Pharmaceutical Metrics Manufacturing Procurement Supply Chain Planning Software 195

Supply Chain Shaman

JUNE 21, 2016

This lack of alignment is an impediment to improving balance sheet results. My first job was in manufacturing in the 1980’s. In the traditional supply chain world, the processes of sell, deliver, make, source, and plan are separate and distinct. The metrics reward functional thinking. They lack alignment.

Supply Chain Design Software 218

Supply Chain Design Software Supply Chain Planning Software Network Design Software Modeling 218

SCMDOJO

MAY 26, 2025

Beyond automation, digital systems like Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES) provide real-time visibility into production activities. Project management software for manufacturing environments can also centralize scheduling, task assignments, and workflow visibility. Hence, automating these functions ensures greater consistency.

Supply Chain Planning Software 59

Supply Chain Planning Software Inventory Reduction Material Savings Resource Reduction 59

Logility

AUGUST 14, 2023

Transactional and customer-facing data, such as transportation data and manufacturing and purchase orders, are important for generating demand signals and calculating demand variability. The presence — or absence — of required data is going to have an impact on the metrics being used to measure the success of the project.

Supply Chain Planning Software 203

Supply Chain Planning Software Supply Chain Planning Supply Chain Software Procurement Solutions 203

GlobalTranz

JUNE 8, 2017

Each industry has its peculiarities, among the others, in the logistics, manufacturing, and supply. Managers can control the operation efficiently as the relevant information comes from different sources, timely and all the members have access to its current updates. Continuous Improvement. A Better Scope Management.

Logistics Network Optimization Software 277

Logistics Network Optimization Software Resource Reduction Modeling Software Cost Reduction Strategies 277

Jaggaer

OCTOBER 24, 2024

The Art of Supplier Collaboration: Best Practices to Build Lasting Partnerships Dynamic market changes and global events seem to create newer demands and greater pressure on procurement professionals. This is especially important for manufacturers of luxury goods, for example.

Optimal Sourcing 52

Optimal Sourcing Cost Reduction Strategies Inventory Reduction Resource Reduction 52

QAD

AUGUST 12, 2021

Sustainable manufacturing refers to the ability to manage manufacturing operations “in an environmentally and socially responsible manner,” according to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development. Sustainability Objectives for Manufacturers. Improved responsiveness to new and existing regulatory requirements.

Waste Reduction 98

Waste Reduction Resource Reduction Material Savings Inventory Reduction 98

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 Software 59

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

GlobalTranz

JUNE 2, 2016

The 3PL gets to know the shippers'/customers' engineers, manufacturing or supply chain experts in the supplin order to eliminate points of failure down the road. The current Logistics or Purchasing Manager wants an answer as to “WIIFM?” Procurement can have a supplier embedded in their location as well. What’s In It For Me?).

3PL 120

3PL Manufacturing Procurement Optimal Sourcing Resource Reduction 120