Supply Chain Shaman

MARCH 21, 2024

In parallel, I started working on a project to eliminate the secretarial pool. Within a year, we eliminated the typing pool. I would never have eliminated the secretarial pool by asking them their opinion. We explore the concept of holistic inventory strategies focused on the form and function of inventory.

Inventory Reduction 434

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

RFgen

DECEMBER 4, 2024

In the automotive sector, manufacturers are simultaneously reducing inventory costs and delivery times. Additionally, we’ll discuss best practices for optimization and strategies for balancing efficiency with resilience. Technology integration: Leveraging digital tools to enhance visibility and decision-making.

Sourcing Strategies 96

Sourcing Strategies Waste Reduction Inventory Reduction Expense Reduction 96

Supply Chain Shaman

JUNE 10, 2025

In May, the total number of job cuts in the US were 696,309 – an increase of 80% from the 385,859 jobs cut in the first five months of 2024. During the first week of June 2025, job cuts continued with 90,000 layoffs with iconic brands like Kimberly-Clark (1500-1900), Microsoft (6,000), P&G (7000), and Wal-Mart (1,500).

Supply Chain Planning Software 195

Supply Chain Planning Software Supply Chain Design Software Supply Chain Software Waste Reduction 195

Supply Chain Shaman

MAY 13, 2024

Observations on What It Takes In the Mea Culpa post, I wrote that I used to believe that excellence in S&OP was a ratio of 60/30/10. (60% P&G did not appreciate the work Gilette accomplished on form and function of inventory and using market signals. Clearly Define an Operating Strategy.

S&OP 393

S&OP Supply and Demand Inventory Reduction Expense Reduction 393

Supply Chain Shaman

NOVEMBER 21, 2024

(Most of the business networks were hollowed out by venture capitalists or purchased by opportunists. ” My problem is that we move through these hype cycles with little accountability for spending and with a major opportunity cost to not redefine work. Or that a focus on cost reduction can actually undermine value creation?)

Supply Chain Planning Software 396

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

Supply Chain Shaman

AUGUST 14, 2016

The client leaned across the table and asked, “Is a customer-centric supply chain strategy the same as a demand-driven supply chain strategy?” Drawing from the Whiteboard: Building Customer-Centric Supply Chain Strategies. The focus is on channel data: price; inventory positions; and policies.

Material Savings 246

Material Savings Inventory Reduction Price Reduction Cost Reduction Strategies 246

RFgen

DECEMBER 19, 2024

But between rising costs, complex logistics, and the constant struggle to optimize space and labor, staying ahead can feel like an uphill battle. By maximizing space utilization, improving inventory control , and boosting workflow efficiency, you can unlock significant cost savings and elevate your customer service game.

Optimal Sourcing 97

Optimal Sourcing Optimization Software Waste Reduction Modeling 97

The Logistics of Logistics

OCTOBER 30, 2023

Richard Lebovitz and Joe Lynch discuss leading inventory attack teams. Richard is the CEO of LeanDNA , a purpose-built analytics platform for factory inventory optimization. About Richard Lebovitz Richard Lebovitz is the CEO of LeanDNA , a purpose-built analytics platform for factory inventory optimization. acquired by SAP).

Optimal Sourcing 278

Optimal Sourcing Inventory Reduction Supply Chain Design Software Manufacturing Procurement 278

Kinaxis

OCTOBER 20, 2014

by John Westerveld Over the years, working for and with numerous manufacturing companies, I’ve seen many supply chain practices that cost companies money. Reason #4 Making key decisions by modelling the supply chain in Excel. Reason #6 Not effectively managing inventory. All in all, it cost me a couple of dollars.

Supply Chain Planning Software 257

Supply Chain Planning Software Inventory Reduction Modeling Cost Reduction Strategies 257

Logistics Viewpoints

DECEMBER 2, 2021

import volumes still climbing (see Figure 1), limited processing capacity at key West Coast ports and the International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) contract expiring next summer, importers will be scrambling to maintain the inventory they need to support the demand increase.

Predictive Analytics Software 354

Predictive Analytics Software Predictive Analytics Waste Reduction Cost Reduction Strategies 354

DELMIA Quintiq

NOVEMBER 17, 2020

From raw material procurement to final product sales, these supply chains’ ability to minimize inventory through product life cycle controls and facilitate prompt product supply is every bit as important as product differentiation strategies. The establishment of efficient global supply chains has become critical to competitiveness.

Optimal Sourcing 296

Optimal Sourcing Manufacturing Procurement Supply Chain Optimization Supply Chain Planning Software 296

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. I know, a head-scratcher.

Supply Chain Software 418

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

Kinaxis

DECEMBER 3, 2014

Over the years, working for and with numerous manufacturing companies, I’ve seen many supply chain practices that cost companies money. Reason #4 Making key decisions by modelling the supply chain in Excel. Reason #6 Not effectively managing inventory. One example that I’ve seen several times is around inventory targets.

Expense Reduction 250

Expense Reduction Procurement Analytics Cost Reduction Strategies Metrics 250

RFgen

DECEMBER 27, 2024

You’re juggling production schedules, managing inventory, keeping an eye on finances, and making sure everything runs smoothly on the shop floor. Think of it as the central nervous system of your operation, connecting everything from production planning and inventory control to supply chain management and financial reporting.

Supply Chain Planning Software 98

Supply Chain Planning Software Supply Chain Design Software Manufacturing Procurement Inventory Management Software 98

Supply Chain Shaman

SEPTEMBER 20, 2015

When I hear companies discussing the implementation of a customer segmentation strategy, I ask a series of questions: Who is your customer? How do they buy from you? What are you trying to accomplish through the execution of a customer segmentation strategy? How do they buy from you?” Why does it matter to you?

Inventory Reduction 150

Inventory Reduction Cost Reduction Strategies Sourcing Strategies Supply Chain Strategy 150

SCMDOJO

DECEMBER 5, 2024

Leveling up your inventory life cycle can be crucial, but keeping all the fundamental factors jumping is essential to let the life cycle evolve. However, if the life cycle stock is healthy, inventory management is smooth. Inventory management revolves around the pivotal concept of the product life cycle. Click here!

Inventory Reduction 98

Inventory Reduction Inventory Management Software Optimal Sourcing Inventory Management 98

Supply Chain Shaman

JANUARY 9, 2024

How Do You Define Excellence? In retrospect, I find that technology is an enabler, but only if we are clear on what defines supply chain excellence. Many believe that an ex-supply chain exec knows the definition of supply chain excellence. An average margin of 21% with inventory turns of 1.58 I admit it. Lora was as well.

Supply Chain Planning Software 386

Supply Chain Planning Software Pharmaceutical Supply Chain Planning Gartner 386

Supply Chain Shaman

DECEMBER 17, 2018

Nick Lynch is the Global Excellence Manager at Shell Lubricants, a division of Shell Global. The lubricants are oils and greases to reduce friction and prevent moving machine parts from grinding. What can often look like compliance in APO could actually be numbers calculated in Excel and posted into the SAP system.

Demand Planning Software 322

Demand Planning Software Supply and Demand Supply Chain Planning Software Supply Chain Design Software 322

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

APRIL 27, 2022

Supply chain excellence is easier to say than to explain. At each company, there is a relationship between the metrics of growth, margin, inventory, customer service, and asset strategy. Keith was an undisputed leader in building talent to drive manufacturing excellence. The reason? Discontinued in 2011.

Procurement Analytics 369

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

Supply Chain Shaman

MAY 21, 2024

In follow-up qualitative interviews, one of the largest issues with organizational alignment was metric definition and a clear definition of supply chain excellence. For example, a cost improvement in one function could raise the costs in another. For example, a cost improvement in one function could raise the costs in another.

Procurement Analytics 393

Procurement Analytics Metrics Optimal Sourcing Supply Chain Planning Software 393

SCMDOJO

DECEMBER 29, 2024

Key takeaways Importance of Procurement Procurement vs. Purchasing Key Functions Departmental Structure Role Descriptions The blog emphasizes the significance of a well-structured procurement department with qualified personnel to achieve organizational objectives. Read In Detail About Procurement Department Here 2.

Negotiating Skills 95

Negotiating Skills Purchasing Skills Purchasing Training Buyer Training 95

SCMDOJO

APRIL 11, 2025

Economic downturns can disrupt the flow of goods, increase operational costs, and reduce profit margins. In this blog post, well explore the importance of robust supply chains, the key risks they face during economic downturns, and practical strategies. Recession-proofing a supply chain doesn’t mean eliminating all risks.

Supply Chain Planning Software 69

Supply Chain Planning Software Inventory Reduction Waste Reduction Supply Chain Design Software 69

Supply Chain Opz

NOVEMBER 9, 2014

Paul Dittmann , Executive Director of the Global Supply Chain Institute at the University of Tennessee Improving operational efficiency in the global supply chain is a complex undertaking, and requires a documented, multi-year strategy instead of knee jerk reactions, and programs of the month. But, it can be overdone.

Waste Reduction 274

Waste Reduction Supply Chain Planning Software Cost Reduction Strategies Inventory Reduction 274

Logistics Viewpoints

APRIL 25, 2024

Yards are a choke point between transportation and warehousing — and wherever you have choke points, you have a higher risk of inefficiencies that drive up labor costs, detention fees and delivery commitments. Create a facilities “Center of Excellence.” Problem number three: appointment scheduling is a mess. Yes, yards are hard.

Expense Reduction 312

Expense Reduction Cost Reduction Strategies Supply Chain Design Software Inventory Reduction 312

GlobalTranz

JANUARY 21, 2015

As a supply chain director, manager, or boss of a multinational corporation, where the supply chain is an integral part of your business, supply chain cost reductions are always at the forefront of your team’s mind. Vendor Managed Inventory Model for Supply Chain Cost Reductions. What is Reverse Marketing?

Vendor Strategies 120

Vendor Strategies Cost Reduction Strategies Inventory Reduction Waste Reduction 120

Logility

JULY 22, 2024

As Raheel Hussain, Director of the Supply Chain Center of Excellence at Reynolds Consumer Products notes during a recent webinar , a level of synchronization is critical to systemically share information and cut down the constant offline back-and-forth (conversations) between different functions.

Continuous Improvement 207

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

Procurement Academy

APRIL 24, 2025

When you look behind the scenes of a global business operation, procurement strategy and supply chain management are usually top priorities, though theyre not always working in sync. But the truth is, when these two functions join forces, the results can be game-changing: lower costs, faster responses, and a more resilient operation overall.

Optimal Sourcing 52

Optimal Sourcing Negotiating Skills Supply Chain Planning Software Supply Chain Design Software 52

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 362

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

Logistics Bureau

NOVEMBER 3, 2024

Again then, it’s not difficult to see how the financial health of a business depends on that of the supply chain, or how probable it is that supply chain costs feature strongly in the demise of many companies that become insolvent. Supply Chain Strategy In 2014, a survey by Tompkins Consortium delivered a shocking revelation.

Inventory Reduction 74

Inventory Reduction Cost Reduction Strategies Vendor Strategies Supply Chain Design Software 74

Supply Chain Shaman

FEBRUARY 1, 2024

Peeling Back the Lid on Supply Chain World Salad In this world, where board discussions focus on eliminating waste and meeting corporate social responsibility goals, supply chain teams respond with projects like end-to-end planning, control towers, and real-time decisions. Each concept is flawed adding to, not reducing, cost and waste.

Supply Chain Planning Software 392

Supply Chain Planning Software Optimal Sourcing Manufacturing Procurement Waste Reduction 392

ThroughPut

MAY 20, 2025

Managing spare parts inventory has always been a delicate balancing actexcess inventory ties up capital, while shortages risk costly downtime and production delays. When a critical part is not available at the right time and/or in the right place, it can halt production lines, delay maintenance, and incur millions in unplanned costs.

Inventory Management Software 52

Inventory Management Software Inventory Reduction Prescriptive Analytics Software Supply Chain Planning Software 52

Silvon Software

APRIL 16, 2025

Inventory is the lifeblood of any manufacturing business. Get it right, and youve got happy customers and streamlined costs. Striking the perfect balance between available stock and cost efficiency is key. Tracking inventory flow and performance across your supply chain is a must. But what exactly should you measure?

Optimal Sourcing 65

Optimal Sourcing Inventory Reduction Supply Chain Optimization Price Mitigation Strategies 65

Supply Chain Shaman

SEPTEMBER 27, 2021

Unloading times are double and costs are triple. As a result, most projects are not clear in scope, with the implementation of visibility as a “functional extension to existing process” lacking a holistic outside-in approach/strategy to sense, respond, and act. Design an Over-Arching Strategy and Building Blocks.

Supply Chain Planning Software 390

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

ThroughPut

JUNE 2, 2025

The stakes have never been higher: unplanned downtime due to unavailable parts can cost organizations thousands of dollars per minute, erode customer trust, and disrupt critical operations. They must balance inventory investment with the risk of stockouts, manage obsolete parts, and ensure compliance with evolving regulations.

Sourcing Strategies 52

Sourcing Strategies Inventory Reduction Cost Reduction Strategies Vendor Strategies 52

Supply Chain Shaman

JANUARY 25, 2024

With slim margins and ever-increasing inventories, companies invested less in capital assets. Today, this network operates with less capacity and ballooning inventories. With slim margins and ever-increasing inventories, companies invested less in capital assets. I think of EDI like old-fashioned mail.

Supply Chain Network Software 359

Supply Chain Network Software Manufacturing Procurement Inventory Reduction Purchasing Skills 359

SCMDOJO

FEBRUARY 20, 2023

To get ahead in today’s competitive marketplace, distributors must remain on the cutting edge of innovation and stay up-to-date on new developments. Therefore, evaluating performance and creating a comprehensive digitalization strategy are essential for a distributor’s success.

Inventory Reduction 119

Inventory Reduction Cost Reduction Strategies Resource Reduction Supply Chain Planning Software 119