ivalua

MAY 29, 2025

Procurement and supply chain management are often used interchangeably—but in practice, the lines between them can blur in ways that create real friction. Misaligned priorities, siloed systems, and unclear ownership can directly impact key performance indicators like cost savings percentage and procurement cycle time.

Procurement Solutions 130

Procurement Solutions Optimal Sourcing Manufacturing Procurement Supply Chain Planning Software 130

Supply Chain Shaman

FEBRUARY 4, 2025

Functional Metrics and the Lack of Alignment to Strategy. Process-based companies continue to focus on manufacturing efficiency (OEE) and discrete on procurement (PPV) without designing the supply chain to balance transportation, manufacturing, and procurement to a balanced scorecard. The Lovefest with Shiny Objects.

Supply Chain Design Software 221

Supply Chain Design Software Price Reduction Cost Reduction Strategies Supply Chain Planning Software 221

ivalua

MAY 30, 2025

As supply chains become more interconnected and risks more dynamic, traditional procurement tools fall short. AI agents offer a smarter, faster way to manage sourcing, risk, and spend across the entire procurement lifecycle. What’s the technology behind autonomous procurement agents?

Optimal Sourcing 130

Optimal Sourcing Procurement Solutions Procurement Analytics Negotiating Skills 130

ivalua

MAY 30, 2025

As supply chains become more interconnected and risks more dynamic, traditional procurement tools fall short. AI agents offer a smarter, faster way to manage sourcing, risk, and spend across the entire procurement lifecycle. What’s the technology behind autonomous procurement agents?

Optimal Sourcing 130

Optimal Sourcing Procurement Solutions Procurement Analytics Negotiating Skills 130

ivalua

MAY 10, 2025

Enterprise procurement leaders are under more pressure than ever—juggling cost control, compliance, supplier risk, and internal complexity, all while trying to modernize outdated systems. AI, automation, and generative tools are redefining efficiency, allowing procurement teams to move from reactive to proactive decision-making.

Procurement Solutions 130

Procurement Solutions Sourcing Strategies Optimal Sourcing Analytics Software 130

ivalua

MAY 21, 2025

Enterprise procurement teams face growing pressure to deliver strategic value – managing supplier risk, ensuring compliance, and supporting sustainability – all without sacrificing speed or control. This blog explores the most common challenges in digital procurement and the capabilities that matter most.

Optimal Sourcing 130

Optimal Sourcing Procurement Solutions Procurement Analytics Analytics Software 130

Supply Chain Shaman

DECEMBER 13, 2021

Yes, a time when well-meaning supply chain leaders share their strategy decks for the upcoming year and ask me for an opinion. How do we design work systems to align organizations and ensure that there is the right balance of reward systems with metrics? It is that time of year. The reason? Most because they are stuck.

Cost Reduction Strategies 413

Cost Reduction Strategies Price Mitigation Strategies Supply Chain Strategy Supply Chain Design Software 413

Freightos

APRIL 23, 2025

Home Introducing Freightos Enterprise: End-to-End Procurement, Benchmarking, and Management Freightos Enterprise unifies market intelligence, tender management, and shipment operations into one solution, enhancing logistics efficiency for large import-export businesses.

Optimal Sourcing 156

Optimal Sourcing Benchmarking Manufacturing Procurement Procurement 156

ivalua

JUNE 9, 2025

In this type of environment, traditional procurement software and manual processes are insufficient – and many procurement teams are looking to artificial intelligence (AI) for answers. Key Takeaways Understand the potential impact of AI – including Generative AI & AI Agents – in procurement.

Optimal Sourcing 130

Optimal Sourcing Procurement Solutions Purchasing Skills Procurement Analytics 130

RFgen

DECEMBER 4, 2024

Supply chain efficiency is the cornerstone of success and involves the effective management of processes, resources, and technologies from procurement to production, transportation to warehousing. In the automotive sector, manufacturers are simultaneously reducing inventory costs and delivery times.

Sourcing Strategies 96

Sourcing Strategies Waste Reduction Inventory Reduction Expense Reduction 96

Enchange Supply Chain Consultancy

JUNE 10, 2025

Now for the Do’s & Don’ts In the dynamic world of FMCG, your Route to Market (RTM) strategy and distributor partnerships can make or break your brand’s success. Do Set Clear KPIs and Governance Structures : Establish transparent metrics for sales, coverage, and service levels. Ensure margins are fair and sustainable.

Waste Reduction 165

Waste Reduction Vendor Strategies Inventory Reduction Cost Reduction Strategies 165

Precoro

NOVEMBER 11, 2024

In this article, we’ll explain what centralized purchasing is, the challenges it tackles, the benefits of centralized procurement, and the types of companies that can benefit most from it. That’s when a centralized procurement organization structure proves beneficial.

Pricing Training 105

Pricing Training Price Reduction Expense Reduction Purchasing Training 105

Precoro

MARCH 27, 2025

Rising costs, supply chain chaos, and economic swings put businesses under enormous pressure to protect their margins. According to McKinsey & Company, procurement accounts for 50% to 80% of a company’s cost base. That’s why organizations zero in on strategies to achieve procurement cost reduction. 

Cost Reduction Strategies 45

Cost Reduction Strategies Price Reduction Expense Reduction Vendor Strategies 45

Logistics Viewpoints

JANUARY 3, 2025

The DOE is still issuing large federal loans to startup companies, Novonix a synthetic graphite startup just received a $755 million loan to support its mission and reach its goal of producing 31,500 metric tonnes of synthetic graphite. Department of Energy to build a synthetic graphite facility in Chattanooga, Tennessee.

Supply Chain Software 293

Supply Chain Software Negotiating Skills Supply Chain Planning Software Purchasing Training 293

SCMDOJO

JANUARY 9, 2025

Strategic sourcing and innovative solutions are often viewed as two distinct procurement tools, but they should not be seen in isolation. 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.

Optimal Sourcing 98

Optimal Sourcing Manufacturing Procurement Procurement Solutions Negotiating Skills 98

RFgen

DECEMBER 19, 2024

Balancing increased demand with consistent quality and controlled costs is difficult but essential for manufacturers looking to expand. Understanding Scaling Manufacturing The manufacturing business relies on scalability to increase production output efficiently without a proportional increase in costs.

Material Savings 92

Material Savings Sourcing Strategies Resource Reduction Inventory Reduction 92

Supply Chain Shaman

JUNE 17, 2025

When we measure the bullwhip impact (in my class on outside-in process thinking), the bullwhip between manufacturing and procurement is 2-3X. The use of outside-in signals can reduce it by 40-60%. Functional metrics align to bonus incentives, but progress in supply chains remains evasive. The difference is opportunity.

Supply Chain Planning Software 195

Supply Chain Planning Software Supply Chain Planning Supply Chain Software Scenario Planning 195

QAD

MAY 22, 2025

Rising costs, geopolitical tensions, and tariffs demand a strategic and holistic approach to maintain profitability and competitive advantage. There are many ways an organization can cut supply chain costs. Mastering Direct Spend Management Procurement teams generally do not report to the chief supply chain officer.

Cost Reduction Strategies 52

Cost Reduction Strategies Expense Reduction Price Reduction Waste Reduction 52

Logistics Viewpoints

APRIL 6, 2023

Procurement and Supply Chain Management are essential functions that can help companies navigate these challenges, but they are often siloed and operate in separate departments. Their metrics are often misaligned as well – supply chain focuses on service and procurement focuses on the cost of acquiring materials and services.

Optimal Sourcing 246

Optimal Sourcing Sourcing Strategies Manufacturing Procurement Material Savings 246

RFgen

NOVEMBER 27, 2024

You’ll learn how to leverage data to streamline operations, reduce costs, improve efficiency, and exceed customer expectations. Various supply chain optimization techniques, such as detailed planning, assessing current practices, and automating processes, can significantly enhance efficiency and reduce costs.

Optimal Sourcing 98

Optimal Sourcing Supply Chain Optimization Modeling Inventory Reduction 98

Logistics Viewpoints

SEPTEMBER 13, 2022

In the past few decades, an increasing number of organizations have adopted environmental, social and governance ( ESG ) initiatives to help heal the planet as well as to make cost and efficiency improvements in their supply chain and procurement operations. What obstacles are companies facing in making the most of this opportunity?

Cost Reduction Strategies 261

Cost Reduction Strategies Supply Chain Planning Software GEP Supply Chain Network Software 261

SCMDOJO

OCTOBER 28, 2024

Procurement People should learn the Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP) Process. Procurement professionals can contribute significantly to the S&OP process by providing valuable insights into supply chain dynamics, identifying potential risks, and optimizing sourcing strategies.

S&OP 97

S&OP Optimal Sourcing Supply and Demand Material Savings 97

The Logistics of Logistics

MAY 1, 2024

Samuel Parker and Joe Lynch discuss DAT iQ: the metrics that matter. DAT iQ provides freight intelligence to inform your budget and procurement strategies so you can navigate market volatility with greater confidence and agility. Source capacity with precision using supply and demand metrics and forecasts.

Metrics 246

Metrics Logistics Network Optimization Software Analytics Software Optimal Sourcing 246

Supply Chain Shaman

SEPTEMBER 3, 2018

Second, they adapt over time as market structures and strategies evolve. We consistently see that companies focused on functional excellence–a focus within a functional silo like manufacturing, transportation or distribution– or singular metrics– like inventory or costs– underperform against their peer groups.

Supply Chain Planning Software 377

Supply Chain Planning Software Supply Chain Design Software Agile and Lean Supply Chain Supply Chain Software 377

ivalua

JUNE 14, 2023

We recommend leveraging these workstreams, based on Gartner’s 4 Workstreams for Successful Implementation of Any Procurement Application to maximize the impact of your next large-scale procurement implementation: 1.

Optimal Sourcing 239

Optimal Sourcing Procurement Sourcing Strategies Resource Reduction 239

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. The So What?

Inventory Reduction 434

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

Logistics Viewpoints

JUNE 29, 2023

Direct spend can be a significant part of the Cost of Goods Sold for an organization. Configure to Order: This strategy involves customizing standard products based on customer specifications. From natural disasters to geopolitical tensions and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, supply chains have been significantly impacted.

Manufacturing Procurement 269

Manufacturing Procurement Procurement Analytics Material Savings Inventory Reduction 269

ivalua

JUNE 26, 2023

Blog » Procurement on the Thames: Ivalua’s London Summer Symposium June 26, 2023 | | Thought Leadership by Eloise Barnum As businesses navigate through supply chain disruptions, high inflation, and sustainability initiatives, procurement, and supplier management has taken center stage in driving change.

Optimal Sourcing 244

Optimal Sourcing Manufacturing Procurement Procurement Sourcing Strategies 244

SCMDOJO

FEBRUARY 21, 2025

Why Your Procurement Strategy is More Critical Now Than Ever Before In an era of global supply chain disruptions, a robust procurement strategy is no longer optionalits essential. The right procurement strategy ensures that organizations: Mitigate risks before they escalate.

Optimal Sourcing 59

Optimal Sourcing Supply Chain Disruption Vendor Strategies Cost Reduction Strategies 59

Supply Chain Shaman

APRIL 18, 2023

For organizations layered in functional metrics and driving a cost agenda, this is a tough nut to crack. Challenges Traditional definitions of supply chain excellence focus myopically on cost but are too slow in making decisions in inflationary periods. Tougher than most understand. Shift in cycles. Build in-market sourcing.

Supply Chain Planning Software 417

Supply Chain Planning Software Supply Chain Design Software Optimal Sourcing Supply Chain Software 417

SCMDOJO

APRIL 15, 2025

However, building such a supply chain requires smart strategies , the right partners, andmost importantlythe ability to adapt quickly when things go wrong. In this article, well explore proven strategies to safeguard your supply chain, minimize risks, and keep your business running smoothly, no matter what obstacles lie ahead.

Vendor Strategies 73

Vendor Strategies Sourcing Strategies Price Reduction Resource Reduction 73

Taulia

NOVEMBER 8, 2024

By combining these tools, SAP provides a robust, integrated approach to sustainability, empowering companies to make substantial progress in reducing their carbon footprint across the entire value chain. This blog highlights key strategies from these recent forums on sustainable procurement and practical tips to achieve impactful results.

Supply Chain Planning Software 98

Supply Chain Planning Software Optimization Software Supply Chain Software Optimal Sourcing 98

Supply Chain Shaman

APRIL 2, 2025

The issue is that when companies optimize functional metrics, they throw the supply chain out of balance and sub-optimize value. The most efficient supply chain (in terms of lowest cost) is not the most effective. Automation of traditional planning taxonomies focused on cost reduction sub-optimizes market capitalization/employee.

Optimal Sourcing 195

Optimal Sourcing Supply Chain Planning Software Modeling Supply Chain Design Software 195

Jaggaer

FEBRUARY 5, 2025

Strategic Sourcing Simplified: Best Practices for Maximizing Value Strategic sourcing goes beyond cost savings its about making informed decisions that drive long-term value. Now well dive into best practices in these critical areas to ensure a more effective and resilient sourcing strategy. Automation can also play a role here.

Sourcing Strategies 52

Sourcing Strategies Negotiating Skills Optimal Sourcing Price Reduction 52

SCMDOJO

OCTOBER 30, 2024

Conversely, a student who quickly grasps procurement strategies can be challenged with advanced case studies and leadership projects. Professionals in this field must interpret vast amounts of data to make informed decisions that enhance operational efficiency and reduce costs.

Supply Chain Planning Software 97

Supply Chain Planning Software Analytics Software Forecasting Software Predictive Analytics Software 97

Supply Chain Shaman

DECEMBER 15, 2022

When reviewing strategy decks for supply chain teams, I often see statements like “move from a functional-silo’d focus to a drive a more holistic response.” ” Or “push a shift from a focus on cost to drive value?” Functional Metrics. ” Sound familiar? Organizational Alignment 2012.

Manufacturing Procurement 397

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

Supply Chain Shaman

FEBRUARY 18, 2021

Initially, the output was published to procurement to design strategic buying strategies. Procurement became an island–isolated from the demand signal except for MRP. The focus of the transportation suites was on cost mitigation and price negotiation. Watermelon Metrics Don’t Drive The Right Results.

Supply Chain Planning Software 355

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