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. They can learn and improve over time, as they collect new data and feedback.

Optimal Sourcing 130

Optimal Sourcing Procurement Solutions Procurement Analytics Negotiating Skills 130

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

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

ToolsGroup

JANUARY 21, 2025

Returns Management and Integration With 35% of online purchases being returned, predominantly to physical stores, retailers are grappling with the ripple effects on inventory management. Early adopters of these integrated platforms report significant improvements in inventory turnover and reduction in stockouts.

Supply Chain Planning Software 156

Supply Chain Planning Software Forecasting Software Inventory Reduction Price Reduction 156

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than ever—juggling cost control, compliance, supplier risk, and internal complexity, all while trying to modernize outdated systems.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

Logistics Viewpoints

MARCH 27, 2025

A disruption at any point in the global logistics network including the average of 12 touch points from shipment packaging to final delivery can prove disastrous for profits, service levels, customer loyalty, and other key metrics. With the global e-commerce market predicted to reach $8.1 billion to $23.07

Supply Chain Planning Software 330

Supply Chain Planning Software Supply Chain Network Software Logistics Network Optimization Software Predictive Analytics Software 330

Supply Chain Shaman

FEBRUARY 18, 2021

The systems–based on shipment and order data–were out of step with the market. With fixed models and hard-wired data feeds, teams could not adjust the planning systems to use consumption data or market indicators. Resist the temptation to place deeper analytics on top of existing data models.

Supply Chain Planning Software 355

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

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

Precoro

DECEMBER 24, 2024

Traditionally, procurement has been a process weighed down by manual tasks, fragmented systems, and endless paperwork. Today, procurement is undergoing a transformation. While procurement teams have long worked to add strategic value, Artificial Intelligence (AI) amplifies their impact.

Price Reduction 105

Price Reduction Cost Reduction Strategies Sourcing Strategies Expense Reduction 105

Logistics Viewpoints

DECEMBER 18, 2024

Predictive analytics helps logistics companies anticipate disruptions and adapt proactively. Blockchain also facilitates collaboration by sharing verified data across stakeholders. These devices provide actionable data to improve fuel efficiency and reduce maintenance costs.

Supply Chain Design Software 266

Supply Chain Design Software Optimal Sourcing Material Savings Supply Chain Planning Software 266

Precoro

NOVEMBER 11, 2024

For most CPOs and CFOs, deciding on the right purchasing setup — centralized or decentralized — is no small task. Each model has its perks, and choosing the best fit can feel like walking a tightrope. Keep reading to learn: What is centralized purchasing? What is centralized purchasing?

Pricing Training 105

Pricing Training Expense Reduction Price Reduction Purchasing Training 105

ivalua

JUNE 12, 2025

If you’re evaluating procurement technology or exploring ways to drive more value from existing systems, chances are you’re looking beyond tactical fixes – you want a smarter, scalable strategy. Misaligned priorities across finance, legal, and procurement create friction that delays decision-making and reduces impact.

Cost Reduction Strategies 130

Cost Reduction Strategies Material Savings Expense Reduction Negotiating Skills 130

Supply Chain Shaman

APRIL 27, 2022

At each company, there is a relationship between the metrics of growth, margin, inventory, customer service, and asset strategy. For the purpose of this article, I will use Return on Invested Capital (ROIC) as the proxy metric to discuss asset utilization.) Understanding this relationship requires modeling. (A A Case Study.

Procurement Analytics 369

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

Logility

MAY 18, 2020

Chances are, if you’re in marketing, sales, or one of the more technical aspects of business, you’ve used predictive analytics in some part of your job. But your company doesn’t have to be a retail giant to use predictive analytics. You just need data, well-defined goals, and the willingness to iterate.

Predictive Analytics 228

Predictive Analytics Analytics Software Predictive Analytics Software Procurement Analytics 228

Supply Chain Shaman

DECEMBER 15, 2022

To entice you to participate let’s look at the data more closely. In the supply chain team analysis, note the 21% gap between procurement and manufacturing teams, the 35% gap between sales and operations and the 21% gap between finance and operations. Functional Metrics. To respond, follow this link.

Manufacturing Procurement 397

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

Logistics Viewpoints

AUGUST 15, 2022

GEP and the North Carolina State University (NCSU) Supply Chain Resource Cooperative surveyed supply chain, procurement and IT professionals across a range of industries to gain insight into their priorities and strategies regarding supply chain resilience and optimization. Alex Zhong, Director Product Marketing at GEP.

Supply Chain Network Software 310

Supply Chain Network Software Manufacturing Procurement Procurement Analytics Optimal Sourcing 310

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 Inventory Reduction Waste Reduction Expense Reduction 96

Logistics Viewpoints

SEPTEMBER 4, 2023

Procuring transportation for freight is much different than any other procurement category. Transportation procurement needs to support both customer service and a company’s internal supply chain goals. One master of freight procurement is Kyle Masters. Procurement ran a request for proposal event.

Procurement Solutions 283

Procurement Solutions Procurement Analytics Manufacturing Procurement Optimal Sourcing 283

Silvon Software

MAY 6, 2025

Analytics and business intelligence (BI) are no longer optionaltheyre essential. Thats why modern BI systems are quickly becoming the go-to solution for data-driven enterprises. They integrate, align, and activate data across the business to drive better, faster decisions unlike legacy reporting tools that can’t.

Prescriptive Analytics Software 89

Prescriptive Analytics Software Analytics Software Predictive Analytics Software Supply Chain Design Software 89

ToolsGroup

MARCH 25, 2025

Real-Time Social Listening Integration Traditional supply chain planning relies heavily on historical transactional data, which inherently delays responses to rapidly shifting customer preferences. The latest ML algorithms can detect subtle shifts in consumer sentiment that precede actual purchasing behavior changes by weeks or even months.

Supply and Demand 156

Supply and Demand Forecasting Forecasting Software Modeling 156

GlobalTranz

NOVEMBER 21, 2017

In a recent study, MIT found that companies that focus on 5 key initiatives to improve their supply chain data can have a big impact on their bottom line. Some supply chain companies are leaning on the power of analytics to help streamline their processes and get ahead of their competitors. But the benefits far outweigh the challenges.

Analytics Software 237

Analytics Software Procurement Analytics Agile and Lean Supply Chain Modeling Software 237

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

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

Supply Chain Shaman

MAY 25, 2024

Pattern recognition is the ability to discern patterns in data and use the insights for further analysis. Wikipedia In 2014, I was exploring methods to publish what is now the Supply Chains To Admire report. The use of orbit charts allowed me to see the patterns of performance at the intersection of metrics over time.

Eliminating Excel in Purchasing 384

Eliminating Excel in Purchasing Gartner Supply Chain Design Supply Chain Strategy 384

ivalua

NOVEMBER 29, 2022

In recent years, the overall state of Procurement has been bolstered by increased proficiency, expanding engagement, and a growing direct impact on operations. And they’re not the only ones—other department heads are also increasingly budget-conscious, creating a new opportunity to partner with procurement for better budget management.

Procurement Analytics 130

Procurement Analytics Metrics Manufacturing Procurement Optimal Sourcing 130

Supply Chain Shaman

FEBRUARY 1, 2024

I see a preponderance of reports and white papers that have lots of pages but say little. Optimization engines to improve functional metric performance resulted in an exploding number of planners. The issue is data synchronization. The more outsourcing and instances, the greater the issue with data synchronization.

Supply Chain Planning Software 392

Supply Chain Planning Software Optimal Sourcing Manufacturing Procurement Waste Reduction 392

Logistics Viewpoints

DECEMBER 15, 2022

quintillion bytes of data every day. Cluster analysis is a statistical umbrella term for methods that classify data points according to their attributes. Cluster analysis is a statistical umbrella term for methods that classify data points according to their attributes. The retail industry is rich with data.

Optimal Sourcing 261

Optimal Sourcing Analysis Procurement Analytics Purchasing Skills 261

SCMDOJO

MAY 23, 2025

This shift has pushed supply chain leadership to pivot from reactive management to proactive strategy built on data. In this environment, business leaders need clear, data-based insights to make real-time decisions. Analytics allows organizations to move beyond intuition.

Prescriptive Analytics Software 59

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

Procurement Academy

JANUARY 16, 2025

Looking to improve operations and achieve cost savings within your procurement processes? Perhaps you already have a process audit report, or are interested in discovering how it could benefit you and streamline your operations. What is the Purpose of a Process Audit Report?

Procurement Analytics 52

Procurement Analytics Sourcing Strategies Optimal Sourcing Negotiating Skills 52

Supply Chain Shaman

JANUARY 9, 2024

As an old gal, with over forty-years of supply chain experience, writing this report for ten years taught me many lessons. I find in the orbit chart analysis that 45% of companies in the report are unconsciously incompetent. The group’s response is, “Are these supply chain metrics?” I admit it. The reason?

Supply Chain Planning Software 386

Supply Chain Planning Software Pharmaceutical Supply Chain Planning Gartner 386

Supply Chain Shaman

OCTOBER 29, 2014

The consulting team pitches a theme–vision of supply chain best practices, big data analytics, or demand-driven value networks– to the executive team, and a new project is initiated. Leadership teams struggle with the trade-offs between cash, cost and customer service. Data surrounds the company.

Supply Chain Planning Software 379

Supply Chain Planning Software Modeling Demand Planning Software Optimization Software 379

SCMDOJO

APRIL 11, 2025

Understanding how your Procurement and Supply Chain KPIs are performing isn’t just a nice-to-have; it’s essential for survival and growth. Is inventory bloating your costs? Too often, businesses operate on gut feel rather than hard data. Why You Need Visibility of Supply Chain and Procurement KPIs?

Pricing Training 72

Pricing Training Negotiating Skills Purchasing Skills Optimal Sourcing 72

ToolsGroup

FEBRUARY 16, 2022

BOSTON, February 16, 2022 : ToolsGroup , a global leader in supply chain planning and optimization software, has partnered with Planalytics to integrate their weather-driven demand (WDD) analytics with ToolsGroup’s retail planning solutions, enabling customers to isolate, measure, and manage the influence of weather on their businesses.

ToolsGroup 177

ToolsGroup Procurement Analytics Predictive Analytics Analytics Software 177

Silvon Software

APRIL 19, 2022

The past few years have created a lasting impact on the way business is conducted, driving many companies to analytics to gain the visibility they need to control and optimize key processes. The Basics of Procurement KPIs. There must be a clearly defined data source with a standardized process for collecting and measuring that data.

Optimal Sourcing 124

Optimal Sourcing Procurement Analytics Manufacturing Procurement Negotiate Pricing 124

SCMDOJO

DECEMBER 11, 2023

In the realm of efficient procurement management, understanding the various types of procurement reports becomes paramount. These reports serve as navigational tools, offering insights into different facets of the procurement process.

Procurement Analytics 21

Procurement Analytics Optimal Sourcing Procurement Solutions Material Savings 21

Supply Chain Shaman

JUNE 14, 2014

I think about this discussion with Keith often as I work on the Supply Chain Index and edit the chapters of Metrics That Matter. E2open last week announced the purchase of Serus. This purchase increases E2open’s capabilities for visibility into the processes of the outsourced semiconductor network of foundries.

Manufacturing Procurement 345

Manufacturing Procurement Optimal Sourcing Procurement Analytics Modeling 345