Supply Chain Shaman

JUNE 26, 2025

Table 1: Aligning the Organization to a Balanced Scorecard to Maximize Market Potential When we isolate the impact and only focus on only operating margin/inventory turns compared to a focus on cost of goods/inventory turns (as shown in Table 2), the impact is a 63% reduction in market capitalization/employee.

Material Savings 195

Material Savings Waste Reduction Cost Reduction Strategies Price Reduction 195

Supply Chain Shaman

JUNE 3, 2024

A Closer Look at Digital For a decade, I have struggled to get a clear definition on the digital supply chain. Definition: With reference to a dog used for hunting game, the colloquial American-English phrase that dog won’t hunt , and its variants, are used to express the opinion that a particular plan or approach will not succeed. (The

Supply Chain Planning Software 369

Supply Chain Planning Software Supply Chain Design Software Modeling Software Forecasting Software 369

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

JANUARY 25, 2024

My definition of a network is the bi-directional information exchange of manufacturing, procurement, quality, and transportation signals across multiple tiers of trading partners in a many-to-many trading partner information exchange with minimal latency. Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) does not meet this definition.

Supply Chain Network Software 359

Supply Chain Network Software Manufacturing Procurement Inventory Reduction Purchasing Skills 359

Supply Chain Shaman

FEBRUARY 28, 2021

Procurement Operates On An Island. Business process outsourcing and procurement automation evolved to make the procurement organization more efficient and less effective. For example, Vendor Managed Inventory (VMI) systems, a useful stream of customer data, do not connect to planning. The reason? Broad Strokes.

Supply Chain Planning Software 415

Supply Chain Planning Software Supply Chain Design Software Supply Chain Software Analytics Software 415

Supply Chain Shaman

JUNE 9, 2023

Each box has an optimizer that drives output from a model based on a functional definition using enterprise data. With the rise of logistics and procurement constraints, an analysis of only manufacturing does not yield a feasible plan. MRP Alone Is Not Sufficient for Procurement. I term this bi-directional orchestration.

Optimal Sourcing 363

Optimal Sourcing Supply Chain Planning Software Supply and Demand Manufacturing Procurement 363

Supply Chain Shaman

MARCH 21, 2024

We explore the concept of holistic inventory strategies focused on the form and function of inventory. In the process, we learn that only 15-20% of inventories are safety stock and that the current APS frameworks do not enable a holistic analysis of the form and function of inventory. I think that the answer is no.

Inventory Reduction 434

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

Supply Chain Shaman

JULY 31, 2024

In our work with Georgia Tech using data from 1982-2023, we find that the R² of the Regression analysis of Cost-of-Goods Sold/Inventory Turns when compared to correlations of Operating Margin/Inventory turns to Market Capitalization/employee is 40-65% lower. For additional insights check out our presentation at Informs.

Supply Chain Planning Software 413

Supply Chain Planning Software Supply Chain Planning Supply Chain Design Software Scenario Planning 413

Enterra Insights

NOVEMBER 14, 2024

We are not clear on definition. … So, if you use [my] definition, you might ask, how are we doing commercially against this goal? ” • Evaluate and adjust procurement category strategic responsibilities. Another EY analyst suggestion involves procurement. The reason?

Supply Chain Planning Software 130

Supply Chain Planning Software Agile and Lean Supply Chain Supply Chain Software Supply Chain Planning 130

SCMDOJO

DECEMBER 29, 2024

Decoding the Procurement Department: A Comprehensive Guide to Roles and Responsibilities This supply chain article provides a comprehensive overview of the procurement department within an organization. Read In Detail About Procurement Department Here 2.

Negotiating Skills 95

Negotiating Skills Purchasing Skills Purchasing Training Buyer Training 95

Supply Chain Shaman

FEBRUARY 1, 2024

Definitions Before we move to the discussion of the actions to take, let’s get clear on some definitions. Rolling up a perpetual inventory signal takes eleven hours. days to get a perpetual inventory signal and 2.2 What is the impact of the amplification and distortion on inventory and cost?

Supply Chain Planning Software 392

Supply Chain Planning Software Optimal Sourcing Manufacturing Procurement Waste Reduction 392

Supply Chain Shaman

SEPTEMBER 3, 2018

Over the last six years, we studied the connection between business results (growth, operating margin, inventory turns and Return on Invested Capital (ROIC)) and the link to company characteristics. Let’s Start with Definitions: One of the difficulties in supply chain is the lack of common definitions. What did we find?

Supply Chain Planning Software 377

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

Supply Chain Shaman

JANUARY 21, 2014

Slowly the words take definition in everyday speech. Companies are stuck at the intersection of inventory turns and operating margin. Many supply chain consultants will quickly rattle off case studies and proof points, but the smart supply chain leader will ground the discussion with clear definitions. Pauses are awkward.

Supply and Demand 393

Supply and Demand Modeling Demand Planning Software Forecasting 393

Precoro

MAY 13, 2025

Cost-efficient meaning Formula for cost efficiency Cost-effective definition Formula for cost-effectiveness Cost efficiency online calculator Benefits of cost efficiency for your company Steps to improve cost efficiencies Frequently asked questions about cost efficiency Cost-efficient vs. cost-effective: What's the difference?

Sourcing Strategies 45

Sourcing Strategies Cost Reduction Strategies Purchasing Skills Negotiating Skills 45

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

JULY 13, 2023

While teams wave their hands and talk digital, I find digital projects ideas lack definition, clarity of process, and success. Let’s start with a clear definition. The high cost of inflationary inventories and the need to work down post pandemic working capital is a driver for companies to better use network data.

Optimal Sourcing 368

Optimal Sourcing Supply Chain Planning Software Modeling Supply Chain Planning 368

Supply Chain Shaman

JUNE 6, 2013

For clarity, the definitions are: -Strategic Planning: The frequency is either monthly or quarterly and the focus is on long-term planning. They also are clear that the supply chain is defined outside-in based on the channel requirements and the underlying rhythms and cycles of fulfillment, manufacturing and procurement. Many are not.

Supply Chain Planning Software 330

Supply Chain Planning Software Supply Chain Planning Optimal Sourcing Scenario Planning 330

Supply Chain Shaman

OCTOBER 20, 2012

Here is the list: Supply chain technology implementations have reduced inventory. Here they are: The Lie of Inventory Reduction. Repeatedly, I heard that supply chain applications have saved costs, reduced inventory and improved customer service. ” I played three lies and a truth with the group. The reason? They did not.

Inventory Reduction 281

Inventory Reduction Cost Reduction Strategies Resource Reduction Material Savings 281

Supply Chain Shaman

NOVEMBER 9, 2014

Their career paths, their identities, and their comfort zones were steeped in the traditional definitions. Most companies think that they know what this means; but, to be actionable they need definition. I also believed that this company would have the best inventory and customer service. I was asked to be an agent of change.

Manufacturing Procurement 318

Manufacturing Procurement Optimal Sourcing Benchmarking Supply Chain Design Software 318

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. Procurement solutions are often updated with purchased information.

Supply Chain Network Software 310

Supply Chain Network Software Manufacturing Procurement Procurement Analytics Optimal Sourcing 310

Supply Chain Shaman

SEPTEMBER 3, 2015

We were discussing the results of the planning benchmarking work that we have just finished, and I was sharing some insights on inventory management when one of the panelists emphatically stated, “Inventory is a waste to manage. We feel so strongly about this that we do not have an inventory planning role.”

Waste Reduction 150

Waste Reduction Inventory Reduction Inventory Optimal Sourcing 150

Supply Chain Shaman

OCTOBER 13, 2022

In both cases, there is a clear definition of “winning.” The gap between logistics and procurement; and logistics and customer service increases process latency. Inventories increased by 44% due to supply chain volatility. Inventories grew year-over-year by 43%. The reason? With the announcement, the stock market tumbled.

Supply Chain Planning Software 221

Supply Chain Planning Software Modeling Supply and Demand Supply Chain Software 221

Supply Chain Shaman

SEPTEMBER 24, 2013

Those without any chutzpah define the “supply chain” as an organizational function that focuses only on distribution, manufacturing and procurement. The later definition fits most organizations that I see. Computing power has increased 100X since the 1990s, but the definition of APS remains unchanged.

Supply Chain Planning Software 289

Supply Chain Planning Software Supply Chain Design Software Supply Chain Planning Supply Chain Software 289

Precoro

JUNE 3, 2025

Definition: Category management is a systematic way to organize and supervise groups of products or services within a company. Category management isn’t just another procurement trend. Category management isn’t just another procurement trend. Category management definition means looking beyond individual purchases.

Manufacturing Procurement 45

Manufacturing Procurement Procurement Analytics Procurement Solutions Material Savings 45

SCMDOJO

DECEMBER 14, 2023

To make things simpler, having a clear lead time definition helps in making sure orders are fulfilled on time and customers are satisfied. With this in mind, we will explore in this blog the definition of Lead Time, its impact, and how mastering it can be your competitive advantage. Cost Savings: Reduction in inventory holding costs.

Inventory Reduction 98

Inventory Reduction Vendor Strategies Cost Reduction Strategies Waste Reduction 98

Silvon Software

APRIL 19, 2022

Procurement is one core process area being focused to better manage today’s fluctuating change, with key performance metrics leading the way to assessing and managing procurement performance. The Basics of Procurement KPIs. Download Silvon’s Definitive Guide to KPIs : Concepts, Best Practices & More. Supplier KPIs.

Optimal Sourcing 124

Optimal Sourcing Procurement Analytics Manufacturing Procurement Negotiate Pricing 124

The Logistics & Supply Chain Management Society

OCTOBER 15, 2023

The Approach to Effective Freight Procurement by LSCMS Shippers’ Council Container shipping procurement faces a multitude of challenges shaped by global events, industry shifts, environmental mandates, and technological advancements. At the heart of it all, an effective procurement strategy remains paramount.

Optimal Sourcing 130

Optimal Sourcing Procurement Freight Sourcing Strategies 130

Supply Chain Shaman

OCTOBER 7, 2012

When I think of the definition of the word agility, I think of Gumby, pictured here. One of the largest issues for organizations to drive supply chain agility is the lack of a commonly held and well-understood definition. Q: Is it only inventory disrupting the agility resulting from inaccurate forecasts by S&OP?

Supply Chain Design Software 231

Supply Chain Design Software Supply Chain Planning Software Optimal Sourcing Inventory Reduction 231

Supply Chain Shaman

JUNE 5, 2013

Monthly design of the supply chain including form and function of inventory and inventory placement. Focus on the level of inventory. Inventory is often focused on as a singular metric, not as part of a complex supply chain system. Procurement. Procurement programs are implemented as standalone processes.

Supply Chain Planning Software 255

Supply Chain Planning Software Supply Chain Planning Supply and Demand Supply Chain Design Software 255

Supply Chain Shaman

MAY 26, 2023

Primed for transactional efficiency, these legacy architectures based on relational databases drive order-to-cash and procure-to-pay efficiencies. Let’s start with a basic definition. In these conventional IT approaches, data is written and coded with fixed semantics into rows and columns. I term this our data jail.

Optimal Sourcing 369

Optimal Sourcing Modeling Supply and Demand Manufacturing Procurement 369

Logility

MAY 25, 2022

Now more than ever, the conventional silos of planning, sourcing, and procurement teams must be connected into one cohesive network. However, as Gartner noted, the definitions of the activities that should be included are unclear in most cases. Let’s face it ? the traditional supply chain model is falling short.

Optimal Sourcing 130

Optimal Sourcing Manufacturing Procurement Supply Chain Planning Software Supply Chain Design Software 130

Supply Chain Shaman

APRIL 20, 2018

I believed that planning needed its own system of record and that this definition was distinctly different from a transactional system of record. Transactional systems are vertical by definition. The focus is outside-in, from the customer back, and demand-orchestrated across the silos to guide procurement decisions.

Supply Chain Planning Software 225

Supply Chain Planning Software Supply Chain Design Software Gartner Supply Chain Software 225

Precoro

AUGUST 31, 2023

Develop a Cost Reduction Strategy The finance team, procurement team, project managers, and department heads develop an estimation of future costs and a cost-saving strategy based on the processed data and business needs. Inventory Adjusting inventory levels can also contribute to cost savings. Is your inventory optimized ?

Material Savings 105

Material Savings Cost Reduction Strategies Expense Reduction Price Reduction 105

Supply Chain Opz

MAY 25, 2013

Here at resupply points, inventory was stored for up to 8 days. 5) New Definition. Taking these facts into account, this article has provided clear and concise definition as below, Why is the definition so short? In my humble opinion, definition should help people to understand, not to confuse them. A Case Study.

Supply Chain Planning 248

Supply Chain Planning Supply Chain Strategy Military Supply Chain 248

Supply Chain Game Changer

NOVEMBER 13, 2018

Yet all of the functions that we now associate with Supply Chain have been around for a very long time: Planning, Inventory Management, Logistics, Procurement and Purchasing, Warehousing and many more. So what exactly is the definition of “Supply Chain Management”? The Evolution of Supply Chain! Source: [link] ).

Supply Chain Design Software 75

Supply Chain Design Software Supply Chain Planning Software Manufacturing Procurement Optimal Sourcing 75

SCMDOJO

OCTOBER 23, 2024

This learning platform covers every angle of supply chain management, from demand planning and inventory management to supplier relationship management, procurement, and logistics. Save $49 and Optimize Your Indirect Procurement Functions Now!

Supply Chain Planning Software 93

Supply Chain Planning Software Supply Chain Design Software Course Supply Chain Software 93

Logistics Viewpoints

NOVEMBER 28, 2022

Definitions of agility, resilience, visibility, and end-to-end collaboration are all very much tied together. Or it might be the ability to secure the necessary quantity of inventory that is needed or respond to unexpected surges in demand. That often means that the way procurement deals with key suppliers needs to change.

Supply Chain Planning Software 272

Supply Chain Planning Software Supply Chain Planning Scenario Planning Modeling 272