Supply Chain Shaman

APRIL 27, 2022

Supply chain excellence is easier to say than to explain. The supply chain is a complex non-linear system. At each company, there is a relationship between the metrics of growth, margin, inventory, customer service, and asset strategy. The culture is dominated by “lifers” and technology investment is conservative.

Procurement Analytics 369

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

Supply Chain Shaman

DECEMBER 15, 2022

” Followed by “How are you organized, and what defines functional excellence? And, how do you tie functional excellence to corporate value?” Companies became less clear on the definition of supply chain excellence and how to implement decision support technologies. This gap grew over the last decade.

Manufacturing Procurement 397

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

Logistics Viewpoints

MARCH 9, 2023

Consumers are ever more conscious of value, sensitive to health and environmental issues – especially after the COVID pandemic, each demanding more options for their money. End-to-end supply chain visibility, planning, and execution support software are critical in agile supply chain performance.

Supply Chain Planning Software 282

Supply Chain Planning Software Modeling Forecasting Software Optimization Software 282

Logistics Viewpoints

SEPTEMBER 20, 2022

We need planning platforms to keep up with all the changes. This means we need more agile, flexible, and scalable planning platforms to process and consolidate new data sources, drive insights using advanced analytics such as AI/ML to drive autonomous decisions, and expand collaboration within and outside our organizations.

Supply Chain Planning Software 286

Supply Chain Planning Software Agile and Lean Supply Chain Supply Chain Planning Forecasting Software 286

Logistics Viewpoints

DECEMBER 14, 2021

Millions of shoppers, like my Dad, are not going back to their old habits because there are now faster and more convenient ways for buying daily household needs. It excels on a union of E-Commerce mobile apps and last-mile delivery innovations. It also provides an excellent part-time employment opportunity with flexible shifts.

Supply Chain Planning Software 288

Supply Chain Planning Software Forecasting Software Supply Chain Design Software Optimization Software 288

Supply Chain Shaman

FEBRUARY 18, 2021

The Failure of Existing Demand Planning Solutions. During the pandemic, supply chain leaders turned off their demand planning solutions. The systems–based on shipment and order data–were out of step with the market. Next Steps: Start to model demand based on market data to align the organization on baseline demand.

Supply Chain Planning Software 355

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

Supply Chain Shaman

MARCH 21, 2024

The Company was attempting to gain economies of scale by grouping manufacturing technologies within a common infrastructure to reap the benefits of a co-generation facility, a centralized warehouse, and a talented administrative team. Engineers could sign up for hour-long blocks to use the new systems. Instead, we need to Jump.

Inventory Reduction 434

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

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. 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

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. The first evolution of technologies were built by best-of-breed solution vendors. The first step in the journey is a kick-off meeting.

Supply Chain Planning Software 379

Supply Chain Planning Software Modeling Demand Planning Software Optimization Software 379

Supply Chain Shaman

JUNE 3, 2013

I asked companies to “Navigate through the hype focusing on the feasibility of scope and technology.” At the time, the popular belief was that Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) technologies would build multi-tier capabilities. It went public last year in one of the few successful IPOs in the supply chain software space.

Supply Chain Design Software 321

Supply Chain Design Software Supply Chain Planning Software Procurement Analytics Manufacturing Procurement 321

Kinaxis

DECEMBER 12, 2017

When making discretionary purchases, I could look at my projection to make sure that if I made that purchase, I would have enough money in the bank, not only now, but at the end of the month when my mortgage and car loan came out. Then could I buy it? Planning systems, however, are not designed to allow you to ask ‘what if?’

Supply Chain Planning Software 196

Supply Chain Planning Software Supply Chain Design Software Scenario Planning Supply Chain Planning 196

Supply Chain Shaman

OCTOBER 5, 2018

The award, based on beating the industry peer group on rate of improvement on the key metrics of growth, operating margin, inventory turns, and Return on Invested Capital (ROIC) while outperforming their peer group, is tough to achieve. The orbit chart below illustrates L’Oréal’s performance at the intersection of two metrics.

Case Study 329

Case Study Inventory Reduction Study Agile and Lean Supply Chain 329

Supply Chain Shaman

MAY 13, 2024

In the work, I listen to existing processes to provide feedback, ideate with the team on potential improvement, share advice on the fit of technologies, and network leaders to leaders to gain additional insights. How aligned do you believe your organization is to drive these metrics? Instead, as an analyst, I work in an advisor role.

S&OP 393

S&OP Supply and Demand Inventory Reduction Expense Reduction 393

Supply Chain Shaman

JUNE 16, 2014

Despite two decades of advancement in supply chain technologies, companies are struggling to gain balance at the intersection of operating margin, inventory turns and case fulfillment. I believed that the first generation of supply chain systems would improve operations to a greater degree than actually happened. I am an old gal.

Supply Chain Design Software 319

Supply Chain Design Software Network Design Software Supply Chain Planning Software Supply Chain Network Software 319

SCMDOJO

APRIL 11, 2025

With international commerce increasingly digitalized and customer requirements continuing to grow, the demands on supply chain professionals to create frictionless, responsive, and cost-effective operations have never been higher. Check out SCMDOJO’s Inventory Optimization Tool , and enhance your inventory management capabilities!

Supply Chain Planning Software 84

Supply Chain Planning Software Supply Chain Software Forecasting Software Inventory Management Software 84

Supply Chain Shaman

MARCH 8, 2016

As an analyst in the supply chain market for 15 years, I have written many articles on best-of-breed technology companies purchased by a larger company. Today I am writing my take on the acquisition of Terra Technology by E2open. History of Terra Technology. Terra Technology is 15-years old.

Supply Chain Planning Software 150

Supply Chain Planning Software Supply Chain Network Software Forecasting Software Demand Planning Software 150

Supply Chain Shaman

OCTOBER 16, 2023

Clear operating strategy and definition of supply chain excellence across plan, source, make and deliver. Most companies buy decision support technology, but do not redefine work to improve decisions. A shift from functional metrics to a balanced scorecard. A Focus on Error in Demand Planning. Drives Value.

S&OP 390

S&OP Supply and Demand Forecasting Supply Chain Design Software 390

Kinaxis

SEPTEMBER 8, 2014

by Trevor Miles I have been in the advanced planning and scheduling (APS) space since 1995 when I joined i2 Technologies in Europe. My enhancements were to add the underlying technology and company information at the bottom which gives some context. . Let me start with the confusion between planning and execution. Their words.

Supply Chain Planning Software 261

Supply Chain Planning Software Supply Chain Design Software Supply Chain Planning Modeling Software 261

Supply Chain Shaman

JUNE 29, 2014

The attendees were sitting on the edge of their seats to hear about the next release of Llamasoft software. The market for network design tools was growing at a moderate rate, and most of the market had invested in technologies from either i2 Technologies (then termed i2 Strategist) or Logictools. The theatre was packed.

Supply Chain Design Software 268

Supply Chain Design Software Supply Chain Design Network Design Software Supply Chain Planning Software 268

RFgen

DECEMBER 19, 2024

Warehouse optimization isn’t just a buzzword; it’s a lifeline for businesses seeking to thrive in the demanding world of modern commerce. It’s a holistic approach that blends strategic planning, streamlined processes, and the right technology to transform your warehouse into a well-oiled, profit-generating machine.

Optimal Sourcing 97

Optimal Sourcing Optimization Software Waste Reduction Modeling 97

Locus

JUNE 10, 2025

Streamline Your Route Planning Process Daily route planning can quickly become overwhelming, especially if you’re managing delivery routes using spreadsheets, manual methods, or basic mapping tools. Top 10 Route Planning Software Solutions: Overview Here’s a quick comparison of the top route planning software solutions in 2025.

Supply Chain Planning Software 52

Supply Chain Planning Software Optimization Software Supply Chain Design Software Logistics Network Optimization Software 52

Supply Chain Shaman

FEBRUARY 1, 2024

This is why I host training twice a year to challenge existing technology paradigms. He feels that based on his years of experience with a software provider, he has a whizzbang technology. Optimization engines to improve functional metric performance resulted in an exploding number of planners. Back to John.

Supply Chain Planning Software 392

Supply Chain Planning Software Optimal Sourcing Manufacturing Procurement Waste Reduction 392

Logistics Viewpoints

JULY 18, 2022

Driving an excellent supply chain depends on how people are recruited and managed, processes, and the technology used. In the annual report where they report on their key performance indicators (KPIs), they don’t just report on core financial metrics and the NPS, they also have people metrics. The company recorded 1.9

Supply Chain Design Software 300

Supply Chain Design Software Supply Chain Planning Software Supply Chain Software Network Design Software 300

Supply Chain Shaman

JANUARY 14, 2013

It was a story where people believed that functional excellence leads to supply chain superiority. Year after year, well intentioned people toiled against improving metrics that reduced, not improved, the effectiveness of the supply chain. These technologies are mature. I feel that many of these technologies are now legacy.

Supply Chain Planning Software 260

Supply Chain Planning Software Supply Chain Design Software Optimal Sourcing Modeling 260

Supply Chain Shaman

DECEMBER 23, 2014

If you are going to be excellent at ecommerce fulfillment, you need to have great perpetual inventory capabilities. Select your technology partners based on reliability and flexibility for ecommerce capabilities and aggressively build a multi-tier available-to-promise (ATP) signal to enable drop shipments and merge in transit capabilities.

Packaging 332

Packaging Inventory Reduction Supply Chain Design Software San Francisco 332

Supply Chain Shaman

JANUARY 8, 2014

Interview for Metrics That Matter. My kitchen table is piled high with interviews for the upcoming book, Metrics That Matter. I recently interviewed him for my upcoming book, Metrics that Matter, that publishes in August 2014. Which metrics do you think matter to supply chain excellence? I am behind.

Procurement Analytics 279

Procurement Analytics Manufacturing Procurement Metrics Procurement Solutions 279

DELMIA Quintiq

DECEMBER 28, 2020

In part 1 of my blog on Planning the Value Chain and Decision Making in Times of Disruption, the focus was on the ability to react and execute amidst the unpredictability of demand. Ultimately, what KPIs, as metrics and indicators derived from the set of plans are taken into account and prepared for each scenario.

Supply Chain Planning Software 296

Supply Chain Planning Software Scenario Planning Modeling Prescriptive Analytics Software 296

Supply Chain Shaman

JULY 6, 2020

My job, as the plant engineering manager, was to drive innovation and implement technology improvement. Ed argued that instead of buying new packaging equipment that we should work with R&D to have a base flavor and add the color and flavoring at the head of the machine. I remember one project quite well. The So What? The reason?

Agile and Lean Supply Chain 362

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

Jaggaer

MARCH 24, 2025

Top 3 Procurement Technologies to Embrace in 2025 Staying ahead of key procurement technology and advancements is essential for CPOs who want to improve spend cost reduction, drive strategic value, and navigate the increasingly complex procurement landscape.

Optimal Sourcing 52

Optimal Sourcing Procurement Analytics Procurement Solutions Waste Reduction 52

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?” I asked the group to think of demand-driven concepts as the enabler of customer-centric strategies. To help, I wrote a few definitions on the board: Demand-Driven Processes.

Material Savings 246

Material Savings Inventory Reduction Price Reduction Cost Reduction Strategies 246

Logistics Viewpoints

DECEMBER 1, 2022

Theme 2: Online buying will fuel home delivery growth, challenges and new strategies. In 2023, consumers will be less forgiving and poised to buy from retailers whose delivery performance is commensurate with the rest of the shopping experience. Theme 5: Machine learning (ML) will go mainstream in supply chain technology.

Predictive Analytics Software 293

Predictive Analytics Software Logistics Network Optimization Software Cost Reduction Strategies Resource Reduction 293

Logistics Viewpoints

SEPTEMBER 19, 2022

Mr. Welty founded a company that sold warehouse management systems (WMS) called AllPoints Systems in 1987. The company buying his company, EXE Technologies, is now infamous among those who have followed the WMS market. EXE Technologies bought AllPoints with stock. We had the demand. Fail Until You Win.

Modeling Software 283

Modeling Software Supply Chain Planning Software Logistics Network Optimization Software Demand Planning Software 283

Supply Chain Shaman

MAY 1, 2014

The turns are the lowest of any industry, and despite investments in technologies and processes, inventory turns have only improved 3%, and Cash-T0-Cash (C2C) cycles have declined 4%. There is an inverse relationship between margin and supply chain excellence. My take: VMI should be used to sense and respond to channel demand.

Supply Chain Planning Software 333

Supply Chain Planning Software San Diego Supply and Demand Pharmaceutical 333

SCMDOJO

APRIL 11, 2025

But what if you could get a clear, birds-eye view of your core performance without investing in complex, expensive software? Running procurement and supply chain without metrics is like driving blindfolded. Control Costs: Track value beyond just the purchase price and manage inventory effectively. Our course breaks down TCO/TCS.

Pricing Training 72

Pricing Training Optimal Sourcing Purchasing Skills Negotiating Skills 72

The Logistics & Supply Chain Management Society

APRIL 26, 2022

And companies at every stage of the supply chain have inflated their prices as demand exceeds supply. So, it appeared consumer demand would remain high despite COVID-19. forcing businesses to adjust to reduced and unpredictable demand. Brand loyalty is no longer the driver for consumer purchasing decisions.

Supply Chain Planning Software 246

Supply Chain Planning Software Supply Chain Design Software Agile and Lean Supply Chain Supply Chain Software 246

Supply Chain Shaman

OCTOBER 7, 2012

Product Substitution Logic and Accurate Inventories: Clarity of product substitution and accurate inventories enables a robust Available to Promise Signal which helps to align demand and supply for order fulfillment. Q: You mention that Executive Buy-in is the biggest stumbling block. Streamline Horizontal Processes.

Supply Chain Design Software 231

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

Supply Chain Shaman

JUNE 29, 2016

The network senses, translates, and orchestrates market changes (buy and sell-side markets) bi-directionally with near-real time data to align sell, deliver, make and sourcing organizations outside-in. These concepts, radically different from the traditional planning systems in the market, fly in the face of tradition.

Supply Chain Network Software 186

Supply Chain Network Software Supply Chain Planning Software Supply Chain Design Software Demand Planning Software 186