Supply Chain Shaman

JULY 12, 2015

Definition of a Mistake: An action or judgment that is misguided or wrong. Synonyms: Error, fault, blunder, oversight, miscalculation or a misunderstanding. Sales and Operations Planning (S&OP) is important to building value chain agility and improving enterprise performance. (Agility is the ability to have the same performance in cost, quality, and customer service given a level of demand and supply volatility.

Supply Chain Planning Software 314

Supply Chain Planning Software Supply Chain Planning S&OP Forecasting 314

Freightos

JULY 23, 2015

Logistics is the prime example of a changing industry – colossal, ripe for disruption and utterly opaque. And it’s about to get hit by a freight train of innovation. How much do we love freight innovation? Enough to go through every single article published in the top tech blogs – Techcrunch, Verge, Mashable and Recode – since 2007 to count how often articles about logistics startups, freight or cargo were published.

Logistics Network Optimization Software 263

Logistics Network Optimization Software Supply Chain Design Software San Francisco Predictive Analytics Software 263

GlobalTranz

JULY 24, 2015

The more people you add into any project, the more complicated everything gets. Sometimes it makes sense to have as few people involved so that there are no crossed wires or misunderstandings, but often it's more practical to have the people who specialize at a certain task lend their expertise to the matter. Supply chain management in manufacturing is by no means a simple process, but the United States is learning from past mistakes and they're poised to start playing a little catch-up in the m

Manufacturing Procurement 230

Manufacturing Procurement Supply Chain Planning Software Supply Chain Software Manufacturing 230

Logistics Viewpoints

JULY 21, 2015

Growing practice of supply chain modeling requires more than just technology smarts What types of supply chain roles are on your company’s career webpage? What skills are important for new hires to possess in order to manage this increasingly critical area of the business? Many of the best practices LLamasoft has advocated related to supply […].

Supply Chain Design Software 195

Supply Chain Design Software Supply Chain Software Quality Supply Chain Design 195

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The $53 trillion manufacturing economy in the US is undergoing a major automation paradigm shift due to Artificial Intelligence (AI). Thanks to new practical frameworks, automation projects that were once impossible or inefficient to implement are now being fast-tracked, and robotics automation is becoming increasingly relevant to a growing number of users and scenarios.

Modeling

Talking Logistics

JULY 6, 2015

In case you missed it, the Wall Street Journal and others reported last week that Sealed Air Corp., the makers of Bubble Wrap, have developed a new version of the product called iBubble Wrap that doesn’t pop. The reaction on Twitter was quick and furious: It’s a sad, sad day in our nation’s history. [link]. — Al Yankovic (@alyankovic) July 2, 2015.

Material Savings 216

Material Savings Logistics Packaging Sourcing Strategies 216

Supply Chain Shaman

JULY 19, 2015

Benchmarking is a measurement of the quality of an organization’s policies, products, programs or strategies against standard measurements. Business Dictionary.com. Writing a Shaman blog post is now a Sunday night ritual. For me, it is a good time to reflect, think and share what I am learning. In my work with Supply Chain Insights , I immerse myself in learning.

Benchmarking 312

Benchmarking Supply Chain Planning Software Supply Chain Planning Scenario Planning 312

AIMMS

JULY 27, 2015

For most enterprise companies, ERP has become a foundational infrastructure technology and a cost of doing business. However, many are finding that it is not the optimal technology for Supply Chain Planning and Optimization. This has led to usage of spreadsheets to help fill in the gaps. But spreadsheets come with new challenges. Leading companies are overcoming these obstacles and finding success with an alternative that is quickly gaining adoption.

Supply Chain Planning Software 209

Supply Chain Planning Software Supply Chain Design Software Modeling Optimization Software 209

GlobalTranz

JULY 6, 2015

The world has changed from the oil days of machine assisted assembly lines and manufacturing processes as more robots have entered the workforce. Robotics is not just a way to help companies, but many manufacturers have recognized how robots can improve their supply chain processes, benefit the company, and drive their future success. Rethink Robotics introduced Sawyer in 2015 and pioneered the “friendly” robot game with the introduction of Baxter in 2012, which will make the integra

Manufacturing Procurement 223

Manufacturing Procurement Logistics Network Optimization Software Manufacturing Expense Reduction 223

ToolsGroup

JULY 21, 2015

After analyzing the long tail supply chain challenge in the last two blogs , this week we see how Dart tackled their long tail and achieved a 99.6% service level with about 20% less inventory. This story starts in 2012 with Dart Container acquiring Solo Cup. Solo is famous for its disposable red party cup and also sells a broad assortment of other products through retail and food service channels.

Inventory Reduction 203

Inventory Reduction Supply Chain Planning Software Modeling Demand Planning Software 203

Learn how centralizing slow-moving SKUs can help reduce fulfillment costs by $300M+ while boosting fulfillment efficiency.

Cost Reduction Strategies

DELMIA Quintiq

JULY 13, 2015

The deafening whirr of giant machines, the parade of parts on conveyor belts, the spinning, grabbing, twisting, bending and turning that magically transform raw materials and parts into products. There’s nothing quite as impressive as a factory, wouldn’t you agree? But let’s get back to reality. Consumer expectations are changing. They want their products to be customized and they want them now.

Supply Chain Planning Software 202

Supply Chain Planning Software Gartner Demand Planning Software Supply Chain Network Software 202

Kinaxis

JULY 23, 2015

by Andrew Dunbar This post concludes my inventory management blog series. Throughout this series I’ve proposed an elevated role for the inventory manager that challenges the assumption that an inventory manager is a victim of his colleagues’ business decisions and plays only a limited role in formulating inventory results. Inventory management is not a stand-alone business process that occurs after other processes are complete.

Inventory Management Software 201

Inventory Management Software Inventory Management Inventory Supply Chain Planning Software 201

Supply Chain Shaman

JULY 11, 2015

Definition. A Tough Nut to Crack: A problem that is very difficult to solve. Cambridge Dictionary. Sales and Operations Planning (S&OP) is over thirty years old. I have been studying it as a researcher for fifteen years. With the rise of the global multi-national, S&OP increased in importance as a way to align and drive organizational balance.

S&OP 298

S&OP Supply and Demand Supply Chain Planning Software Modeling 298

Talking Logistics

JULY 22, 2015

One of my supply chain and logistics predictions for 2015 was that 3PLs and software vendors would focus more on acquiring small and midsized business (SMB) clients this year. As I wrote back in December: For a variety of reasons (the high cost of sales being one of them), most 3PLs and software vendors have historically underserved the SMB market, focusing their sales efforts on large companies instead.

Logistics Network Optimization Software 195

Logistics Network Optimization Software Modeling Software Supply Chain Planning Software Predictive Analytics Software 195

Advertiser: GEP

“What should we do about the tariffs?” There’s no straightforward answer — every leader has a different expectation. CFOs want numbers. COOs want action. CEOs want strategy. And supply chain and procurement leaders need to be ready with the right response — fast. That’s why GEP has created a simple three-part framework that will help CPOs and CSCOs brief the board and C-suite with clarity and confidence.

Supply Chain Strategy

GlobalTranz

JULY 30, 2015

Today’s supply chains function as a result of extensive research into how a supply chain behaves, its chief concerns, successful risk management , diverse markets, widespread collaboration, and technological advances. However, current supply chains fall victim to the problems of inefficiencies, inexcusable rigidity, and failure to recognize the growing demands of consumers.

Supply Chain Optimization 222

Supply Chain Optimization Supply Chain Software Supply Chain Optimal Sourcing 222

ToolsGroup

JULY 28, 2015

Our last three posts covered the key messages of the recent Consumer Goods Technology (CGT) web seminar about long tail demand called “ Driving Results despite Item Complexity ”: Blog 1 : Lora Cecere discussed the drivers of increasing demand volatility, the pain and risk it causes for most companies and the roadblocks they hit when they try to use traditional demand forecasting approaches.

Supply Chain Design Software 200

Supply Chain Design Software Modeling Supply Chain Planning Software Supply Chain Design 200

AIMMS

JULY 9, 2015

A recent report by the ACE European Group identifies supply chains as of the biggest sources of concern for European businesses today. On the one hand, companies are facing growing uncertainty due to volatile exchange rates, rising oil prices and economic and geopolitical events, such as Greece’s financial crisis and the conflict in Ukraine. On the other hand, there is a rising need for smarter and more flexible tools as well as more staff with analytical capabilities.

Supply Chain Planning Software 191

Supply Chain Planning Software Demand Planning Software Optimization Software Analytics Software 191

Kinaxis

JULY 17, 2015

by Alexa Cheater Hi, my name is Alexa and I am a chocoholic. It’s been less than a day since my last indulgence. There’s no two ways about it. When it comes to the cocoa-laden confectionery, I’m hooked. It doesn’t matter if it’s milk, dark or white. Anything with even a hint of chocolatey goodness will suffice – and sadly for my waist line, one little taste is never enough.

Supply Chain Strategy 198

Supply Chain Strategy Ghana Supply Chain Planning Scenario Planning 198

Speaker: Andrew Skoog, Founder of MachinistX & President of Hexis Representatives

Manufacturing is evolving, and the right technology can empower—not replace—your workforce. Smart automation and AI-driven software are revolutionizing decision-making, optimizing processes, and improving efficiency. But how do you implement these tools with confidence and ensure they complement human expertise rather than override it? Join industry expert Andrew Skoog as he explores how manufacturers can leverage automation to enhance operations, streamline workflows, and make smarter, data-dri

Manufacturing

Supply Chain Shaman

JULY 21, 2015

As a research analyst, I am studying things that are incredibly difficult to measure. The topics may sound easy, but they are not. In my research, I answer questions like: Which technology systems drive the greatest satisfaction? How satisfied are users with supply chain planning technologies? What drives the highest level of satisfaction? The answer to these questions requires the analysis of many factors.

Supply Chain Planning Software 291

Supply Chain Planning Software Demand Planning Software Supply Chain Software Supply Chain Planning 291

Talking Logistics

JULY 27, 2015

In a conference call with investors in February 2015, Macy’s CFO Karen Hoguet summed up the primary objective of most retailers today : “We are making investments in growth, we want to accelerate growth, but it needs to be profitable growth.”. How can supply chain management enable profitable growth? Getting to the answer requires retailers to take a broader, more strategic perspective of supply chain management, one that goes beyond defining supply chain excellence only in terms of cost reducti

Supply Chain Design Software 193

Supply Chain Design Software Supply Chain Planning Software Supply Chain Software Supply Chain Design 193

GlobalTranz

JULY 13, 2015

Throughout the supply chain, the use of metrics to track and understand processes provides an invaluable resource for ensuring increased production and customer satisfaction. Additionally, the use of metrics fosters positive relationships with coworkers and adherence to rulesets and best practices for the respective third-party logistics provider (3PL).

Procurement Analytics 219

Procurement Analytics Metrics Distribution Inventory Reduction 219

Logistics Viewpoints

JULY 8, 2015

Warehouse Automation to Optimization Warehouse automation vendors are placing increased emphasis on the ability of their software solutions to take warehouse performance to the next level. For example, the term warehouse execution system (WES) is being used to describe the next generation, more advanced warehouse control systems (WCS) that coordinate disparate warehouse systems while also dynamically […].

Optimization Software 190

Optimization Software Supply Chain Software Warehousing Supply Chain Optimization 190

Speaker: Jason Cottrell and Gireesh Sahukar

Retailers know the clock is ticking–legacy SAP Commerce support ends in 2026. Legacy platforms are becoming a liability burdened by complexity, rigidity, and mounting operational costs. But modernization isn’t just about swapping out systems, it’s about preparing for a future shaped by real-time interactions, AI powered buying assistants, and flexible commerce architecture.

SAP

DELMIA Quintiq

JULY 28, 2015

Have you seen National Geographic’s Megafactories? The show takes viewers into some of the most iconic car factories in the world. Seeing how these cars – especially souped-up supercars – are manufactured is impressive enough. But the amount of planning required to keep production running smoothly is mind-blowing. Want a real taste at car production planning?

Automotive 188

Automotive Supply Chain Planning Scenario Planning Modeling 188

Kinaxis

JULY 22, 2015

by Lori Smith Supply chain visibility… ah, yes, possibly the most over used term in the industry. And as is typical with over used terms, there are as many interpretations as there are colors in a kaleidoscope. What it means, what it involves, and what the goal is can be very different depending on the person, the organization… and even (or especially!

Supply Chain Visibility 188

Supply Chain Visibility Real-time Visibility Supply Chain Software Modeling 188

Supply Chain Shaman

JULY 3, 2015

Hoax definitions – to trick into believing or accepting as genuine something false and often preposterous. A humorous or malicious deception. Synonyms include deception, fraud, scam. To move forward, goal clarity is essential. To measure improvement, performance needs a clear definition. Supply chain leaders are competitive. They want to drive supply chain excellence; but today, the definition is not clear.

Gartner 272

Gartner Supply Chain Software Demand Planning Software Modeling Software 272

Talking Logistics

JULY 20, 2015

The first drone delivery approved by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) was conducted last Friday in rural Virginia. A drone operated by Australian drone startup Flirtey delivered 24 packages of medicines to a remote health clinic in Wise County, Virginia. It took the drone 3 minutes to make the journey, which typically takes a car 90 minutes over bumpy roads.

Virginia 193

Virginia Journal Logistics Network Optimization Software Video 193

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What is Remote-Insourcing? Sounds like an oxymoron, right? Not anymore. Remote-Insourcing isn’t outsourcing—it’s a revolutionary staffing model that lets our clients fill key entry-level positions with top-tier, loyal, long-term talent, integrated seamlessly into their businesses—just like local employees but without the turnover or W2 HR hassles. With under 4% unwanted attrition, you train once and keep the same team for years.

Training

GlobalTranz

JULY 23, 2015

History has taught supply chain management organizations one common factor: failure to adjust to societal changes will contribute to business-downfall. In the modern, digital world, the impact of the cloud can be felt in every facet of existence, not just commerce. Cloud computing technology has allowed supply chain management providers to take advantage of a new era of processes, specifically those relating to the ethereal space.

Supply Chain Software 219

Supply Chain Software Analytics Software Demand Planning Software Supply Chain 219

Logistics Viewpoints

JULY 14, 2015

Procter & Gamble (P&G) has one of the best supply chains in the world. But when their top supply chain executives talk about supply chain management, it can be hard to understand what they are talking about. P&G has rather forgone talking about supply chain systems and instead talks about their investments in analytics. They […].

Supply Chain Software 190

Supply Chain Software Supply Chain Analytics Software Supply Chain Execution 190

DELMIA Quintiq

JULY 21, 2015

A few weeks ago I witnessed supply chain history in the making. The Port of Rotterdam signed a contract for a system that will enable inland shipping companies to take supply chain collaboration to the next level. There were at least two noteworthy aspects: The Port was signing on behalf of Nextlogic , an organization that represents all affected parties in this particular logistics chain.

Supply Chain Planning Software 188

Supply Chain Planning Software Supply Chain Optimization Supply Chain Planning Supply Chain Software 188