Supply Chain Shaman
MAY 3, 2015
When it comes to the management of inventory in value chains, frustration abounds. Executive, after executive, lament, “They have purchased many technologies and sponsored many projects to reduce inventories, but they are not seeing results.” I have been studying the evolution of inventory technologies as an industry analyst since 2002.
Freightos
MAY 10, 2015
There are tens of thousands of books about logistics and supply chains. Literally. Amazon has 31,817 books about supply chain and 24,934 about logistics. That’s 56,751 supply chain and logistics books. All those books would weigh 49,000 kilograms – half the cargo mass of a Boeing 747-200F. Stacked, those books would be as tall as 10.7 Empire State Buildings.
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GlobalTranz
MAY 6, 2015
Top management knows that lean can add value , but many still haven’t moved past the initial education stage into full-scale lean supply chain implementation. One reason may be that they haven’t made the paradigm shift as to how to implement lean. The Lean Supply Chain is a system of interconnected and interdependent partners that operate in unison to accomplish supply chain objectives.
Kinaxis
MAY 8, 2015
by Alexa Cheater Happy Mother’s Day to all those hardworking moms out there! Have you ever marveled at how some women just seem to have it all together? They manage to turn a hectic household into a well-oiled machine, while I can barely manage to keep my household of two up and running! In honor of these Super Moms, I’ve pulled together the top five reasons why you should be asking your mom for more than just relationship advice.
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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.
Logistics Viewpoints
MAY 5, 2015
The Internet of Things (IoT) is the catalyst in creating more responsive supply chains by providing real-time, autonomous insight into your operational execution. DHL and Cisco recently published a report (linked here) that indicated the Internet of Things will deliver a $1.9 Trillion boost to Supply Chain & Logistics Operations. The report estimates that there […].
Supply Chain Brief brings together the best content for supply chain and logistic professionals from the widest variety of industry thought leaders.
Supply Chain Shaman
MAY 7, 2015
Wang Laboratories. Eastman Kodak. Nokia, Blockbuster. Polaroid. Xerox. What do these names have in common? They were once strong brands that could not adjust fast enough to product shifts in the market. It hurts. These were once strong companies with bright futures, but they were rigid and inflexible. As growth slows, and global-infrastructures mature, more and more companies worry that they too will make this list.
Freightos
MAY 26, 2015
Logistics makes the world go around. But if you work in the supply chain industry, chances are that your friends start yawning when you say what you do. So you tell them the story of how clothing gets to the racks at The Gap. Or you explain what the 40′ containers they get stuck next to in traffic are. We’re here to help. We’ve rounded up our 10 favorite supply chain and logistics infographics and videos that paint a picture of the global supply chain.
GlobalTranz
MAY 4, 2015
Jabil sponsored a global Dimensional Research survey to capture hard data on current experiences, challenges and trends with the supply chains of electronics manufacturing companies. Participants ranged in roles and company sizes with questions that spanned a variety supply chain management trends of topics such as visibility, factory-of-the-future technology, the Internet of Things and more.
Kinaxis
MAY 19, 2015
by Alexa Cheater Most of you have probably heard the old saying ‘the customer is always right.’ In terms of making sure you have a host of happy customers, that’s probably good advice, but how far are you willing to go to keep those satisfaction levels high? Would you offer a discount? Free shipping? A full refund? How about completely changing the way you operate your supply chain?
Learn how centralizing slow-moving SKUs can help reduce fulfillment costs by $300M+ while boosting fulfillment efficiency.
Logistics Viewpoints
MAY 11, 2015
QAD is far better known for their manufacturing than supply chain solutions. QAD provides full-featured manufacturing enterprise resource planning (ERP) software, on premise or via the cloud, with very deep functionality for the Automotive, Food & Beverage/Consumer Goods, High Tech, Industrial, and Life Sciences industries. But when I attended QAD Explore last week (May 4th […].
Talking Logistics
MAY 13, 2015
Over the years, I’ve come across many large, brand-name companies that have been successful by many measures, such as revenue growth and profitably, but when you peeled back the onion on their supply chain processes and capabilities, they were far from best-in-class. Like the multi-billion dollar chemical manufacturer that had been paying market rates for ocean transportation for eight years because nobody realized that their contract, filed away in a drawer by a transportation manager who had l
Supply Chain Shaman
MAY 13, 2015
Forty years ago as a chemical engineering student, I learned the tedious craft of chemical plant design. It was a world of heat exchangers , distillation columns, reactors, tanks, pumps, valves and dryers. I liked the classes, and would spend hours talking to my professors about the design of the factory. Getting good at factory design is a merit badge of sorts for the chemical engineer.
AIMMS
MAY 28, 2015
This month, I had the pleasure of attending Gartner’s Supply Chain Executive Conference in Phoenix. The theme of the event was “ The Art of Supply Chain: Creative Solutions for the Next Generation.” Its agenda included over 60 sessions covering the full spectrum of supply chain—from strategy and planning to distribution and logistics. In almost every way this is a large and very professionally run conference with over 1500 attendees, everything you would expect from a Gartner event.
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.
GlobalTranz
MAY 13, 2015
When someone hears the company name “Walmart” several things come to mind from a pop culture standpoint. From the bullying of getting small town business out of business, to the famous “People of Walmart,” to the genearl low approval rating by consumers. However, one thing that should come to mind is the prowess of the retail giant’s supply chain excellence.
Kinaxis
MAY 21, 2015
by CJ Wehlage On May 29, 2014, I posted a blog about the Top 25 Supply Chains predictions for 2015. “All that being said, here’s my early 2015 “Not So” Bold Predictions : #5 P&G, #4 Unilever, #3 McDonald’s, #2 Amazon, #1 Apple.”. Almost a year later, that was 100% correct. Ok, here’s my reasoning. The 2015 Top Supply Chains were #1 Amazon , #2 McDonald’s, #3 Unilever.
Logistics Viewpoints
MAY 14, 2015
In North America, the Internet of Things (IoT) is getting a great deal of attention. In one definition of the term “Internet of Things,” almost all objects have sensors, connectivity to a broader environment, and intelligence. Sometimes the object has just a sliver of intelligence; but it can be much more substantial. Objects can be […].
DELMIA Quintiq
MAY 7, 2015
How Asia challenges beverage supply chains. If you aren’t familiar with Asia, the unique complexities it piles onto your beverage supply chain are hard to see. If you live here, you know that to understand diversity of Asia, one only needs to look at our cuisine. Thai food is not universal. It is very different in the south and the north of Thailand.
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
Supply Chain Shaman
MAY 17, 2015
As a mom, I loved to read to my daughter. One of my favorites was Where the Wild Things Are. … I loved the imagery in this short story of 338 words. The story is about a young boy, Max, who after dressing himself in his wolf costume, wreaks havoc in his house. As a result, Max goes to bed without his supper. The story unfolds as Max’s bedroom undergoes a mysterious transformation into a jungle environment, and he winds up sailing to an island inhabited by malicious beasts known as th
Talking Logistics
MAY 5, 2015
Transportation professionals should be trained to “find the money.” That is, when conducting a strategic assessment or solution design within a transportation operation, transportation professionals should look for ways to create cost reductions while improving (or without negatively impacting) service levels. Easier said than done, but the Spend Diagram is where you start.
GlobalTranz
MAY 5, 2015
The great recession underscored some inherent weaknesses in the U.S. supply chain. We have an employment skills gap , an uncoordinated approach to nurturing innovation, and an export imbalance. Since 2011, the federal government focused on changing this paradigm and made American manufacturing a priority. Under the guidance of the Department of Commerce/NIST , they developed an infrastructure with dedicated funding to rebuild our manufacturing sector.
Kinaxis
MAY 1, 2015
by John Westerveld We’ve all asked ourselves the question… what-if ? What if I bought that new car? What if I took that job? What if I won a million dollars? It’s fun to dream. But sometimes the what-ifs are slightly more mundane yet still important…. especially when you say “what-if” with your supply chain. What if I could decrease the lead time on this part?
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.
Logistics Viewpoints
MAY 12, 2015
Our supply chain applications have made giant strides forward in usability in the last several years. There are improved user interfaces, real time alerts and analytics, social media capabilities, and better supply chain visibility (with Google maps, telematics). But supply chain applications have not applied gamification principals. Games are engaging, encouraging, rewarding, competitive and collaborative […].
DELMIA Quintiq
MAY 27, 2015
You’ve just been analyzing your supply chain’s performance over the last 2 quarters. It’s not looking too good. Your boss wants to see improvements to the bottom line and it has to happen by the end of the year. With such a tight deadline, you can’t afford to waste time combing through lengthy reports to come up with fresh strategies that could or could not work.
Supply Chain Shaman
MAY 22, 2015
The sun is shining brightly through the conference room windows as I listen to the consultants talk. It is buzzword bingo at its finest. The air is thick. It is comical. The term Big Data is all the range. The market has dried up for large Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP), and the large consultants are in the market staking their claim for their next gig.
Talking Logistics
MAY 7, 2015
You’ve developed a well thought out transportation plan that supports your supply chain. You’ve conducted a transportation procurement event and have agreements in place with carrier partners to provide the type of capacity you need, where and when you need it. You’ve communicated the final transportation plan and carrier strategy to your internal and external constituents, and have made essential business process changes to ensure successful execution.
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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.
GlobalTranz
MAY 21, 2015
In order to avoid incidents of mismatch between supply and demand, establish more efficient manufacturing and lower costs, it is necessary to establish an environment of consistent supply chain visibility. In order to implement this visibility, it is crucial that companies take into consideration many elements. Everything from sourcing raw materials, manufacturing, to the sales channels which feed supply for a finished product are essential factors.
Kinaxis
MAY 25, 2015
by Jennifer Bell If your business is currently leveraging SAP APO as part of your enterprise architecture, now is the time to upgrade to Kinaxis RapidResponse. You may be asking why now and how does this make me a supply chain hero? As you know, SAP has announced their intention to discontinue support for their APO suite. This can be a scary time, especially if you have good adoption of APO within your user community.
Logistics Viewpoints
MAY 7, 2015
Supply chain processes have existed since Eve brought the forbidden apple to Adam, even though the term supply chain is a relatively recent one. Over the millennia since, supply chains have evolved at an ever-greater pace. During the long evolution of the supply chain there have been certain inflection points where significant change happens fairly […].
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