Supply Chain Shaman

APRIL 27, 2022

Supply chain excellence is easier to say than to explain. The promise of a well-intended consultant just sounds sooooooo good. At each company, there is a relationship between the metrics of growth, margin, inventory, customer service, and asset strategy. Business leaders are action-oriented and competitive. The reason?

Procurement Analytics 369

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

Supply Chain Shaman

JANUARY 9, 2024

The companies with the strongest year-over-year performance (placing in the winner’s circle for six more times in ten years) are Apple, L’Oreal, Nike, Paccar, TJX, and TSMC. How Do You Define Excellence? In retrospect, I find that technology is an enabler, but only if we are clear on what defines supply chain excellence.

Supply Chain Planning Software 386

Supply Chain Planning Software Pharmaceutical Supply Chain Planning Gartner 386

Kinaxis

OCTOBER 20, 2014

Reason #4 Making key decisions by modelling the supply chain in Excel. Reason #6 Not effectively managing inventory. I lost track of how many carrots we had and ended up buying more when we really didn’t need any. Unfortunately, all the same kinds of things can happen to your supply chain inventory. and it didn’t leak.

Supply Chain Planning Software 257

Supply Chain Planning Software Inventory Reduction Modeling Cost Reduction Strategies 257

Supply Chain Shaman

JANUARY 30, 2025

Aptean is orchestrating the Blue Yonder/E2open/Infor playbook of buying undervalued assets and milking the maintenance and Software-as-a-Service contracts with existing customers. The models are just too different.) Is it musical chairs? Or a Merry-Go-Round? I am not sure, but it does not feel good. Here, I give my take. New Players.

Supply Chain Planning Software 221

Supply Chain Planning Software Supply Chain Design Software Modeling Modeling Software 221

Supply Chain Shaman

MAY 13, 2024

Observations on What It Takes In the Mea Culpa post, I wrote that I used to believe that excellence in S&OP was a ratio of 60/30/10. (60% P&G did not appreciate the work Gilette accomplished on form and function of inventory and using market signals. Sounds easy, right? Leadership and S&OP? An analyst never implements.

S&OP 393

S&OP Supply and Demand Inventory Reduction Expense Reduction 393

Supply Chain Shaman

DECEMBER 7, 2023

Background The Council of Supply Chain Resilience met for the first time this month. Today, I speak at the North American Manufacturing Association, Manufacturing Leadership Conference, in Nashville on the use of data to improve supply chain resilience. Here I share some insights from my research. The reason? We are not clear on definition.

Supply Chain Design Software 395

Supply Chain Design Software Supply Chain Planning Software Modeling Supply Chain Software 395

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. I like the use of growth, margin, inventory turns, Return on Invested Capital, customer service and ESG metrics. Drives Value.

S&OP 390

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

Supply Chain Shaman

SEPTEMBER 13, 2023

Given your expertise, I’d love to hear what alternatives you recommend for better demand forecasting and real-time visibility beyond what’s commonly adopted today.” If S&OP efforts were that effective, don’t you think that we would have made more progress against inventory levels, margin, and growth?

Supply and Demand 431

Supply and Demand Supply Chain Planning Software Modeling Demand Planning 431

Supply Chain Shaman

MAY 21, 2024

In follow-up qualitative interviews, one of the largest issues with organizational alignment was metric definition and a clear definition of supply chain excellence. In follow-up qualitative interviews, one of the largest issues with organizational alignment was metric definition and a clear definition of supply chain excellence.

Procurement Analytics 393

Procurement Analytics Metrics Optimal Sourcing Supply Chain Planning Software 393

Logistics Viewpoints

DECEMBER 2, 2021

import volumes still climbing (see Figure 1), limited processing capacity at key West Coast ports and the International Longshore and Warehouse Union (ILWU) contract expiring next summer, importers will be scrambling to maintain the inventory they need to support the demand increase. Here’s what to look for in 2022.

Predictive Analytics Software 354

Predictive Analytics Software Predictive Analytics Waste Reduction Cost Reduction Strategies 354

Logistics Viewpoints

MARCH 9, 2023

Commerce is global and regional at the same time, the world is getting smaller and more interconnected, and Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) manufacturers operate in this build-anywhere and sell-anywhere market. The classical approach involves functional silos, sequential decisions, and Excel and people to render a plan executable.

Supply Chain Planning Software 282

Supply Chain Planning Software Modeling Forecasting Software Optimization Software 282

Silvon Software

APRIL 16, 2025

Inventory is the lifeblood of any manufacturing business. By leveraging analytics and key performance indicators (KPIs), manufacturers can optimize inventory, reduce waste, and boost profitability. Tracking inventory flow and performance across your supply chain is a must. Why is Average Time to Sell important?

Optimal Sourcing 65

Optimal Sourcing Inventory Reduction Supply Chain Optimization Price Mitigation Strategies 65

The Logistics of Logistics

MARCH 16, 2022

Esther is the Chief Revenue Officer at Flowspace , an ecommerce fulfillment platform that helps brands meet their customers’ post-purchase expectations. Flowspace is an ecommerce fulfillment platform that helps brands meet their customers’ post-purchase expectations. About Esther Kestenbaum Prozan.

Supply Chain Network Software 245

Supply Chain Network Software Supply Chain Planning Software Network Optimization Network Optimization Software 245

Supply Chain Shaman

DECEMBER 17, 2018

Nick Lynch is the Global Excellence Manager at Shell Lubricants, a division of Shell Global. It is just not enough to do a software upgrade or slowly push continuous improvement projects. Nick is a master of influence skills and building cross-functional, horizontal processes. In this post we share our take on his journey.

Demand Planning Software 322

Demand Planning Software Supply and Demand Supply Chain Planning Software Supply Chain Design Software 322

Supply Chain Shaman

JULY 6, 2020

Tom, the colorful warehouse manager, constantly heckled Frank for the increasing inventory levels while Ed, the quiet material/logistics manager, constantly questioned if there was a better way. The changeover times for the CM Bartlelts was 5X more prolonged than the more agile IM machines. Sharing My Experience. The year was 1982.

Agile and Lean Supply Chain 362

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

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? Identify Bottlenecks & Opportunities: Quickly spot areas that are underperforming and need attention or areas where you’re excelling.

Pricing Training 72

Pricing Training Optimal Sourcing Purchasing Skills Negotiating Skills 72

RFgen

DECEMBER 4, 2024

In the automotive sector, manufacturers are simultaneously reducing inventory costs and delivery times. An efficient procurement process optimizes vendor selection and purchasing decisions to maintain cost-effective inventory levels. Streamlined operations: Ensuring smooth, uninterrupted flow from suppliers to customers.

Sourcing Strategies 96

Sourcing Strategies Waste Reduction Inventory Reduction Expense Reduction 96

Supply Chain Shaman

DECEMBER 23, 2014

At that time, manufacturers talked about customer-centric supply chains, but were afraid to aggressively adopt ecommerce strategies. Get Good at Having a Real-time Perpetual Inventory Signal. Foundational for ecommerce is a real-time perpetual inventory (PI) signal. No matter where inventory is, put it to work.

Packaging 332

Packaging Inventory Reduction Supply Chain Design Software San Francisco 332

Supply Chain Shaman

JUNE 7, 2018

As time goes on, these high energies dissipate. Or agreement on the definition of supply chain excellence. As a result, functional excellence anchors action. The focus is on digitization—automating today’s processes—versus rethinking process excellence based on the art of the possible. ” Incrementalism. I am tired.

Supply Chain Planning Software 287

Supply Chain Planning Software Supply Chain Design Software Optimization Software Forecasting Software 287

Supply Chain Shaman

SEPTEMBER 27, 2021

Unloading times are double and costs are triple. At the time, a functionally encased view of visibility was sufficient. The secondary problem is the lack of definition of process requirements and a buying team that cannot see past simple MRP/MRP II/DDMRP requirements. Supply chain shortages abound. Reflection. The reason?

Supply Chain Planning Software 390

Supply Chain Planning Software Sourcing Strategies Manufacturing Procurement Supply Chain Design Software 390

Procurement Academy

APRIL 24, 2025

This blog explores procurement vs supply chain strategy and looks at how aligning the two leads to operational excellence. The procurement team is responsible for ensuring that the inputs to a business (whether goods or services) are of the right quality, delivered on time, and aligned with strategic goals. The problem?

Optimal Sourcing 52

Optimal Sourcing Negotiating Skills Supply Chain Planning Software Supply Chain Design Software 52

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. Warehouse optimization isn’t just a buzzword; it’s a lifeline for businesses seeking to thrive in the demanding world of modern commerce. Ready to get started?

Optimal Sourcing 97

Optimal Sourcing Optimization Software Waste Reduction Modeling 97

Supply Chain Shaman

JUNE 29, 2014

I remember the first time that I met the founders, Don and Toby. ” And from time to time, when we were behind deadline, and teasing each other about the looming weekly post, we would throw our llamas from cubicle to cubicle. It could no longer be just about inventory levels. The conference was low-key.

Supply Chain Design Software 268

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

ToolsGroup

NOVEMBER 4, 2022

Excess inventory – it’s taking up your warehouse space, tying up working capital, and limiting your planning team’s range of motion. It’s time to Marie Kondo your supply chain by eliminating excess inventory and learning how to avoid it in the first place. Let’s talk about: What Excess Inventory Is.

Inventory Reduction 156

Inventory Reduction Material Savings Inventory Cost Reduction Strategies 156

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

Logistics Viewpoints

APRIL 25, 2024

So, the parking spots are getting more and more occupied with drop trailers, meaning lot capacity shrinks while finding the trailer with the highest-priority inventory becomes even harder. For various reasons, many drivers show up unexpectedly and at the same time. Bottom line: yards are hard. But these are not intractable problems.

Expense Reduction 312

Expense Reduction Cost Reduction Strategies Supply Chain Design Software Inventory Reduction 312

Supply Chain Shaman

JUNE 20, 2014

During this time, I worked for Manugistics. The implementations were longer, the purchase costs were higher, and the functionality was less robust and lacking flexibility. During this period of time, I tried to highlight the gap in my writing. It makes no sense to me. In this post, I want to make my argument and stir a debate.

Supply Chain Planning Software 366

Supply Chain Planning Software Supply Chain Planning Scenario Planning Supply and Demand 366

SCMDOJO

OCTOBER 23, 2024

Pricing Structure Affordable pricing, with annual access to purchased courses and practical resources through Pro Plan. This learning platform covers every angle of supply chain management, from demand planning and inventory management to supplier relationship management, procurement, and logistics.

Supply Chain Planning Software 93

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

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. After three years of research, I have just refined the methodology to start to pull the trends. ” —Translation from the Greek by Ludwig Edelstein.

Supply Chain Design Software 319

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

Supply Chain Shaman

SEPTEMBER 24, 2018

<Bear with me… > Here I share a nine-step process in an attempt to help companies unravel the process for buying supply chain planning software. I think that it is time for some straight talk. They center on how to make a good decision in the purchase of supply chain planning solutions. Get a cup of coffee.

Supply Chain Planning Software 252

Supply Chain Planning Software Supply Chain Design Software Supply Chain Planning Supply Chain Software 252

Supply Chain Shaman

OCTOBER 29, 2020

Inventory, in this time of uncertainty, is the organization’s most important buffer to protect against variability. However, organizations are not good at managing inventory. In times of uncertainty, cash is king. In times of growth, when companies are funding inventory builds, cash is needed.

Optimal Sourcing 299

Optimal Sourcing Supply Chain Design Software Waste Reduction Inventory Reduction 299

Kinaxis

DECEMBER 3, 2014

Reason #4 Making key decisions by modelling the supply chain in Excel. Reason #6 Not effectively managing inventory. Just focus on geography and forget about anything else. One example that I’ve seen several times is around inventory targets. Reason #5 Not having a supply chain risk management process. Don’t care.

Expense Reduction 250

Expense Reduction Procurement Analytics Cost Reduction Strategies Metrics 250

Logistics Viewpoints

DECEMBER 12, 2022

Supply chain planning is not just for the big boys. At Dow, Mr. Baker had Purchasing experience in raw materials, and logistics for their plastics supply chain. S&OP is the key process in effectively balancing supply – what can be made – with demand – what customers want to buy.

Supply Chain Planning Software 261

Supply Chain Planning Software Supply Chain Planning Procurement Solutions Scenario Planning 261

Supply Chain Game Changer

JUNE 10, 2025

Assess and Optimize Inventory Management The first step to efficient delivery is to assess your inventory management. By adopting an automate­d inventory tracking system, this process can be­ streamlined, saving time and e­ffort on manual stock management tasks.

Inventory Reduction 59

Inventory Reduction Resource Reduction Cost Reduction Strategies Inventory Management Software 59

Supply Chain Shaman

DECEMBER 4, 2018

For the past five years, the team at Supply Chain Insights identified Supply Chains to Admire Award Winners by analyzing performance by peer group on the key metrics of growth, operating margin, inventory turns and Return on Invested Capital (ROIC). In 2018, Rockwell Automation won the Supply Chains to Admire Award. Meet Ernest.

Supply Chain Software 30

Supply Chain Software Case Study Supply Chain Planning Software Supply Chain Design Software 30

GlobalTranz

JANUARY 8, 2016

We conclude this two part series about manufacturing operations excellence by consultant Chuck Intrieri, by outlaying why manufacturers should focus on a critical component that will help sustain manufacturing operations excellence for years to come. What is Driving Sustainable Manufacturing Operations Excellence? Work centers?

Manufacturing Procurement 120

Manufacturing Procurement Eliminating Excel in Purchasing Supply Chain Planning Software Manufacturing 120

Logistics Viewpoints

NOVEMBER 4, 2021

High e-commerce shopping rates combined with construction delays are causing a strain in the supply of new warehouse space, especially as companies shift their inventory management strategies from just- in-time (JIT) inventory management to larger safety stocks for better responsiveness. ports to get backlogged.

Warehousing 261

Warehousing Inventory Reduction Supply Chain Network Software Inventory Management Software 261