The Logistics of Logistics

OCTOBER 30, 2023

Richard Lebovitz and Joe Lynch discuss leading inventory attack teams. Richard is the CEO of LeanDNA , a purpose-built analytics platform for factory inventory optimization. About Richard Lebovitz Richard Lebovitz is the CEO of LeanDNA , a purpose-built analytics platform for factory inventory optimization. acquired by SAP).

Optimal Sourcing 278

Optimal Sourcing Inventory Reduction Supply Chain Design Software Manufacturing Procurement 278

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. Lack of executive buy-in.

Inventory Reduction 434

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

ToolsGroup

MARCH 25, 2025

Even more impressive, lost sales due to stockouts can decrease by up to 65%, while inventory reductions of 20% to 50% are possible. Enhanced Promotions and Events Analysis Promotions, advertising campaigns, and trade events are vital components of marketing strategy, but accurately measuring their impact on demand remains challenging.

Supply and Demand 156

Supply and Demand Forecasting Forecasting Software Modeling 156

SCMDOJO

DECEMBER 5, 2024

Leveling up your inventory life cycle can be crucial, but keeping all the fundamental factors jumping is essential to let the life cycle evolve. However, if the life cycle stock is healthy, inventory management is smooth. Inventory management revolves around the pivotal concept of the product life cycle. Click here!

Inventory Reduction 98

Inventory Reduction Inventory Management Software Optimal Sourcing Inventory Management 98

Supply Chain Shaman

APRIL 27, 2022

Supply chain excellence is easier to say than to explain. At each company, there is a relationship between the metrics of growth, margin, inventory, customer service, and asset strategy. Keith was an undisputed leader in building talent to drive manufacturing excellence. The reason? Discontinued in 2011.

Procurement Analytics 369

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

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. Clearly Define an Operating Strategy.

S&OP 393

S&OP Supply and Demand Inventory Reduction Expense Reduction 393

Supply Chain Shaman

JANUARY 9, 2024

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. Many believe that an ex-supply chain exec knows the definition of supply chain excellence. An average margin of 21% with inventory turns of 1.58 I admit it. Lora was as well.

Supply Chain Planning Software 386

Supply Chain Planning Software Pharmaceutical Supply Chain Planning Gartner 386

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?” Drawing from the Whiteboard: Building Customer-Centric Supply Chain Strategies. The focus is on channel data: price; inventory positions; and policies.

Material Savings 246

Material Savings Inventory Reduction Price Reduction Cost Reduction Strategies 246

Supply Chain Shaman

SEPTEMBER 20, 2015

When I hear companies discussing the implementation of a customer segmentation strategy, I ask a series of questions: Who is your customer? How do they buy from you? What are you trying to accomplish through the execution of a customer segmentation strategy? How do they buy from you?” Why does it matter to you?

Inventory Reduction 150

Inventory Reduction Cost Reduction Strategies Sourcing Strategies Supply Chain Strategy 150

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

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.

Predictive Analytics Software 354

Predictive Analytics Software Predictive Analytics Waste Reduction Cost Reduction Strategies 354

Supply Chain Shaman

JUNE 10, 2025

In May 2025, one in seven home-purchase agreements fell through resulting in the cancellation of 56,000 purchase contracts. Thse strategies need to be designed in the strategic and tactical time horizons and then deployed through S&OP planning and execution. A negative FVA increases cost, inventory, and risk.

Supply Chain Planning Software 195

Supply Chain Planning Software Supply Chain Design Software Supply Chain Software Waste Reduction 195

Supply Chain Shaman

DECEMBER 27, 2022

In a recent research project, we found that 2/3 of companies had a digital supply chain transformation strategy; however, those that were evolving their strategy performed better during the early months of the pandemic than those that were “clear” on the project plan for a digital transformation. I know, a head-scratcher.

Supply Chain Software 418

Supply Chain Software Supply Chain Planning Software Supply Chain Design Software Inventory Reduction 418

DELMIA Quintiq

NOVEMBER 17, 2020

From raw material procurement to final product sales, these supply chains’ ability to minimize inventory through product life cycle controls and facilitate prompt product supply is every bit as important as product differentiation strategies. The establishment of efficient global supply chains has become critical to competitiveness.

Optimal Sourcing 296

Optimal Sourcing Manufacturing Procurement Supply Chain Optimization Supply Chain Planning Software 296

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.

S&OP 390

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

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. Thats where data-driven decision-making comes in!

Optimal Sourcing 65

Optimal Sourcing Inventory Reduction Supply Chain Optimization Price Mitigation Strategies 65

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. He felt that inventory was no problem, he would just cut it at the end of each quarter to make the balance sheet goals.

Agile and Lean Supply Chain 362

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

Supply Chain Shaman

DECEMBER 23, 2014

In 2014, ecommerce strategies grew in importance. At that time, manufacturers talked about customer-centric supply chains, but were afraid to aggressively adopt ecommerce strategies. Manufacturers, today, are aggressively pursuing e-commerce strategies. Get Good at Having a Real-time Perpetual Inventory Signal.

Packaging 332

Packaging Inventory Reduction Supply Chain Design Software San Francisco 332

Procurement Academy

APRIL 24, 2025

When you look behind the scenes of a global business operation, procurement strategy and supply chain management are usually top priorities, though theyre not always working in sync. This blog explores procurement vs supply chain strategy and looks at how aligning the two leads to operational excellence. The problem?

Optimal Sourcing 52

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

Supply Chain Shaman

SEPTEMBER 27, 2021

As a result, most projects are not clear in scope, with the implementation of visibility as a “functional extension to existing process” lacking a holistic outside-in approach/strategy to sense, respond, and act. Design an Over-Arching Strategy and Building Blocks. Build a multi-year visibility strategy. Reflection.

Supply Chain Planning Software 390

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

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

DECEMBER 17, 2018

Nick Lynch is the Global Excellence Manager at Shell Lubricants, a division of Shell Global. The Company implemented SAP Advanced Planner and Optimizer (APO) including the standard functionality of Demand Planning (DP), Supply Network Planning (SNP), and Production Planning and Detailed Scheduling (PPDS), yet many planners also used Excel.

Demand Planning Software 322

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

RFgen

DECEMBER 4, 2024

In the automotive sector, manufacturers are simultaneously reducing inventory costs and delivery times. Additionally, we’ll discuss best practices for optimization and strategies for balancing efficiency with resilience. Let’s break down these key components: Procurement: This is where it all begins.

Sourcing Strategies 96

Sourcing Strategies Waste Reduction Inventory Reduction Expense Reduction 96

Supply Chain Shaman

JUNE 7, 2018

For the past month, I have been working alongside companies implementing digital strategies. Or agreement on the definition of supply chain excellence. As a result, functional excellence anchors action. In this case, the metrics are operating margin and inventory turns. of revenue on IT are we improving inventories.

Supply Chain Planning Software 287

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

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.” Inventory is the culmination of many business decisions.

Inventory Reduction 150

Inventory Reduction Supply Chain Design Software Supply Chain Planning Software Inventory Management Software 150

SCMDOJO

DECEMBER 29, 2024

Key takeaways Importance of Procurement Procurement vs. Purchasing Key Functions Departmental Structure Role Descriptions The blog emphasizes the significance of a well-structured procurement department with qualified personnel to achieve organizational objectives. Read In Detail About Procurement Department Here 2.

Negotiating Skills 95

Negotiating Skills Purchasing Skills Purchasing Training Buyer Training 95

Supply Chain Shaman

FEBRUARY 11, 2019

Last week, the Wall Street Journal reached out to discuss the rising inventories near the Port of Los Angeles. 2) The Story of Policy, Strategy, and Modeling. The supply chain combines policy, strategy and models. Despite the fact that supply chain modelers have great insights, they model; but do not drive strategy.

Supply Chain Planning Software 207

Supply Chain Planning Software Modeling Software Demand Planning Software Supply and Demand 207

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. What Causes Excess Inventory.

Inventory Reduction 156

Inventory Reduction Material Savings Inventory Cost Reduction Strategies 156

Supply Chain Shaman

AUGUST 18, 2022

At the end of a long day of a strategy session on supply chain excellence with a client, I needed to fill up some time in an agenda. So, I was stuck at the end of the strategy day with time to fill with a client that saw no reason to change. The strategy day owner was a global process center of excellence leader.

Supply and Demand 259

Supply and Demand Demand Planning Software Supply Chain Planning Software Optimal Sourcing 259

SCMDOJO

APRIL 11, 2025

Is inventory bloating your costs? A scorecard acts as your dashboard, providing crucial visibility that helps you: Make Data-Driven Decisions: Replace guesswork with facts when evaluating suppliers, processes, and inventory levels. Improve Efficiency: Understand process timelines and inventory holding to streamline operations.

Pricing Training 72

Pricing Training Optimal Sourcing Purchasing Skills Negotiating Skills 72

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.

Warehousing 261

Warehousing Inventory Reduction Supply Chain Network Software Inventory Management Software 261

Supply Chain Shaman

OCTOBER 29, 2014

The promise was the delivery of a decision support system that would allow the organization to optimize the relationships between cash, cost and customer service against the strategy. By purchasing planning and transactional systems for a common vendor, they had one throat to choke and they were familiar with the architectural elements.

Supply Chain Planning Software 379

Supply Chain Planning Software Modeling Demand Planning Software Optimization Software 379

ThroughPut

JUNE 2, 2025

To stay ahead of the curve, industry leaders are turning to data-driven strategies and artificial intelligence (AI) to transform how they manage inventory, forecast demand, and optimize the entire spare parts lifecycle. This lack of transparency hampers accurate demand forecasting, procurement efficiency, and inventory optimization.

Sourcing Strategies 52

Sourcing Strategies Inventory Reduction Cost Reduction Strategies Vendor Strategies 52

Unleashed

OCTOBER 6, 2021

So your company is looking to reduce costs, and you’ve been asked to contribute by reducing your inventory cost. That makes sense – inventory is one of the most capital intensive areas for any product business. Here we explain how you can do this with 16 cost reduction strategies in inventory management?that

Inventory Reduction 95

Inventory Reduction Cost Reduction Strategies Material Savings Vendor Strategies 95

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). The company’s current strategy is to bring a Connected Enterprise to life.

Supply Chain Software 30

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

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. Instead, I would look at network flows, the form and function of inventory, cost-to-serve analysis, and the determination of the supplier network.

Supply Chain Design Software 319

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

IQMS

MAY 15, 2024

Navigating the intricate web of modern manufacturing can feel like participating in an elaborate puzzle—complex, with lots of moving parts and a grand strategy that need to fit into a complete picture of the business. For midsize manufacturers, finding growth in a competitive landscape is a delicate balance between strategy and execution.

Resource Reduction 52

Resource Reduction Waste Reduction Inventory Reduction Manufacturing Procurement 52