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. A manufacturing capability is not ubiquitous.

Procurement Analytics 369

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

Supply Chain Shaman

DECEMBER 15, 2022

When reviewing strategy decks for supply chain teams, I often see statements like “move from a functional-silo’d focus to a drive a more holistic response.” ” Followed by “How are you organized, and what defines functional excellence? And, how do you tie functional excellence to corporate value?”

Manufacturing Procurement 397

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

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. Technology can automate role-based views up and down the river of demand for all roles: marketing, sales, finance, manufacturing, procurement, transportation, and human resources.

Supply Chain Planning Software 195

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

SCMDOJO

MARCH 24, 2025

Introduction Gardner, (1954) and Huntzinger, (2007) define Purchase price variance (PPV) as a metric used to measure the effectiveness of cost-saving efforts by calculating the difference between the planned cost (standard pricing) allocated for purchasing activities and the actual cost incurred.

Purchasing Skills 69

Purchasing Skills Negotiating Skills Negotiate Pricing Procurement Analytics 69

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. Growth Strategies for Small and Midsize Manufacturing Companies 1.

Resource Reduction 52

Resource Reduction Waste Reduction Inventory Reduction Manufacturing Procurement 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?” Drawing from the Whiteboard: Building Customer-Centric Supply Chain Strategies. It had been a long night. However, I had little time to be tired. ” I smiled.

Material Savings 246

Material Savings Inventory Reduction Price Reduction Cost Reduction Strategies 246

RFgen

DECEMBER 19, 2024

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore the key elements of warehouse optimization and provide actionable strategies you can implement today. Eight proven optimization strategies, combining technology, best practices, and sustainable solutions. Data-driven forecasting improves purchasing and cuts storage expenses.

Optimal Sourcing 97

Optimal Sourcing Optimization Software Waste Reduction Modeling 97

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

JANUARY 9, 2024

Nvidia, Northrup Grumman, PACCAR Inc, PCA (Packaging Corporation of America), ResMed, Rockwell Automation, Ross Stores, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing (TSMC) Company, Tempur-Pedic, TJX, Toro, Toyota, West Pharma, United Tractors, and Urban Outfitters. How Do You Define Excellence? 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

NOVEMBER 11, 2020

Today, supply chain excellence matters more than ever. Globally ten percent of jobs are in manufacturing, while 37% are associated with supply chain management. They are impatient that they know more about pizza’s status for lunch before their zoom meeting than the inbound shipment status for their critical manufacturing run.

Supply Chain Design Software 362

Supply Chain Design Software Procurement Solutions Manufacturing Procurement Supply Chain Planning Software 362

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 Supply Chain Strategy 418

Supply Chain Shaman

JULY 6, 2020

Frank, the line manager for manufacturing, dominated the meetings. 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. Strong manufacturing organizations do not make the most effective manufacturers.

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

FEBRUARY 18, 2021

Advanced planning evolved with a focus on modeling manufacturing constraints. Initially, the output was published to procurement to design strategic buying strategies. Here are some examples: Manufacturing: Lowest manufacturing cost, Operational Equipment Effectiveness (OEE), and Asset Utilization.

Supply Chain Planning Software 355

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

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. They were afraid of retail retaliation. This has changed.

Packaging 332

Packaging Supply Chain Design Software Inventory Reduction San Francisco 332

Supply Chain Shaman

JUNE 28, 2021

In 2004, I worked with a Midwest North American meatpacker to help define its supply chain strategy. Consumers constantly change the mix preferences in purchases. Somedays, the focus is on steaks or ribs and the next on the purchase of ground or cubed meat. Maximize the value of your purchase. Be careful.

Supply Chain Planning Software 322

Supply Chain Planning Software Supply Chain Design Software Supply Chain Planning Supply Chain Software 322

IQMS

JANUARY 21, 2021

Bottom Line : In 2021 and beyond, customers are voting with their dollars for the manufacturers who excel at sustainable manufacturing and make a positive contribution to the environment, dominating B2B supply chains and B2C purchasing decisions. Sustainability Is The Cornerstone Of Manufacturing Competitiveness.

Manufacturing Procurement 142

Manufacturing Procurement Expense Reduction Cost Reduction Strategies Sustainability 142

SCMDOJO

JANUARY 9, 2025

Think of them as apples and gearseach essential and effective on its own, yet when combined; they create a formidable mechanism for achieving procurement excellence. This article delves into how these two elements, working together, can transform procurement strategies into long-term competitive advantages.

Optimal Sourcing 98

Optimal Sourcing Manufacturing Procurement Procurement Solutions Negotiating Skills 98

The Logistics of Logistics

OCTOBER 30, 2023

Over his 30+ year career in the supply chain, Richard has worked with manufacturers around the world in operations, supply chain, and lean strategy roles to develop systems that can manage complex supply chains on a global scale. Richard previously founded and led Factory Logic, Inc. acquired by SAP). The Greenscreens.ai

Optimal Sourcing 278

Optimal Sourcing Inventory Reduction Supply Chain Design Software Manufacturing Procurement 278

Supply Chain Shaman

FEBRUARY 11, 2019

In Figure 1, note the lowest satisfaction is Generation X (birth years of 1965-1980) in manufacturing organizations. In my share groups, large manufacturing clients have a Q1 freeze on travel. 2) The Story of Policy, Strategy, and Modeling. The supply chain combines policy, strategy and models. The action? The second?

Supply Chain Planning Software 207

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

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

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. This large food manufacturer used a popular technology to forecast monthly using orders as an input. The strategy day owner was a global process center of excellence leader.

Supply and Demand 259

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

o9 Solutions

JUNE 9, 2025

Instead of high-level frameworks, attendees heard directly from global manufacturers including RHI Magnesita, Teleflex, and Marelli. It established a command center in Ireland, staffed by internal experts, which later evolved into a permanent Center of Excellence. The agenda prioritized outcomes over abstraction.

Manufacturing Procurement 52

Manufacturing Procurement Europe Supply Chain Planning Software Supply Chain Design Software 52

QAD

APRIL 7, 2022

Procurement, also sometimes known as purchasing, is the group responsible for acquiring components, services, and other materials to manufacture a company’s products and to keep the operation running. Purchasing is also required to buy goods at the lowest possible price, consistent with quality and delivery needs.

Manufacturing Procurement 98

Manufacturing Procurement Procurement Solutions Negotiate Pricing Purchasing Skills 98

Oracle SCM

JULY 12, 2017

Companies tripped over themselves to build ecommerce portals, and one-click purchasing grew in relevance. Effective strategies coupled with a well-defined plan and the right tools helped supply chain professionals alleviate fulfillment pressures and readied managers for market changes in the future. Agility is the name of the game.

Resource Reduction 163

Resource Reduction Inventory Reduction Cost Reduction Strategies Price Reduction 163

Supply Chain Shaman

DECEMBER 4, 2018

At Rockwell this includes all processes end-to-end except for manufacturing. From a manufacturing perspective, products vary significantly in complexity. Solutions, for example, can take from 12 to 16 weeks to manufacture. The company understands global manufacturers’ problems because they are one.

Supply Chain Software 30

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

Supply Chain Shaman

JANUARY 14, 2013

It was a story where people believed that functional excellence leads to supply chain superiority. The example that I give in the first post is the focus of manufacturing strategies to drive strong results to improve Return on Assets (ROA) that have actually caused a deterioration in operating margin. You got it! A Case Study.

Supply Chain Planning Software 260

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

Supply Chain Shaman

OCTOBER 10, 2017

AGCO was honored to receive the AME 2017 Excellence Award. While many employers would have penalized the employees for tablet breakage , Peggy explored the world of wearables to enable her digital manufacturing transformation. To solve these problems, AGCO partnered with Proceedix to develop an application for manufacturing.

Supply Chain Design Software 170

Supply Chain Design Software Manufacturing Material Savings Supply Chain Software 170

Supply Chain Shaman

JUNE 20, 2014

However, what is clear from our recent study of 73 manufacturers using supply chain planning is that companies using best-of-breed solutions implement faster, achieve a quicker Return-on-Investment (ROI), and are more satisfied. These solutions require greater insights and understanding by the manufacturer and implementing company.

Supply Chain Planning Software 366

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

Unleashed

MAY 15, 2023

Wholesalers and manufacturers need effective B2B strategies to sustain business growth and beat the competition. From targeted email campaigns to inventory management integrations, we’ll outline how you can develop strong B2B CRM strategies to improve business performance and achieve predictable growth.

Inventory Reduction 105

Inventory Reduction Sourcing Strategies Waste Reduction Manufacturing Procurement 105

The Logistics of Logistics

APRIL 29, 2024

Steve is the Founder and Managing Director of iDev Partners a boutique leadership, business strategy and turnaround consulting firm. About Steve Elwell Steve is the Founder and since 2010 Managing Director of iDev Partners a boutique leadership, business strategy and turnaround consulting firm located in Farmington Hills, MI.

Freight 237

Freight Supply Chain Software Logistics Network Optimization Software Predictive Analytics Software 237

Logistics Viewpoints

NOVEMBER 4, 2021

The pandemic halted many supply chains last year, closing factories and stores, and limiting manufacturing and distribution operations. Construction of manufacturing plants and new warehouse sites were also postponed or canceled entirely due to market uncertainty. Many workers decided to retire, re-locate, or consider new professions.

Warehousing 261

Warehousing Inventory Reduction Supply Chain Network Software Inventory Management Software 261

Supply Chain Shaman

JUNE 14, 2014

“The idea of the value chain is based on the process view of organizations, the idea of seeing a manufacturing (or service) organisation as a system, made up of subsystems each with inputs, transformation processes and outputs. ” Institute for Manufacturing, 2013. __. E2open last week announced the purchase of Serus.

Manufacturing Procurement 345

Manufacturing Procurement Optimal Sourcing Procurement Analytics Modeling 345

Supply Chain Shaman

JUNE 16, 2014

The older tools from CAPS Logistics, SNO from Oracle, and Manugistics Network Planning are giving way to new technologies like the Logictools product (purchased from IBM), the Solvoyo product for concurrent planning, the Quintiq technology for concurrent optimization, and the Llamasoft technology platform for optimization and simulation.

Supply Chain Design Software 319

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

Supply Chain Shaman

NOVEMBER 15, 2023

PWC’s Digital Trends in Supply Chain Survey reports that 83% of manufacturers say that supply chain technologies have not delivered the expected results. Based on the Supply Chains to Admire analysis, the first question is: Why do the cost reduction strategies not translate into operating margin improvement against peer groups?

Supply Chain Planning Software 418

Supply Chain Planning Software Optimal Sourcing Modeling Supply Chain Software 418

The Logistics of Logistics

MARCH 13, 2021

Sourcing Strategy: Effective vs Efficient with Ron Crabtree. Joe Lynch and Ron Crabtree discuss sourcing strategy: effective vs efficient. When developing a sourcing strategy, the focus can be effectiveness (gaining desired results) or on efficiency (reducing cost, labor, and resources used). About Ron Crabtree.

Sourcing Strategies 130

Sourcing Strategies Resource Reduction Price Reduction Expense Reduction 130

SYSPRO Smarter ERP

SEPTEMBER 1, 2022

It’s no secret that manufacturing companies around the world are rethinking their supply chain strategies. With shortages occurring in unexpected sectors and lockdown strategies impacting logistics, companies looked at reshoring to stabilize and strengthen their supply chains.

Manufacturing Procurement 105

Manufacturing Procurement Manufacturing Supply Chain Planning Software Sourcing Strategies 105

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. Lead time: This tracks the period from product manufacturing initiation to finished goods availability.

Sourcing Strategies 96

Sourcing Strategies Inventory Reduction Waste Reduction Expense Reduction 96