Supply Chain Shaman

FEBRUARY 1, 2024

I see a preponderance of reports and white papers that have lots of pages but say little. Optimization engines to improve functional metric performance resulted in an exploding number of planners. days to receive a purchase order confirmation. The average purchased order changes 3.5 Reduce Data Latency in Networks.

Supply Chain Planning Software 392

Supply Chain Planning Software Optimal Sourcing Manufacturing Procurement Waste Reduction 392

Supply Chain Shaman

OCTOBER 5, 2018

The award, based on beating the industry peer group on rate of improvement on the key metrics of growth, operating margin, inventory turns, and Return on Invested Capital (ROIC) while outperforming their peer group, is tough to achieve. The orbit chart below illustrates L’Oréal’s performance at the intersection of two metrics.

Case Study 329

Case Study Study Inventory Reduction Agile and Lean Supply Chain 329

Supply Chain Shaman

DECEMBER 7, 2023

I would then consider taking five actions: Build on the Power of Existing Networks. Build a network of networks. Under the Defense Production Act, force all public network companies to interoperate. Improve visibility across the networks that operate in self-serving business models. Force interoperability.

Supply Chain Design Software 395

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

Supply Chain Shaman

MAY 26, 2023

The basic frame of supply chain planning–functional taxonomies for optimization on a relational database–must be redesigned before supply chain leaders can reap the benefit of deep learning, neural networks, and evolving forms of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Graph architectures also use different optimization technologies.

Optimal Sourcing 369

Optimal Sourcing Modeling Supply and Demand Manufacturing Procurement 369

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. The concept was that managing trade-offs and optimizing the whole to drive business outcomes would improve value. The ripple effects are pervasive. Why is a reinvention needed? Watch for the launch.

Supply Chain Planning Software 195

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

Supply Chain Shaman

JUNE 14, 2014

But companies often have diverging incentives and interests from their supply chain partners, so when they independently strive to optimize their individual objectives, the expected result can be compromised. ”. I think about this discussion with Keith often as I work on the Supply Chain Index and edit the chapters of Metrics That Matter.

Manufacturing Procurement 345

Manufacturing Procurement Optimal Sourcing Procurement Analytics Modeling 345

Supply Chain Shaman

OCTOBER 29, 2014

The consulting team pitches a theme–vision of supply chain best practices, big data analytics, or demand-driven value networks– to the executive team, and a new project is initiated. Companies adopt planning to optimize the organization’s response from the customer’s customer to the supplier’s supplier.

Supply Chain Planning Software 379

Supply Chain Planning Software Modeling Demand Planning Software Optimization Software 379

Supply Chain Shaman

SEPTEMBER 13, 2023

I know that your primary focus is procurement. The issues are largely rooted in politics and the lack of clarity on supply chain excellence. Or planned orders to purchase orders?) I observed companies use the beer game as an educational tool or a social networking activity. Instead, rethink the models and the approach.

Supply and Demand 431

Supply and Demand Supply Chain Planning Software Modeling Demand Planning 431

Supply Chain Shaman

JUNE 16, 2014

I have learned that supply chain systems are more complex than I originally thought, and that the relationships between supply chain metrics are nonlinear. In my work on the Supply Chain Index , I see that companies I recognize as doing network design well are rising faster on the list of the Supply Chain Index work.

Supply Chain Design Software 319

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

Logistics Viewpoints

DECEMBER 14, 2021

Millions of shoppers, like my Dad, are not going back to their old habits because there are now faster and more convenient ways for buying daily household needs. It excels on a union of E-Commerce mobile apps and last-mile delivery innovations. Inventory Optimization. However, this also comes with its planning challenges.

Supply Chain Planning Software 288

Supply Chain Planning Software Forecasting Software Supply Chain Design Software Modeling Software 288

Precoro

OCTOBER 6, 2022

With the global market expansion and deepening supply chain complexity, the roles of procurement leaders have evolved from tactical to strategic. Nowadays, procurement departments not only focus on the day-to-day buying operations but also search for the most efficient ways to go about them. From whom are we buying?

Manufacturing Procurement 98

Manufacturing Procurement Procurement Solutions Procurement Analytics Pricing Training 98

Supply Chain Shaman

JUNE 28, 2021

The group needed a clear market signal on consumption patterns and the translation of demand with minimal latency to optimize price, mix, and schedule the factory to manage margin. 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.

Supply Chain Planning Software 322

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

Jaggaer

DECEMBER 5, 2024

Opportunities for Procurement Technology As we look toward 2025, European businesses are reshaping their supply chains to navigate an increasingly complex global landscape. A recent report by Maersk and Reuters Events highlights that 68% of companies are making supply chain visibility and monitoring solutions a top priority.

Procurement Analytics 52

Procurement Analytics Optimal Sourcing Procurement Solutions Supply Chain Software 52

DELMIA Quintiq

DECEMBER 28, 2020

Part 2 in the series explores the “analytical scenario exercise” and how decisions based on certain scenarios heavily impact each aspect of the value chain. Ultimately, what KPIs, as metrics and indicators derived from the set of plans are taken into account and prepared for each scenario. Technology for Effective Planning.

Supply Chain Planning Software 296

Supply Chain Planning Software Scenario Planning Modeling Prescriptive Analytics Software 296

Logistics Viewpoints

JUNE 8, 2023

Previously, only large companies such as Amazon and FedEx possessed the network and scale required for cost-effective same-day and next-day shipping. However, advancements in technology have made it possible for any company to automate and optimize their last-mile delivery operations.

Modeling Software 273

Modeling Software Optimization Software Supply Chain Network Software Logistics Network Optimization Software 273

Logistics Viewpoints

MARCH 9, 2023

This is because most classical planning solutions lack the modeling capability and computing power to accommodate different data sources, large SKU count, and detailed constraints and contingencies to build an immediately executable plan. each with discrete plans generated typically in sequential batch runs.

Supply Chain Planning Software 282

Supply Chain Planning Software Modeling Forecasting Software Optimization Software 282

Logistics Viewpoints

APRIL 14, 2022

Experts from North Carolina State University and GEP conducted a survey on supply chain, procurement and IT leaders to determine their challenges and priorities, focusing on examining gaps in the supply chain. The study found that these leaders considered the largest gap to be between supply chain and procurement, citing it as a major issue.

Supply Chain Planning Software 284

Supply Chain Planning Software Supply Chain Software Forecasting Software Procurement Solutions 284

Supply Chain Shaman

JULY 23, 2023

I never republished the report, because not enough has changed to warrant it.) The report centers on the concept of moving from inside-out to outside-in technologies. In the outside-in planning process, the data model output is refined and published to a series of networks. I look forward to hearing your feedback.

Supply Chain Planning Software 369

Supply Chain Planning Software Supply Chain Planning Scenario Planning Modeling 369

Talking Logistics

NOVEMBER 10, 2014

I also shared with them my view that companies will ultimately find opportunities for supply chain innovation at the intersection of Software, B2B Connectivity, and Social Networking — a trend best illustrated by the rise of Supply Chain Operating Networks (SCONs). Supply Chain Operating Networks Accelerate Business Cycles.

Optimal Sourcing 207

Optimal Sourcing Supply Chain Planning Software Supply Chain Network Software Optimization Software 207

Logistics Viewpoints

APRIL 24, 2023

This technology allows businesses to unify their procurement, expense management, invoicing, payments, contract management, and spend analysis processes and reporting. The visibility to spend allows them to provide excellent benchmarking in several areas. I saw this claim as being more a statement of intention than of fact.

Supply Chain Design Software 273

Supply Chain Design Software Supply Chain Planning Software Optimal Sourcing Optimization Software 273

Jaggaer

MAY 8, 2025

I am a big believer in procurement getting involved as early as possible in new product development based on all the market knowledge available. The worst-case scenario is product engineering developing a new product, selecting a supplier and then telling procurement to get on with negotiation. How often do your purchase orders change?

Optimal Sourcing 52

Optimal Sourcing Manufacturing Procurement Procurement Analytics Procurement Solutions 52

Supply Chain Shaman

JUNE 29, 2014

The market for network design tools was growing at a moderate rate, and most of the market had invested in technologies from either i2 Technologies (then termed i2 Strategist) or Logictools. This analysis needed to be completed monthly and fed to newer forms of inventory optimization technologies. Cost-to-Serve and Top-to-Top Meetings.

Supply Chain Design Software 268

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

Supply Chain Shaman

JUNE 20, 2014

The implementations were longer, the purchase costs were higher, and the functionality was less robust and lacking flexibility. All of the results are reported in aggregate. In addition, with over 30% of manufacturing and 55% of logistics outsourced, it is now a business network, not an enterprise, planning problem.

Supply Chain Planning Software 366

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

Supply Chain Shaman

MARCH 8, 2016

As an analyst in the supply chain market for 15 years, I have written many articles on best-of-breed technology companies purchased by a larger company. E2open sells a cloud-based solution for network collaboration. This will require development to manage both product forecasting and margin management within the network.

Supply Chain Planning Software 150

Supply Chain Planning Software Supply Chain Network Software Demand Planning Software Forecasting Software 150

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. They center on how to make a good decision in the purchase of supply chain planning solutions. Most have purchased software, but are dependent on Excel spreadsheets.

Supply Chain Planning Software 252

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

Logistics Viewpoints

MARCH 1, 2021

What PMI needed, considering the long planning horizons, was a digital and analytics network design and supply optimization tool. Those goals are balanced against a variety of costs and parameters from the manufacturing supply chain. The tool was able to create a model going out multiple years.

Modeling 270

Modeling Supply Chain Design Software Supply Chain Planning Software Optimal Sourcing 270

Precoro

FEBRUARY 26, 2025

Within this setup, an ERP procurement module helps companies make purchases and manage suppliers. Numbers speak louder: According to Procurement Tactics’ top procurement trends in 2025 , 83% of CPOs prioritize digitization.   Keep reading to learn: What Is ERP in Procurement?

Procurement Solutions 45

Procurement Solutions Optimal Sourcing Procurement Analytics Manufacturing Procurement 45

Supply Chain Shaman

FEBRUARY 14, 2022

I wrote my first report on Sales and Operations Planning (S&OP) while sitting on the floor in the Atlanta airport in 2005 when I was an AMR Research analyst. I wrote many reports on airport floors in those days–electrical plugs were just too scarce.) Sales and Operations Maturity Model from 2005-2008. Figures 2 and 3.

S&OP 195

S&OP Supply and Demand Procurement Analytics Manufacturing Procurement 195

Supply Chain Shaman

OCTOBER 29, 2020

Cash-to-Cash Metrics. Cash-to-cash is a compound metric: (Days of Receivables+Days of Inventory)-Days of Payables=Cash Conversion Cycle. While touted as a digital procurement provider, it took the Company nine days to onboard me as a vendor, and two weeks to process a Purchase Order. In times of uncertainty, cash is king.

Optimal Sourcing 299

Optimal Sourcing Supply Chain Design Software Waste Reduction Inventory Reduction 299

AFFLINK

JUNE 10, 2025

For AFFLINK's partners and affiliates navigating complex procurement environments, ESG integration reshapes how supply chains are built, evaluated, and optimized. With consumers and investors alike expecting higher accountability, ESG compliance has become a key differentiator in global procurement.

Optimal Sourcing 48

Optimal Sourcing Supply Chain Design Software Waste Reduction Vendor Strategies 48

Logility

DECEMBER 15, 2023

From harvest to hands, the food & beverage (F&B) industry leaves no room for guesswork, especially without supply chain optimization software. This reality is compelling F&B companies to rethink their strategies and approach to supply chain optimization and demand planning.

Optimal Sourcing 176

Optimal Sourcing Supply Chain Planning Software Optimization Software Supply Chain Software 176

Logistics Viewpoints

JUNE 9, 2022

This warehouse runs at a perfect optimum with fixed capital in the form of inventory balanced perfectly with sales and purchasing, and all the items perfectly distributed to the various storage areas of the warehouse. These contribute significantly to optimal order processing and therefore to the successful management of peak periods.

Logistics Network Optimization Software 293

Logistics Network Optimization Software Analytics Software Optimization Software Forecasting Software 293

Supply Chain Shaman

FEBRUARY 27, 2020

How do we harness the power of data with new forms of analytics? Today, technology providers are selling analytics. This week, I received this email from a financial institution questioning why business leaders are not harnessing more insights and redesigning processes based on analytics. S&OP Challenges. Reflection.

Analytics Software 269

Analytics Software Supply Chain Planning Software Supply Chain Design Software Optimal Sourcing 269

Supply Chain Shaman

DECEMBER 17, 2018

Nick Lynch is the Global Excellence Manager at Shell Lubricants, a division of Shell Global. Completed in 2012, the ERP project forced the company to standardize organizational design, roles, and metrics. What can often look like compliance in APO could actually be numbers calculated in Excel and posted into the SAP system.

Demand Planning Software 322

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

Logility

JULY 22, 2024

As Raheel Hussain, Director of the Supply Chain Center of Excellence at Reynolds Consumer Products notes during a recent webinar , a level of synchronization is critical to systemically share information and cut down the constant offline back-and-forth (conversations) between different functions.

Continuous Improvement 207

Continuous Improvement Supply Chain Planning Software Supply Chain Software Cost Reduction Strategies 207

Supply Chain Shaman

JUNE 14, 2018

Today’s reality is that we have optimized functions not flows. Bonuses and incentives align with functions and are often counter productive to driving supply chain excellence. PFEP optimizes the policies that define how to procure each part. Order Policy Optimization. Cross Site Analytics.

Optimal Sourcing 191

Optimal Sourcing Manufacturing Procurement Supply Chain Planning Software Agile and Lean Supply Chain 191

Talking Logistics

DECEMBER 11, 2014

And its technology assets too, like the Kiva robots Amazon purchased [in 2012] and the data centers that power its cloud computing services. Big Data and Analytics for Oil and Gas Transportation. Companies will begin to transform their decision-making processes, which will lead to greater use of social networking technologies.

Predictive Analytics Software 260

Predictive Analytics Software Supply Chain Design Software Logistics Network Optimization Software Predictive Analytics 260