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. The reason?

Supply Chain Planning Software 195

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

Supply Chain Shaman

NOVEMBER 21, 2022

” As I dipped my spoon into some scrumptious chestnut soup at a great restaurant, my companion asked, “With the advancements in optimization and self-learning, aren’t we close to having self-driving supply chains?” However, the prior beliefs of functional efficiency delivering supply chain excellence linger.

Supply Chain Planning Software 376

Supply Chain Planning Software Supply Chain Design Software Optimal Sourcing Modeling 376

Supply Chain Shaman

NOVEMBER 11, 2020

Today, supply chain excellence matters more than ever. Until there are clear answers, business leaders should avoid buying software from companies with deep investments by venture capitalists. One of my favorite supply chain leaders has a stack of Palantir reports in black binders on his desk. Kinaxis Purchase of Rubikloud.

Supply Chain Design Software 362

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

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

Kinaxis

DECEMBER 3, 2014

Reason #4 Making key decisions by modelling the supply chain in Excel. Reason #9 Relentless pursuit of one supply chain metric at the expense of other metrics. Reason #9 Relentless pursuit of one supply chain metric at the expense of other metrics. Why do companies focus on reducing a specific metric?

Expense Reduction 250

Expense Reduction Procurement Analytics Cost Reduction Strategies Metrics 250

Logistics Viewpoints

AUGUST 28, 2024

AI and machine learning tools identify patterns, predict issues, and suggest ways to optimize operations. Having a well-documented DPP also makes it easier to report to regulators and stakeholders. Why DPPs Matter Consumers today expect transparency about the products they purchase.

Optimal Sourcing 310

Optimal Sourcing Optimization Software Modeling Supply Chain Optimization 310

RFgen

DECEMBER 19, 2024

But between rising costs, complex logistics, and the constant struggle to optimize space and labor, staying ahead can feel like an uphill battle. That’s where warehouse optimization comes in. Here’s what you can expect: A clear definition of warehouse optimization and its core components. Ready to get started?

Optimal Sourcing 97

Optimal Sourcing Optimization Software Waste Reduction Modeling 97

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). Or a unified data model across source, make, and deliver for planning?

Optimal Sourcing 369

Optimal Sourcing Modeling Supply and Demand Manufacturing Procurement 369

Silvon Software

MAY 6, 2025

Analytics and business intelligence (BI) are no longer optionaltheyre essential. They integrate, align, and activate data across the business to drive better, faster decisions unlike legacy reporting tools that can’t. Flexible Delivery Options Interactive dashboards, scheduled reports, alerts, mobile access, and more.

Prescriptive Analytics Software 89

Prescriptive Analytics Software Analytics Software Supply Chain Design Software Predictive Analytics Software 89

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. The distribution models were never tested when implemented. As a result, after four years of the initial go-live, the team blindly used planning models, distorting the plan.

Supply and Demand 431

Supply and Demand Supply Chain Planning Software Modeling Demand Planning 431

Supply Chain Shaman

DECEMBER 7, 2023

Improve visibility across the networks that operate in self-serving business models. For example, change the business models so that Ariba must interoperate with GT Nexus, E2Open with Elemica, MPO (Kinaxis) with Nulogy, etc. Maximize the value of the purchase order flow data already in the existing networks. (A

Supply Chain Design Software 395

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

Logistics Viewpoints

MAY 11, 2023

How the digital twin concept drives benefit By using advanced analytics and machine learning algorithms, digital twins can provide real-time insights and recommendations to optimize operations, reduce costs, and increase productivity. Physical change (i.e., changing the structure of the warehouse, modifying processes, etc.)

Modeling 307

Modeling Analytics Software Supply Chain Design Software Optimization Software 307

RFgen

DECEMBER 4, 2024

Supply chain efficiency is the cornerstone of success and involves the effective management of processes, resources, and technologies from procurement to production, transportation to warehousing. As companies across industries have discovered, a well-optimized supply chain can drive significant improvements throughout their operations.

Sourcing Strategies 96

Sourcing Strategies Waste Reduction Inventory Reduction Expense Reduction 96

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

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 Back to John.

Supply Chain Planning Software 392

Supply Chain Planning Software Optimal Sourcing Manufacturing Procurement Waste Reduction 392

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

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

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. Why is there a discontinuous line on the model?” This model reminds me of a snail. Here I write about what I hope that he learns.

Supply Chain Planning Software 369

Supply Chain Planning Software Supply Chain Planning Scenario Planning Modeling 369

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

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. It was also the preference of the consulting partners because the projects were longer, more costly and better aligned with the consulting model.

Supply Chain Planning Software 379

Supply Chain Planning Software Modeling Demand Planning Software Optimization Software 379

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

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

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

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

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

Talking Logistics

NOVEMBER 10, 2014

As I wrote earlier this year in Is Your Business Model Safe? , Several customers addressed those questions in excellent case study presentations: Dr. Bernhard Herzog, Oxea GmbH – “Business Impact of a Supply Chain Operating Network”. Ralf Kahre and Patrick Gött, BASF – “End-to-End Business Process Management”.

Optimal Sourcing 207

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

Kinaxis

DECEMBER 12, 2017

When making discretionary purchases, I could look at my projection to make sure that if I made that purchase, I would have enough money in the bank, not only now, but at the end of the month when my mortgage and car loan came out. Then could I buy it? In-memory analytics. For me, this was game changing! Collaboration.

Supply Chain Planning Software 196

Supply Chain Planning Software Supply Chain Design Software Scenario Planning Supply Chain Planning 196

SCMDOJO

APRIL 11, 2025

While it does an excellent job in streamlining the front-end customer experience from discovery to checkout its true potential is unleashed when combined with CRM tools like Salesforce, HubSpot, Zoho, or Pipedrive. Check out SCMDOJO’s Inventory Optimization Tool , and enhance your inventory management capabilities!

Supply Chain Planning Software 84

Supply Chain Planning Software Supply Chain Software Forecasting Software Inventory Management Software 84

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. Mistake #3.

S&OP 195

S&OP Supply and Demand Procurement Analytics Manufacturing Procurement 195

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

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. The models are industry specific. The supporting analytics around the extended ERP packages have not been equal to the business requirements.

Supply Chain Planning Software 366

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

Logistics Viewpoints

MARCH 1, 2021

What PMI needed, considering the long planning horizons, was a digital and analytics network design and supply optimization tool. Network design and optimization tools help companies understand how to best leverage enterprise assets across their supply chain networks and where their production volumes should be optimally located.

Modeling 270

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

Supply Chain Shaman

JUNE 29, 2014

With the purchase of i2 by JDA, and Logictools by IBM, manufacturing companies serious about network design started looking for a company, with a well-established community, that was more serious about network design. This analysis needed to be completed monthly and fed to newer forms of inventory optimization technologies.

Supply Chain Design Software 268

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

My Office Apps

JANUARY 16, 2024

Start Your Year with Cloud-Based ERP: The Ultimate Guide to Operational Excellence Begin your year on a transformative note by embracing the power of Cloud-Based Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems. Cost-Efficiency: Operates on a subscription model, reducing upfront costs and handling maintenance, updates, and security.

Eliminating Excel in Purchasing 105

Eliminating Excel in Purchasing Optimal Sourcing Manufacturing Procurement Procurement Analytics 105

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. The Terra Technology investment is one of what we believe will be a series of purchases to build inter-enterprise cloud-based software platforms to redefine supply chain planning.

Supply Chain Planning Software 150

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