Logistics Viewpoints

AUGUST 28, 2024

AI and machine learning tools identify patterns, predict issues, and suggest ways to optimize operations. Why DPPs Matter Consumers today expect transparency about the products they purchase. AI (Artificial Intelligence) Artificial Intelligence helps process and analyze the large amounts of data generated by DPPs.

Optimal Sourcing 315

Optimal Sourcing Optimization Software Modeling Supply Chain Optimization 315

Supply Chain Shaman

JUNE 28, 2021

In 2004, I worked with a Midwest North American meatpacker to help define its supply chain strategy. 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. To illustrate, let me share a story.

Supply Chain Planning Software 322

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

ToolsGroup

MARCH 25, 2025

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. Five Ways Advanced Machine Learning in Demand Planning Is Improving Forecasting 1.

Supply and Demand 156

Supply and Demand Forecasting Forecasting Software Modeling 156

Supply Chain Shaman

MARCH 21, 2024

Training ensued, and the expectation of changing work was shared. We explore the concept of holistic inventory strategies focused on the form and function of inventory. The shift from Inside-out to Outside-in is impossible using a crawl, walk, and run strategy. Lack of executive buy-in. Instead, we need to Jump.

Inventory Reduction 434

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

Supply Chain Shaman

OCTOBER 4, 2018

I wanted to say, “You let the consultants influence you to buy the wrong technologies based on IT standardization. To do this companies need to use channel data to decrease demand latency, and then use pattern recognition and advanced analytics to define buffer strategies. Gaps in Inventory Strategies. ” Figure 3.

Inventory Management Software 337

Inventory Management Software Inventory Reduction Inventory Management Supply Chain Planning Software 337

DELMIA Quintiq

DECEMBER 2, 2019

Grocery retailers that want to excel in this space — while protecting their bottom line — need to optimize their logistics planning. The battleground to win shoppers has moved from in-store aisles to the digital space, where shoppers can easily search for products and compare prices. Here’s why: A constantly evolving landscape.

Eliminating Excel in Purchasing 45

Eliminating Excel in Purchasing Supply Chain Planning Software Purchasing Skills How To 45

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

Logistics Viewpoints

DECEMBER 2, 2021

There will be little relief in 2022 unless the factors driving the increased import volumes—a strong economy and the fundamental shift in consumer behavior to purchase more goods and less services—change. Near or re-shoring sourcing strategies will be evaluated to “shorten” supply chains and gain greater control of supply chain performance.

Predictive Analytics Software 354

Predictive Analytics Software Predictive Analytics Waste Reduction Cost Reduction Strategies 354

Supply Chain Shaman

APRIL 19, 2024

In addition, a purchase order changes three-to-four times and there is a black hole (data is caught between email systems of trading partners for one-to-two days). Purchase order data, while not as important, has the smallest gap. Seldom do you see this addressed in enterprise strategies. PE Firm Buy-out and Consolidation.

Supply Chain Network Software 374

Supply Chain Network Software Resource Reduction Cost Reduction Strategies Manufacturing Procurement 374

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

Logistics Viewpoints

APRIL 21, 2022

On one hand, consumers expect to increase their online purchases post-pandemic. Retailers and delivery services companies that can break through today’s cycle of mediocre home delivery performance stand an excellent chance of improving customer loyalty and growing market share. Here are three charts that paint the whole picture.

Optimal Sourcing 278

Optimal Sourcing Eliminating Excel in Purchasing Purchasing Skills Sourcing Strategies 278

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. This is despite the strengths of the recent purchase of Optimity. Is it any wonder that this press release published on Friday afternoon?

Supply Chain Planning Software 221

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

Supply Chain Shaman

NOVEMBER 11, 2020

Today, supply chain excellence matters more than ever. Note the lack of training on next-generation supply chain thinking in Figure 1. Until there are clear answers, business leaders should avoid buying software from companies with deep investments by venture capitalists. Kinaxis Purchase of Rubikloud. Evolution is messy.

Supply Chain Design Software 362

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

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. Supply Chains to Admire Winners 2023 Examine Your Own Paradigm. I admit it. The reason?

Supply Chain Planning Software 386

Supply Chain Planning Software Pharmaceutical Supply Chain Planning Gartner 386

Logistics Viewpoints

JUNE 8, 2023

However, advancements in technology have made it possible for any company to automate and optimize their last-mile delivery operations. The High Cost of Ignoring Delivery Optimization Failing to utilize technology for optimizing delivery processes comes with a steep price.

Modeling Software 278

Modeling Software Optimization Software Supply Chain Network Software Logistics Network Optimization Software 278

ToolsGroup

JUNE 10, 2022

There are plenty of other businesses ready to compete on price and service. Several factors contribute to customer loyalty, but providing excellent customer service—and a top-notch experience–is one of the most important in driving retention. 6 Examples of Excellent Customer Experiences. Image source: Ikea. Does it work?

Customer Service 295

Customer Service Examples Price Reduction Sourcing Strategies 295

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. To manage continuous improvement, companies need a clear definition of excellence and organizational alignment to that goal. They do not excel in planning or forecasting.

Procurement Analytics 393

Procurement Analytics Metrics Optimal Sourcing Supply Chain Planning Software 393

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. Business leaders are action-oriented and competitive.

Procurement Analytics 369

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

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. Process optimization Digital twins can also help warehouse managers optimize processes and workflows.

Modeling 312

Modeling Analytics Software Supply Chain Design Software Optimization Software 312

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

Silvon Software

APRIL 16, 2025

By leveraging analytics and key performance indicators (KPIs), manufacturers can optimize inventory, reduce waste, and boost profitability. In this post, well dive into six critical KPIs that influence inventory optimization. Tracking inventory flow and performance across your supply chain is a must.

Optimal Sourcing 65

Optimal Sourcing Inventory Reduction Supply Chain Optimization Price Mitigation Strategies 65

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

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 299

Logistics Network Optimization Software Analytics Software Optimization Software Forecasting Software 299

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 58

Purchasing Skills Negotiating Skills Negotiate Pricing Procurement Analytics 58

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% Clearly Define an Operating Strategy. In today’s organization, only 23% of companies are clear on the definition of the operating strategy. Each market had its own S&OP.

S&OP 393

S&OP Supply and Demand Inventory Reduction Expense Reduction 393

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

APRIL 29, 2024

In 2012, when I started Supply Chain Insights , I believed that I could revolutionize the purchase of supply chain planning solutions by initiating a rating and review process across trading partners. Buying supply chain planning software is hard. How are people buying software? Here I share how to challenge the status quo.

Supply Chain Planning Software 417

Supply Chain Planning Software Supply Chain Design Software Supply Chain Software Forecasting Software 417

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

MARCH 9, 2023

The classical approach involves functional silos, sequential decisions, and Excel and people to render a plan executable. Theory and practical implications are clear: optimizing each silo does not imply optimizing the end-to-end system. each with discrete plans generated typically in sequential batch runs.

Supply Chain Planning Software 288

Supply Chain Planning Software Modeling Forecasting Software Optimization Software 288

The Logistics of Logistics

OCTOBER 30, 2023

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. Some of its customers include Boeing, Airbus, Spirit AeroSystems, and Tesla. The Greenscreens.ai

Optimal Sourcing 278

Optimal Sourcing Inventory Reduction Supply Chain Design Software Manufacturing Procurement 278

Procurement Academy

JANUARY 16, 2025

A process audit report is designed to, ultimately, streamline processes, enhance decision-making and drive overall procurement excellence. Typically, a procurement audit report will review areas such as the agreement of contracts, pricing data and purchase information, financial statements, stakeholder data and supplier performance records.

Procurement Analytics 52

Procurement Analytics Sourcing Strategies Optimal Sourcing Negotiating Skills 52

DELMIA Quintiq

DECEMBER 28, 2020

Working with Excel spreadsheets does not contribute the efficiency, speed and agility necessary for planning teams to bring the best plans to the company. Here, planning solutions with optimization fit very well with this concept. Figure 1 shows a dashboard that exemplifies this concept.

Supply Chain Planning Software 296

Supply Chain Planning Software Scenario Planning Modeling Prescriptive Analytics Software 296

Logistics Viewpoints

SEPTEMBER 30, 2022

Second, the pandemic kicked online buying and home delivery into “high gear” as many consumers embraced its convenience and dramatically expanded the scope of their online purchasing. Consumers are making purchasing decisions based upon environmental impact. What are your sustainable delivery strategies?

Sustainability 278

Sustainability Eliminating Excel in Purchasing Cost Reduction Strategies Resource Reduction 278

Supply Chain Shaman

DECEMBER 7, 2023

Maximize the value of the purchase order flow data already in the existing networks. (A A purchase order changes many times and needs synchronization. Exostar’s purchase by Arlington Capital Partners from Thoma Bravo was completed this month. Invest in simulation and optimization technologies to improve readiness.

Supply Chain Design Software 395

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

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

As companies across industries have discovered, a well-optimized supply chain can drive significant improvements throughout their operations. Additionally, we’ll discuss best practices for optimization and strategies for balancing efficiency with resilience.

Sourcing Strategies 96

Sourcing Strategies Inventory Reduction Waste Reduction Expense Reduction 96

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. The focus on functional metrics sub-optimizes balance sheet results. I write this post as a guide. Drives Value.

S&OP 390

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