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. Supply chain was defined in 1982 as interoperability between source, make and deliver. The ripple effects are pervasive. Why is a reinvention needed? Instead use the opportunity to redefine work.

Supply Chain Planning Software 195

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

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

ToolsGroup

JUNE 10, 2022

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: National Retail Association. Image source: Twitter. Image source: Ikea.

Customer Service 295

Customer Service Examples Price Reduction Sourcing Strategies 295

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

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

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

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).

Sourcing Strategies 130

Sourcing Strategies Resource Reduction Waste Reduction Price Reduction 130

Supply Chain Shaman

NOVEMBER 11, 2020

Today, supply chain excellence matters more than ever. The discipline, first defined in 1982, includes source, make, deliver, and planning functions. Until there are clear answers, business leaders should avoid buying software from companies with deep investments by venture capitalists. 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

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. Too few companies have a holistic approach to embrace the plan, make, source, and deliver together. Reflection.

Supply Chain Planning Software 390

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

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

ivalua

MAY 28, 2025

Together, we didn’t just talk about solving problems—we explored bold ideas, shared groundbreaking strategies, and collaborated on impactful solutions. We not only learn from you but also innovate for you, building strategies that carry long-term value. At our core, we bring something unique to the table.

Sourcing Strategies 130

Sourcing Strategies Cleveland Cost Reduction Strategies Agile and Lean Supply Chain 130

GlobalTranz

MARCH 18, 2025

If so, optimizing your inventory management strategy can be a game-changer. Imagine shipping products directly from your supplier to your customer while maintaining the appearance that your business is the source. Is your business facing rapid growth, supply chain disruptions and/or unpredictable customer demand?

Inventory Reduction 156

Inventory Reduction Waste Reduction Resource Reduction Cost Reduction Strategies 156

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

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 write this post as a guide. What Does Good Look Like? Drives Value. S&OP is a business process. Governance.

S&OP 390

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

Logistics Viewpoints

DECEMBER 1, 2022

Source: Descartes Datamyne. Theme 2: Online buying will fuel home delivery growth, challenges and new strategies. In 2023, consumers will be less forgiving and poised to buy from retailers whose delivery performance is commensurate with the rest of the shopping experience. Figure 1: U.S. Somewhat nailed it.

Predictive Analytics Software 293

Predictive Analytics Software Logistics Network Optimization Software Cost Reduction Strategies Resource Reduction 293

Supply Chain Shaman

SEPTEMBER 20, 2015

Source: Dictionary.com. 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?”

Inventory Reduction 150

Inventory Reduction Cost Reduction Strategies Sourcing Strategies Supply Chain Strategy 150

Supply Chain Shaman

DECEMBER 4, 2018

In his role, Ernest owns strategic sourcing, materials planning, customer care, and logistics operations globally. The company’s current strategy is to bring a Connected Enterprise to life. Within Rockwell, Ernest’s team started first to drive strategy to results. Ernest Nicolas joined Rockwell Automation in 2006.

Supply Chain Software 30

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

Supply Chain Shaman

JULY 6, 2020

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. The first step is the definition of a clear strategy. While companies speak for the need to drive agility and resilience, the real focus is operational excellence.

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

MAY 18, 2019

Dependency on Excel. Due to the shortfalls in the evolution of Advanced Planning, 68% of business users use Excel spreadsheets as the primary mechanism for planning. Excel–while widely used for planning–is not equal to the challenge of modeling complex supply chains. Clarity on Supply Chain Strategy.

S&OP 230

S&OP Supply and Demand Supply Chain Planning Software Supply Chain Design Software 230

Jaggaer

MARCH 24, 2025

With numerous options available across the source-to-pay spectrum, weve compiled the top three key technologies CPOs should embrace in 2025: 1. These procurement technologies empower teams to move beyond traditional methods, using data-driven insights for smarter sourcing, demand forecasting, and risk management.

Optimal Sourcing 52

Optimal Sourcing Procurement Analytics Procurement Solutions Waste Reduction 52

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. However, these shifts can increase lead times and introduce new logistical and quality control challenges.

Sourcing Strategies 52

Sourcing Strategies Inventory Reduction Cost Reduction Strategies Vendor Strategies 52

SCMDOJO

DECEMBER 14, 2023

In the global world of businesses, companies often seek help from sourcing agencies to figure out how to get the things they need. But what’s a sourcing agency or sourcing agent and how does it make buying things easier? Let’s explore this world of sourcing agencies and understand what they do.

Purchasing Skills 104

Purchasing Skills Optimal Sourcing Negotiating Skills Sourcing Strategies 104

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

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

The Logistics & Supply Chain Management Society

MAY 28, 2022

In these times of global turmoil, there are five (5) important megatrends shaping supply chain innovations in the coming years, namely in e-fulfillment, sourcing, food and agriculture, labour intensive operations, and halal supply chain management. Companies need to re-evaluate their supply chain strategies, if they are still most optimal.

Innovation 244

Innovation Agile and Lean Supply Chain Supply Chain Design Software Supply Chain Software 244

Logistics Viewpoints

APRIL 25, 2024

Create a facilities “Center of Excellence.” Shippers should create a “Center of Excellence” for facilities to drive technology investments, make buying decisions and create efficiencies that benefit the entire network while cultivating a process of sharing best practices between one another.

Expense Reduction 312

Expense Reduction Cost Reduction Strategies Supply Chain Design Software Inventory Reduction 312

Supply Chain Shaman

AUGUST 12, 2024

I would like for us to move past the conventional view of sourcing strategies and globalization to drive improvements to the supply chain in a variable world. The populist narrative of sourcing globalization is only part of the story. Goodman is, “Should the item ever been sourced or scheduled for production?”

Waste Reduction 195

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

SCMDOJO

APRIL 11, 2025

Identify Bottlenecks & Opportunities: Quickly spot areas that are underperforming and need attention or areas where you’re excelling. Control Costs: Track value beyond just the purchase price and manage inventory effectively. It informs supplier base management strategy and risk assessment.

Pricing Training 72

Pricing Training Optimal Sourcing Purchasing Skills Negotiating Skills 72

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

Precoro

OCTOBER 6, 2022

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. Thorough analysis allows procurement professionals to surface, visualize, and present purchasing patterns, which are then evaluated by the stakeholders. From whom are we buying?

Manufacturing Procurement 98

Manufacturing Procurement Procurement Solutions Procurement Analytics Pricing Training 98

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.

Supply Chain Planning Software 260

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

RFgen

DECEMBER 4, 2024

Additionally, we’ll discuss best practices for optimization and strategies for balancing efficiency with resilience. An efficient procurement process optimizes vendor selection and purchasing decisions to maintain cost-effective inventory levels. 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

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.

Inventory Reduction 163

Inventory Reduction Resource Reduction Cost Reduction Strategies Price Reduction 163

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

ToolsGroup

FEBRUARY 7, 2022

Love it or hate it, daily necessities need to be purchased. Whichever reasons fuel the motivations of your target market, here are the top trends shaping how they’ll buy – and how you can stay front of mind and ahead of the competition. Data source: eMarketer. eCommerce Purchases and “The New Normal” Retail Categories.

Supply Chain Planning Software 177

Supply Chain Planning Software Trends Retail Forecasting Software 177

The Logistics & Supply Chain Management Society

NOVEMBER 14, 2021

He is very passionate about developments in the Supply Chain arena and is always seeking excellence in his drive for efficiency & innovation in Supply Chain operations” – a quality that is very relevant to face up to the many Supply Chain challenges in our path! My passion for Logistics and Supply Chain is founded from.

Sourcing Strategies 246

Sourcing Strategies Supply Chain Planning Software Optimal Sourcing Supply Chain Design Software 246

NC State SCRC

JANUARY 3, 2025

The structure used in this approach was intended to not just conduct labor arbitrage, but to also develop core skills in the P2P space through a captive approach: Our sourcing COE is responsible for the low- and medium-complexity deals where the key outcomes desired include quicker turnaround time, throughput, and extracting any value you can.

Negotiating Skills 52

Negotiating Skills Procurement Analytics Purchasing Skills Supply Chain Planning Software 52