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

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 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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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. It’s a strategy that has paid off, turning Ikea into a beloved destination: Image source: Buzzfeed.

Customer Service 295

Customer Service Examples Price Reduction Sourcing Strategies 295

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. Kinaxis Purchase of Rubikloud. The purchase of Rubikloud by Kinaxis shows just how little the Kinaxis team knows about demand management.

Supply Chain Design Software 362

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

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

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

Logistics Viewpoints

JUNE 8, 2023

To remain competitive, retailers and carriers must excel in the crucial last-mile delivery stage. To Build or To Buy Companies looking to implement new or improve existing delivery technology face a crucial decision: should they build an in-house platform or buy an existing solution from a vendor?

Modeling Software 278

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

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

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

DELMIA Quintiq

NOVEMBER 17, 2020

From raw material procurement to final product sales, these supply chains’ ability to minimize inventory through product life cycle controls and facilitate prompt product supply is every bit as important as product differentiation strategies.

Optimal Sourcing 296

Optimal Sourcing Manufacturing Procurement Supply Chain Optimization Supply Chain Planning Software 296

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

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

DECEMBER 1, 2022

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. Container Import Volume Year-over-Year Comparison.

Predictive Analytics Software 301

Predictive Analytics Software Logistics Network Optimization Software Cost Reduction Strategies Resource Reduction 301

Supply Chain Shaman

FEBRUARY 11, 2019

2) The Story of Policy, Strategy, and Modeling. The supply chain combines policy, strategy and models. Despite the fact that supply chain modelers have great insights, they model; but do not drive strategy. Ask data modelers using supply chain strategy tools to validate policy and refine the outcomes. The action?

Supply Chain Planning Software 207

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

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. Make test and learn an active part of your supply chain strategy.

Packaging 332

Packaging Inventory Reduction Supply Chain Design Software San Francisco 332

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

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

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

FEBRUARY 18, 2021

Initially, the output was published to procurement to design strategic buying strategies. Procurement: Purchase price variance and procurement cost. Never before has it been more important to define a clear vision of supply chain excellence and be clear on governance–how to decide and what makes a good decision.

Supply Chain Planning Software 355

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

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

Jaggaer

MARCH 24, 2025

As organizations continue to invest in these tools, their potential to reshape procurement strategies is immense, giving early adopters a serious competitive advantage. How JAGGAER Helps JAGGAERs ESG solutions help procurement teams integrate sustainability into their sourcing strategies.

Optimal Sourcing 52

Optimal Sourcing Procurement Analytics Procurement Solutions Negotiating Skills 52

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

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. So, I was stuck at the end of the strategy day with time to fill with a client that saw no reason to change. The strategy day owner was a global process center of excellence leader.

Supply and Demand 259

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

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. Ron Crabtree.

Sourcing Strategies 130

Sourcing Strategies Resource Reduction Price Reduction Waste Reduction 130

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. The execution of operations, balancing customer service, cost, risk and asset strategies are other critical elements to achieving objectives.

Supply Chain Planning Software 296

Supply Chain Planning Software Scenario Planning Modeling Prescriptive Analytics Software 296

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

Supply Chain Shaman

JUNE 7, 2018

For the past month, I have been working alongside companies implementing digital strategies. Or agreement on the definition of supply chain excellence. As a result, functional excellence anchors action. We are driving functional excellence and incrementally. (To ” Incrementalism. Movement by degrees. I am tired.

Supply Chain Planning Software 287

Supply Chain Planning Software Supply Chain Design Software Optimization Software Forecasting Software 287

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

Logistics Viewpoints

NOVEMBER 4, 2021

High e-commerce shopping rates combined with construction delays are causing a strain in the supply of new warehouse space, especially as companies shift their inventory management strategies from just- in-time (JIT) inventory management to larger safety stocks for better responsiveness. Can you meet and respond to changing business demands?

Warehousing 264

Warehousing Inventory Reduction Supply Chain Network Software Inventory Management Software 264