Logistics Viewpoints

JUNE 3, 2025

Optimizing fulfillment requires a series of steps to get a shipment from its source to the end customer. These steps include sourcing and receiving inventory, storing inventory, order processing, picking and packing an order, shipping the order, and returns management. Many companies aim for 95% or higher, which can be a daunting task.

Optimal Sourcing 225

Optimal Sourcing Optimization Software Sourcing Strategies Price Mitigation Strategies 225

ivalua

MAY 29, 2025

At a high level, procurement focuses on sourcing the goods and services an organization needs, while supply chain management oversees the broader flow of those goods, from raw materials to end customers. Supply Chain Management (SCM) involves orchestrating a product’s or service’s entire lifecycle, from sourcing and production to delivery.

Procurement Solutions 130

Procurement Solutions Optimal Sourcing Manufacturing Procurement Supply Chain Planning Software 130

ivalua

MAY 30, 2025

AI is reshaping the way organizations source, manage suppliers, and drive value today. AI agents offer a smarter, faster way to manage sourcing, risk, and spend across the entire procurement lifecycle. For example, agentic AI can analyze supplier data, evaluate contracts, manage purchase orders, or recommend sourcing strategies.

Optimal Sourcing 130

Optimal Sourcing Procurement Solutions Procurement Analytics Negotiating Skills 130

ivalua

MAY 30, 2025

AI is reshaping the way organizations source, manage suppliers, and drive value today. AI agents offer a smarter, faster way to manage sourcing, risk, and spend across the entire procurement lifecycle. For example, agentic AI can analyze supplier data, evaluate contracts, manage purchase orders, or recommend sourcing strategies.

Optimal Sourcing 130

Optimal Sourcing Procurement Solutions Procurement Analytics Negotiating Skills 130

ivalua

JUNE 12, 2025

This blog offers a clear, practical overview of what spend analysis is, how it supports strategic sourcing, and why it matters for both direct and indirect procurement. We’ll walk through key benefits, types of spend analysis, steps to get started, and metrics to track—backed by lessons learned from real-world implementations.

Cost Reduction Strategies 130

Cost Reduction Strategies Material Savings Expense Reduction Negotiating Skills 130

Supply Chain Shaman

SEPTEMBER 3, 2018

We consistently see that companies focused on functional excellence–a focus within a functional silo like manufacturing, transportation or distribution– or singular metrics– like inventory or costs– underperform against their peer groups. Let me give you example. Reward teams for cross-functional metrics.

Supply Chain Planning Software 377

Supply Chain Planning Software Supply Chain Design Software Agile and Lean Supply Chain Supply Chain Software 377

Logistics Viewpoints

MARCH 3, 2025

What Celanese has accomplished is the single best example ARC is aware of employing agentic AI and copilots at scale. They prepare equipment for maintenance, do isolation (disconnect a piece of equipment from the flow of chemicals by closing valves), look at quality or reliability metrics, and do rounds. Celanese is an exception.

Negotiating Skills 183

Negotiating Skills Supply Chain Design Software Modeling Software Supply Chain Planning Software 183

Supply Chain Shaman

APRIL 27, 2022

At each company, there is a relationship between the metrics of growth, margin, inventory, customer service, and asset strategy. For the purpose of this article, I will use Return on Invested Capital (ROIC) as the proxy metric to discuss asset utilization.) Let’s take P&G as an example. A Case Study. My learning?

Procurement Analytics 369

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

Logistics Viewpoints

MARCH 27, 2025

A disruption at any point in the global logistics network including the average of 12 touch points from shipment packaging to final delivery can prove disastrous for profits, service levels, customer loyalty, and other key metrics. With the global e-commerce market predicted to reach $8.1

Supply Chain Planning Software 330

Supply Chain Planning Software Supply Chain Network Software Logistics Network Optimization Software Predictive Analytics Software 330

RFgen

DECEMBER 4, 2024

We’ll examine the key components of efficient supply chains, explore essential performance metrics, and uncover the fundamental drivers that influence efficiency. Efficient supply chains strengthen collaborative relationships through automated communication systems and shared performance metrics.

Sourcing Strategies 96

Sourcing Strategies Waste Reduction Inventory Reduction Expense Reduction 96

Logistics Viewpoints

AUGUST 15, 2022

Of the professionals surveyed, 59% saw the gap between procurement/sourcing and supply chain to be a major disconnect, and the most pressing pain point. For example, one of the key decisions that a manufacturer needs to make is should they continue to buy goods from one of their suppliers. Networks and Sourcing.

Supply Chain Network Software 309

Supply Chain Network Software Manufacturing Procurement Procurement Analytics Optimal Sourcing 309

DELMIA Quintiq

JUNE 22, 2021

In this final blog on agility and why you should consider becoming an agilist to survive the new completion (of the continuous mention) of the application of enterprise decision management systems (EDMS) from Taylor and Raden cited in the first blog, I turn to the metric of agility and a new ROI metric of decision yield. The Takeaway.

Metrics 156

Metrics Supply Chain Planning Software Agile and Lean Supply Chain Optimization Software 156

Precoro

JUNE 3, 2025

How to establish a category management system Examples of categories and strategies Why category management in procurement matters How Precoro can help you establish a category management system Frequently asked questions about category management services What is category management? Read on to learn: What is category management?

Manufacturing Procurement 45

Manufacturing Procurement Procurement Analytics Procurement Solutions Material Savings 45

ToolsGroup

MARCH 25, 2025

For example, Lennox Residential , a leading HVAC systems provider, leverages advanced ML algorithms and cluster analysis to identify and track seasonality patterns across its diverse product line. However, todays business environment often involves complex, overlapping seasonal patterns affected by multiple variables.

Supply and Demand 156

Supply and Demand Forecasting Forecasting Software Modeling 156

Precoro

MAY 19, 2025

Examples of non-compliant procurement Types of procurement compliance Procurement compliance KPIs Purchasing compliance roadblocks Procurement compliance: Best practices checklist Frequently asked questions about procurement compliance What is procurement compliance? Unsustainable sourcing.

Procurement Analytics 45

Procurement Analytics Procurement Solutions Manufacturing Procurement Examples 45

Supply Chain Shaman

MARCH 5, 2019

While there are many types of visibility (see Figure 1), the most common use case is either sourcing or transportation visibility. For example, the goal is not track truck location, but to provide insights on location in context with a delivery appointment. In Table 1, I share examples. Example of Social Sentiment Analysis.

Supply Chain Design Software 339

Supply Chain Design Software Real-time Visibility Prescriptive Analytics Software Supply Chain Planning Software 339

ivalua

MAY 21, 2025

Digital procurement streamlines workflows and unifies data, enabling faster sourcing, better collaboration, and improved accuracy. Digital procurement is the use of digital technologies to enhance, automate, and optimize procurement processes across the entire source-to-pay (S2P) lifecycle.

Optimal Sourcing 130

Optimal Sourcing Procurement Solutions Procurement Analytics Analytics Software 130

Supply Chain Shaman

MAY 25, 2024

The use of orbit charts allowed me to see the patterns of performance at the intersection of metrics over time. This data source synchronizes corporate reporting across global markets while tracking restatements, name changes, and currency shifts.) As an aside, I do not think that Lenovo is an example of a supply chain excellence.

Eliminating Excel in Purchasing 384

Eliminating Excel in Purchasing Gartner Supply Chain Design Supply Chain Strategy 384

ivalua

NOVEMBER 29, 2022

For example, consider the challenges in the automotive industry that stem from the supply chain issue in chip manufacturing. Tracking the Metrics that Matter. While Ardent expects Procurement to rise to and tackle these challenges, tracking the metrics that matter will help them stay focused for full recovery. Inflation Metrics.

Procurement Analytics 130

Procurement Analytics Metrics Manufacturing Procurement Optimal Sourcing 130

Logistics Viewpoints

JANUARY 31, 2024

As regulations across the globe strengthen, the pressure to collect, report, and organize emission-related metrics has never been higher. Across the globe, requirements for stricter reporting on complex metrics are increasing. If the resources and software are applicable, automate as much of your data collection as possible.

Report 313

Report Data Material Savings Manufacturing Procurement 313

Precoro

MAY 13, 2025

  In this guide, we’ll explore what cost efficiency is, examples, and best practices on how cost efficiency can make your company more competitive and profitable in today's fast-paced economy. Example of cost efficiency A TechRepair Company operates two service plans: Plan A costs $6,000 monthly and services 1,200 devices.

Sourcing Strategies 45

Sourcing Strategies Cost Reduction Strategies Purchasing Skills Negotiating Skills 45

Logility

AUGUST 5, 2021

But before you start measuring everything in sight – and a few things not in sight – start with a set of thoughtful intentions and questions that will guide you to the right set of metrics and the right set of expectations. For example: Verify your strategy. What are your long-term goals? That’s a trap.

Metrics 130

Metrics Modeling Supply Chain Planning Software Supply Chain Design Software 130

Jaggaer

FEBRUARY 5, 2025

The Power of Source-to-Pay Digital Transformation To put it briefly, source-to-pay refers to the entire process that starts with finding, negotiating with, and contracting the suppliers of materials, goods and services, and culminates in the final payment for those items. Who Should Prioritize an S2P Digital Transformation?

Sourcing Strategies 52

Sourcing Strategies Optimal Sourcing Manufacturing Procurement Negotiating Skills 52

Jaggaer

FEBRUARY 5, 2025

Strategic Sourcing Simplified: Best Practices for Maximizing Value Strategic sourcing goes beyond cost savings its about making informed decisions that drive long-term value. Now well dive into best practices in these critical areas to ensure a more effective and resilient sourcing strategy. Automation can also play a role here.

Sourcing Strategies 52

Sourcing Strategies Negotiating Skills Optimal Sourcing Price Reduction 52

SCMDOJO

OCTOBER 30, 2024

For example, a student might work on a project that involves analyzing sales data to predict future product demand, thereby learning how to adjust procurement strategies accordingly. Similarly, performance metrics courses can guide learners in establishing key performance indicators (KPIs) to monitor and improve supply chain efficiency.

Supply Chain Planning Software 97

Supply Chain Planning Software Analytics Software Forecasting Software Predictive Analytics Software 97

Supply Chain Shaman

MARCH 27, 2023

For example, real-time planning, end-to-end planning, control tower, integrated business planning (IBP), and digital brain are oxymorons while discussions on innovation bounded by a required ROI is a juxtaposition. .” Current planning taxonomies do not plan across make, source, and deliver answers bi-directionally.

Supply Chain Planning Software 365

Supply Chain Planning Software Supply Chain Planning Scenario Planning Supply Chain Design Software 365

Supply Chain Shaman

SEPTEMBER 9, 2014

Here we share the answers to the questions that we get the most often about this research: What is the source of data? We placed them in the industry that they were the most like, e.g., the primary source of revenue. We find that companies will establish metric targets in isolation and throw the supply chain out of balance.

Pharmaceutical 307

Pharmaceutical Gartner Supply Chain Design Software Supply Chain Design 307

Supply Chain Shaman

SEPTEMBER 17, 2014

Aligned Metrics. To ensure the management of the complex system, the metrics of operating margin, inventory turns, ROIC, customer service, revenue, and forecast accuracy need to be managed together as a non-linear system. Take General Mills and Kellogg an example. Supply Chain Design. Did I miss anything?

Optimal Sourcing 365

Optimal Sourcing Supply Chain Design Software Supply Chain Planning Software Manufacturing Procurement 365

SCMDOJO

OCTOBER 28, 2024

Procurement professionals can contribute significantly to the S&OP process by providing valuable insights into supply chain dynamics, identifying potential risks, and optimizing sourcing strategies. For example, below are 5 reasons why procurement folks should attend S&OP Reviews. Click here to learn more and register today!

S&OP 97

S&OP Optimal Sourcing Supply and Demand Material Savings 97

Logistics Viewpoints

APRIL 7, 2025

Digital twins bring enterprise-level visibility to network planning, allowing organizations to simulate new fulfillment strategies, evaluate sourcing risks, and prepare contingency plans that support both customer experience and bottom-line resilience. Heres how the concept plays out in real-world logistics: 1.

Sourcing Strategies 218

Sourcing Strategies Modeling Supply Chain Design Software Supply Chain Planning Software 218

Supply Chain Shaman

NOVEMBER 9, 2014

Let me give you an example: Last week, I gave a presentation at a global supply chain team meeting of 175 professionals. The team was organized around the functional silos of source, make and deliver. Today, 60% of sourcing organizations and 45% of manufacturing organizations report through the supply chain organization.”

Manufacturing Procurement 318

Manufacturing Procurement Optimal Sourcing Benchmarking Supply Chain Design Software 318

Logistics Bureau

DECEMBER 22, 2024

A KPI is a practical and objective measurement of progress, either: Towards a predetermined goal, or Against a required standard of performance It might help to think of a KPI as something like an instrument on a car dashboarda speedometer, for example. Why Are KPIs Important?

KPI 74

KPI Agile and Lean Supply Chain Supply Chain Strategy Supply Chain 74

Logistics Viewpoints

MARCH 27, 2023

It is important to benchmark forecast accuracy and similar supply chain metrics against your peers. Increasingly, forecasts are being improved by leveraging outside data sources rather than merely relying on a company’s internal historical shipment data. Instead of monthly forecasts, for example, a weekly forecast can improve agility.

Forecasting 271

Forecasting Forecasting Software Modeling Optimal Sourcing 271

Logistics Viewpoints

SEPTEMBER 19, 2023

The bullwhip effect is one example of this disruptive effect, when small changes in demand cause huge demand spikes downstream. Table 1 describes a few examples of these types of risks. Metrics such as lead-times, forecast accuracy, inventory levels, and service are used to measure operational risks.

Supply Chain Design Software 293

Supply Chain Design Software Supply Chain Design Supply Chain Planning Software Supply Chain Software 293

Logistics Viewpoints

JULY 22, 2021

As product flows rapidly shifted and hard baked assumptions about lead times and sourcing locations were put to test, users across many organizations bypassed their planning systems and turned to excel sheets, internal data science teams or non-traditional supply chain vendors who could deliver AI based solutions at a faster turn.

S&OP 284

S&OP Supply and Demand Optimal Sourcing Supply Chain Design Software 284

Precoro

DECEMBER 24, 2024

Unlike traditional tools that often operate in isolation or rely on rigid workflows, AI connects the dots between disparate data sources, providing a more comprehensive view of procurement activities. AI in procurement refers to using advanced technologies to make procurement processes faster, more efficient, and data-driven.

Price Reduction 105

Price Reduction Sourcing Strategies Cost Reduction Strategies Expense Reduction 105

Supply Chain Shaman

JUNE 6, 2013

Take the General Mills and Kellogg example in figure 1. Closing the gaps happens when there are aligned metrics, clarity of vision and aligned planning processes. It combines decisions across sell, deliver, make and source processes to drive value based outcomes. Metrics Alignment. There is no substitute for leadership.

Supply Chain Planning Software 330

Supply Chain Planning Software Supply Chain Planning Optimal Sourcing Scenario Planning 330