Logistics Viewpoints

MARCH 6, 2025

Theyre feeling the heat most, as sudden trade policy curveballs throw procurement plans into chaos. Traditional procurement, with its long-term contracts and rigid supplier ties, just isnt cutting it anymore. Traditional procurement, with its long-term contracts and rigid supplier ties, just isnt cutting it anymore.

Price Reduction 209

Price Reduction Material Savings Cost Reduction Strategies Waste Reduction 209

Logistics Viewpoints

OCTOBER 17, 2024

An example of this is Vendor Management Inventory and Capacity Collaboration for contract manufacturing. Long term forecast collaboration becomes a critical requirement for manufacturers and their direct suppliers to focus on to de-risk their supply chains. Moreover, this solution offers substantial value for suppliers.

Manufacturing Procurement 292

Manufacturing Procurement Supply Chain Planning Software Material Savings Supply Chain Design Software 292

Logistics Viewpoints

MARCH 19, 2025

Just-in-time (JIT) inventory models, lean supplier networks, and offshore manufacturing reduced expenses but left companies exposed to disruptions. The COVID-19 pandemic and ongoing geopolitical shifts demonstrated the risks of relying on single-source suppliers and minimal inventory buffers. Resilience is now taking precedence.

Supply Chain Software 254

Supply Chain Software Inventory Reduction Cost Reduction Strategies Supply Chain Planning Software 254

Logistics Viewpoints

OCTOBER 24, 2024

While SAP has had procurement analytics solutions, last year at Spend Connect Live, SAP announced the Spend Control Tower. Daniel Chapman, the senior director of process transformation for procure to pay at Warner Music, was a keynote speaker. This solution provides insights in a much easier way to digest.

SAP 292

SAP Procurement Solutions Manufacturing Procurement Procurement Analytics 292

Logistics Viewpoints

MARCH 12, 2025

They follow “if-this-then-that” (IFTTT) logic, meaning that when certain conditions are met, the contract automatically executes an agreed-upon action, such as releasing a payment, updating an inventory record, or verifying a shipment. Inventory counts often require manual audits, which are time-consuming and prone to mistakes.

Supply Chain Design Software 266

Supply Chain Design Software Supply Chain Software Supply Chain Planning Software Negotiating Skills 266

Supply Chain Shaman

JUNE 10, 2025

Each organization has multiple demand streams with different characteristics–forecastability, demand latency, and bias. Most companies forecast a single stream with a focus on error. Only 1% of the students are improving demand against the naive forecast. A negative FVA increases cost, inventory, and risk.

Supply Chain Planning Software 221

Supply Chain Planning Software Supply Chain Design Software Supply Chain Software Waste Reduction 221

Logistics Viewpoints

DECEMBER 30, 2024

Production plans might be locked for as long as a month, regardless of how accurate the forecast was. The most common trading partner collaborative processes covered in MSCN suites are purchase order/procurement collaboration, demand forecast collaboration and the transportation shipper tender/carrier accept process.

Supply Chain Planning Software 301

Supply Chain Planning Software Agile and Lean Supply Chain Supply Chain Planning Scenario Planning 301

Supply Chain Shaman

JANUARY 7, 2025

For example, if I improve the cost structure in transportation, procurement, manufacturing and sales independently, what decision support framework decides the right trade-offs? Eleven of the thirteen industries studied are forecastable and stable over time. You are right. The answer is not th e Gartner Top 25. What have I learned?

Optimal Sourcing 367

Optimal Sourcing Supply Chain Planning Software Supply Chain Design Software Supply Chain Software 367

Logistics Viewpoints

APRIL 10, 2025

Sudden tariff increases can quickly make a cost-optimized procurement strategy untenable, leaving companies scrambling to adjust. When a new tariff is proposed, companies using AI-based forecasting tools are often able to adjust their sourcing or logistics strategies well before the policy takes effect.

Optimal Sourcing 216

Optimal Sourcing Modeling Supply Chain Optimization Cost Reduction Strategies 216

ivalua

MAY 29, 2025

Procurement and supply chain management are often used interchangeably—but in practice, the lines between them can blur in ways that create real friction. Misaligned priorities, siloed systems, and unclear ownership can directly impact key performance indicators like cost savings percentage and procurement cycle time.

Procurement Solutions 130

Procurement Solutions Optimal Sourcing Manufacturing Procurement Supply Chain Planning Software 130

Supply Chain Shaman

JUNE 17, 2025

The waste included: Negative Forecast Value Added (FVA) in demand planning. In 85% of organizations that I work with, conventional demand planning processes increase forecast error. This is amplified across the supply chain into an exponential impact on inventory and planned orders for manufacturing. Inventory Health.

Supply Chain Planning Software 195

Supply Chain Planning Software Supply Chain Planning Supply Chain Software Scenario Planning 195

SCMDOJO

OCTOBER 28, 2024

Procurement People should learn the Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP) Process. 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.

S&OP 97

S&OP Optimal Sourcing Supply and Demand Material Savings 97

SCMDOJO

APRIL 24, 2025

Excess inventory weighs down supply chains. By producing only whats needed, when its needed, they eliminate the burden of forecasting errors and reduce warehouse dependency. The Hidden Costs of Traditional Inventory Models Traditional inventory models were built for predictability.

Waste Reduction 98

Waste Reduction Inventory Reduction Cost Reduction Strategies Expense Reduction 98

SCMDOJO

DECEMBER 5, 2024

Leveling up your inventory life cycle can be crucial, but keeping all the fundamental factors jumping is essential to let the life cycle evolve. However, if the life cycle stock is healthy, inventory management is smooth. Inventory management revolves around the pivotal concept of the product life cycle. Click here!

Inventory Reduction 98

Inventory Reduction Inventory Management Software Optimal Sourcing Inventory Management 98

Precoro

DECEMBER 24, 2024

Traditionally, procurement has been a process weighed down by manual tasks, fragmented systems, and endless paperwork. Today, procurement is undergoing a transformation. While procurement teams have long worked to add strategic value, Artificial Intelligence (AI) amplifies their impact.

Price Reduction 105

Price Reduction Sourcing Strategies Cost Reduction Strategies Expense Reduction 105

Logistics Viewpoints

JUNE 1, 2021

Why should we consider Promotion Planning in Inventory Management? Whether it be e-commerce, brick-and-mortar, or both, retail companies care about the inventory they keep. During promotional management, especially for big events around special days and holidays, inventory levels need to be adjusted to meet the peaks in demand.

Inventory Management Software 279

Inventory Management Software Supply Chain Planning Software Inventory Management Optimal Sourcing 279

ivalua

MAY 10, 2025

Enterprise procurement leaders are under more pressure than ever—juggling cost control, compliance, supplier risk, and internal complexity, all while trying to modernize outdated systems. AI, automation, and generative tools are redefining efficiency, allowing procurement teams to move from reactive to proactive decision-making.

Procurement Solutions 130

Procurement Solutions Sourcing Strategies Optimal Sourcing Analytics Software 130

Supply Chain Shaman

DECEMBER 28, 2020

Only four percent of companies compared to their peer groups improved balance sheet performance of growth, operating margin, and inventory turns. When compared to pre-recession years, we ended the decade with twenty more days of inventory. Days of Inventory Comparison. So, I asked the questions, “Is your data forecastable?

Supply Chain Planning Software 418

Supply Chain Planning Software Forecasting Forecasting Software Modeling 418

Supply Chain Shaman

FEBRUARY 4, 2025

Despite the evolution of technology, none of the 28 industry segments I follow can drive improvement at the intersection of operating margin and inventory turns. Most companies allowed corporate politicsfocusing on long planning cycles that did not improve Forecast Value Added or supply feasibilityto degrade margin opportunities.

Supply Chain Design Software 221

Supply Chain Design Software Price Reduction Cost Reduction Strategies Supply Chain Planning Software 221

Logistics Viewpoints

APRIL 1, 2021

In a previous post , I made a case for how the Chief Supply Chain Officer (CSCO) and Chief Procurement Officer (CPO) are smarter together. Accordingly Supply Chain and Procurement will need continuous collaboration. By aligning supply chain and procurement, spend can be considered more holistically.

Optimal Sourcing 283

Optimal Sourcing Manufacturing Procurement Procurement Analytics Procurement Solutions 283

Supply Chain Shaman

NOVEMBER 9, 2023

Traditionally, the definition of end-to-end supply chain planning meant: Forecasting based on order or shipment patterns. Forecast consumption into supply planning based on rules (rules-based-consumption). Translation of the demand forecast into planned orders to minimize manufacturing constraints. Is there value?

Optimal Sourcing 409

Optimal Sourcing Supply Chain Planning Software Manufacturing Procurement Modeling 409

Supply Chain Shaman

MARCH 21, 2024

In my first classes, I taught the group how to speak the language of demand—forecastability, Forecast Value Added (FVA), backcasting, demand and market latency, and market drivers. We explore the concept of holistic inventory strategies focused on the form and function of inventory. Instead, we need to Jump. The So What?

Inventory Reduction 434

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

Enchange Supply Chain Consultancy

JUNE 10, 2025

Do Embrace Technology and Data : Use real-time data for demand forecasting, inventory management, and route optimization. Do Set Clear KPIs and Governance Structures : Establish transparent metrics for sales, coverage, and service levels. Regular reviews and joint business planning foster accountability and trust.

Waste Reduction 165

Waste Reduction Vendor Strategies Inventory Reduction Cost Reduction Strategies 165

The Logistics of Logistics

OCTOBER 30, 2023

Richard Lebovitz and Joe Lynch discuss leading inventory attack teams. 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.

Optimal Sourcing 278

Optimal Sourcing Inventory Reduction Supply Chain Design Software Manufacturing Procurement 278

Kinaxis

JUNE 11, 2025

Automakers must model dual-path sourcing strategies and reintroduce buffer inventory—not just for parts, but for regulatory flexibility. Emergency tariffs have raised the landed cost of essential imports in medtech, forcing procurement teams to seek alternative (and often less validated) suppliers, which is a regulatory risk.

Pharmaceutical 161

Pharmaceutical Modeling Negotiating Skills Purchasing Skills 161

Logistics Viewpoints

MAY 1, 2025

Industry-specific content is available for processes like Source to Settle, Procure to Pay, Order to Cash, and more. Predictive and prescriptive AI addresses use cases like inventory optimization, asset health predictions, yield optimization, and financial forecasting.

Prescriptive Analytics Software 197

Prescriptive Analytics Software Optimal Sourcing Material Savings Predictive Analytics Software 197

Kinaxis

MAY 29, 2025

Advanced demand forecasting and real-time scenario modeling help businesses evaluate the impact of price increases, optimize sourcing strategies, and adjust operations quickly, ensuring that even as tariffs disrupt the supply of materials, they can keep products affordable and on schedule. Ready to turn tariffs into opportunity?

Modeling 130

Modeling Optimal Sourcing Manufacturing Procurement Material Savings 130

Supply Chain Shaman

SEPTEMBER 13, 2023

Given your expertise, I’d love to hear what alternatives you recommend for better demand forecasting and real-time visibility beyond what’s commonly adopted today.” I know that your primary focus is procurement. I find 80-90% of companies are degrading the forecast through traditional thinking.) Just ask Anna.

Supply and Demand 431

Supply and Demand Supply Chain Planning Software Modeling Demand Planning 431

Logistics Viewpoints

FEBRUARY 28, 2022

Machine Learning, a Form of Artifical Intelligence, Has Feedback Loops that Improve Forecasting. A supply chain planning model learns when the planning application takes an output, like a forecast, observes the accuracy of the output, and then updates its own model so that better outputs will occur in the future.

Optimal Sourcing 354

Optimal Sourcing Supply Chain Planning Software Supply Chain Design Software Supply Chain Planning 354

Supply Chain Shaman

JUNE 26, 2025

Table 1: Aligning the Organization to a Balanced Scorecard to Maximize Market Potential When we isolate the impact and only focus on only operating margin/inventory turns compared to a focus on cost of goods/inventory turns (as shown in Table 2), the impact is a 63% reduction in market capitalization/employee. What now?

Material Savings 195

Material Savings Waste Reduction Cost Reduction Strategies Price Reduction 195

Precoro

JUNE 2, 2025

Definition: Financial forecasting is a projection of the company's future financial performance based on historical data, market research, and business needs. The forecasts act as a guide, which you can use to make strategic decisions on resource allocation and define clear, attainable goals.

Forecasting 45

Forecasting Forecasting Software Expense Reduction Procurement Solutions 45

Logistics Viewpoints

JUNE 29, 2023

PO Collaboration focuses on maintaining accurate demand forecasts, timely communication with suppliers, and efficient replenishment processes to ensure optimal stock levels and minimize stockouts. Configure to Order: This strategy involves customizing standard products based on customer specifications.

Manufacturing Procurement 269

Manufacturing Procurement Procurement Analytics Material Savings Inventory Reduction 269

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. In the automotive sector, manufacturers are simultaneously reducing inventory costs and delivery times.

Sourcing Strategies 96

Sourcing Strategies Inventory Reduction Waste Reduction Expense Reduction 96

Logistics Viewpoints

DECEMBER 14, 2023

And even before they begin, they must realize these problems are too big for any single team—supply chain must connect with finance and procurement to treat the n-tier suppliers as an extended part of their network and become their preferred customer. For this to happen, finance needs to be in lockstep with procurement.

Supply Chain Design Software 322

Supply Chain Design Software Optimal Sourcing Supply Chain Planning Software Modeling 322

SCMDOJO

OCTOBER 30, 2024

For instance, a student struggling with inventory management concepts can receive supplementary materials, interactive simulations, and one-on-one tutoring sessions tailored to their needs. Conversely, a student who quickly grasps procurement strategies can be challenged with advanced case studies and leadership projects.

Supply Chain Planning Software 97

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

Supply Chain Brain

JUNE 17, 2025

Koganti urged the procurement audience to look for whats referred to as “foresight function” in planning tools, which is capable of enhancing data analysis, scenario generation and trend identification , allowing for more informed and proactive decision-making, albeit with human oversight.

Supply Chain Planning Software 100

Supply Chain Planning Software Optimal Sourcing Supply Chain Design Software Supply Chain Software 100