ToolsGroup

JUNE 29, 2020

Adding to this already uphill battle, we don’t have trustworthy new product forecasting methods because forecasting new products with no sales data is very hit-and-miss. Machine learning (ML) provides an effective weapon for your new product forecasting arsenal. Why is new product forecasting important?

Forecasting 428

Forecasting Forecasting Software Supply Chain Planning Software Modeling Software 428

ToolsGroup

FEBRUARY 24, 2025

Demand forecasting has evolved dramatically in recent years. Traditional forecasting methods often fail under high variability, leading to excess costs, stockouts, and obsolescence. What is Demand Forecasting in Supply Chain Management? What is Demand Forecasting in Supply Chain Management?

Forecasting 156

Forecasting Modeling Supply and Demand Forecasting Software 156

Logistics Viewpoints

OCTOBER 14, 2024

At a division of one of the world’s largest consumer goods companies, 85% autonomy on manufacturing plans and 95% acceptance of proposed purchase orders has been achieved. Further, the journey to autonomous planning does not rely on a highly accurate forecast. “I Forecasting is not an actionable item.”

Supply Chain Planning Software 283

Supply Chain Planning Software Supply Chain Planning Scenario Planning Procurement Analytics 283

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. Most companies forecast a single stream with a focus on error. The ripple effects are pervasive.

Supply Chain Planning Software 195

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

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? The data outcome is open source and can be used to improve project outcomes. You are right. This work was expensive. This is not a new project.

Optimal Sourcing 367

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

Logistics Viewpoints

DECEMBER 30, 2024

Production plans might be locked for as long as a month, regardless of how accurate the forecast was. While executive support for purchasing SCP has waned, future sales of supply planning are still linked to a suppliers ability to support agile planning. For SAP, good planning relies on robust collaboration.

Supply Chain Planning Software 301

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

Kinaxis

JUNE 11, 2025

Automotive: Can JIT manufacturing survive legal disruptions to tariff policy? Automakers must model dual-path sourcing strategies and reintroduce buffer inventory—not just for parts, but for regulatory flexibility. They should also adopt rolling sourcing contracts with dynamic pricing clauses based on tariff exposure.

Pharmaceutical 173

Pharmaceutical Modeling Negotiating Skills Purchasing Skills 173

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

Logistics Viewpoints

MARCH 27, 2023

When it comes to running a company, when things break down executives have traditionally said “we need to improve our forecasting!” Would better forecasting accuracy be a good thing? Unfortunately, most companies cannot, and will never be able to, consistently rely on highly accurate forecasts. Absolutely!

Forecasting 269

Forecasting Forecasting Software Modeling Optimal Sourcing 269

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 245

Supply Chain Software Inventory Reduction Cost Reduction Strategies Supply Chain Planning Software 245

Logistics Viewpoints

APRIL 10, 2025

Reducing cost was the primary objective, and most operational decisionsfrom sourcing to fulfillmentreflected that mindset. Sudden tariff increases can quickly make a cost-optimized procurement strategy untenable, leaving companies scrambling to adjust. Procurement is another area seeing change.

Optimal Sourcing 208

Optimal Sourcing Modeling Supply Chain Optimization Cost Reduction Strategies 208

Logistics Viewpoints

DECEMBER 17, 2024

For example, reduced emissions could result from streamlined routing or fewer trips due to improved demand forecasting. Since many organizations currently purchase carbon offsets, they can easily define the carbon cost of avoided emissions by translating the price of offsetting.

Supply Chain Planning Software 261

Supply Chain Planning Software Procurement Solutions Supply Chain Software Cost Reduction Strategies 261

Kinaxis

MAY 29, 2025

Let’s take a closer look at how four key industries—automotive, consumer packaged goods (CPG), high tech, and industrial manufacturing—are navigating the tariff rollercoaster and adjusting to the shifting landscape. Key takeaway Top challenge: Sourcing volatility driven by EV component shortages and fluctuating global tariffs.

Modeling 130

Modeling Optimal Sourcing Manufacturing Procurement Material Savings 130

Logistics Viewpoints

FEBRUARY 24, 2025

Production plans might be locked for as long as a month, regardless of how accurate the forecast was. That supply planning application needs to be integrated into an array of internal systems ERP, transportation management, warehouse management, procurement, and other applications. That makes the integration even more difficult.

Supply Chain Planning Software 283

Supply Chain Planning Software Prescriptive Analytics Software Agile and Lean Supply Chain Modeling 283

Logistics Viewpoints

JUNE 29, 2023

It is crucial for organizations to understand the importance of Purchase Order collaboration to effectively manage their direct spend, optimize operations, and mitigate risks. Make to Order: Here, products are manufactured based on specific customer orders.

Manufacturing Procurement 266

Manufacturing Procurement Procurement Analytics Material Savings Inventory Reduction 266

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.

Optimal Sourcing 409

Optimal Sourcing Supply Chain Planning Software Manufacturing Procurement Modeling 409

Logistics Viewpoints

MAY 1, 2025

They emphasized being an Industry Cloud Complete Company with industry-specific solutions for over 2000 micro verticals across Process Manufacturing, Distribution, Service Industries, and Discrete Manufacturing. Industry-specific content is available for processes like Source to Settle, Procure to Pay, Order to Cash, and more.

Prescriptive Analytics Software 189

Prescriptive Analytics Software Optimal Sourcing Material Savings Predictive Analytics Software 189

Supply Chain Shaman

FEBRUARY 4, 2025

Process-based companies continue to focus on manufacturing efficiency (OEE) and discrete on procurement (PPV) without designing the supply chain to balance transportation, manufacturing, and procurement to a balanced scorecard. Functional Metrics and the Lack of Alignment to Strategy. The Lovefest with Shiny Objects.

Supply Chain Design Software 221

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

RFgen

DECEMBER 19, 2024

Keep in mind that a WMS may not be enough and you might need to add an Inventory Management System (IMS) , which focuses specifically on optimizing inventory levels, forecasting demand, and preventing stockouts or overstocking. Data-driven forecasting improves purchasing and cuts storage expenses.

Optimal Sourcing 97

Optimal Sourcing Optimization Software Waste Reduction Inventory Reduction 97

ToolsGroup

OCTOBER 14, 2024

Moreover, maintaining optimal service levels while balancing inventory costs is a delicate act that requires sophisticated forecasting and inventory management techniques, underlining the importance of advanced spare parts management solutions.

Inventory Reduction 156

Inventory Reduction Negotiating Skills Optimal Sourcing Cost Reduction Strategies 156

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

RFgen

DECEMBER 27, 2024

Running a manufacturing business isn’t easy. That’s where a manufacturing ERP comes in. Manufacturing ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) software integrates all your core business processes into one powerful platform. It’s a lot to handle. Let’s get started.

Supply Chain Planning Software 98

Supply Chain Planning Software Supply Chain Design Software Manufacturing Procurement Inventory Management Software 98

ToolsGroup

MARCH 18, 2025

Yet many organizations still rely on outdated demand forecasting methods that fail to address the long tail phenomenon , resulting in inventory imbalances excess stock in some locations and critical shortages in others. If your business is still guessing at demand instead of optimizing it, youre sacrificing more than efficiency.

Supply Chain Planning Software 156

Supply Chain Planning Software Optimal Sourcing Inventory Reduction Waste Reduction 156

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.

Optimal Sourcing 216

Optimal Sourcing Optimization Software Price Mitigation Strategies Sourcing Strategies 216

E2open

OCTOBER 2, 2024

(NYSE: ETWO), the connected supply chain SaaS platform with the largest multi-enterprise network, announced today at its annual Connect customer conference the release of its highly anticipated 2024 Forecasting and Inventory Benchmark Study. However, by 2023, sales growth normalized to just 1% above 2018 levels.

Forecasting Software 78

Forecasting Software Forecasting Supply Chain Planning Software Inventory Reduction 78

Logistics Viewpoints

DECEMBER 2, 2024

The high-tech firm is more than a manufacturer of PCs, tablets, smartphones, and servers. The company has more than 2000 suppliers and operates over 30 manufacturing sites. It might highlight logistics jams, manufacturing capacity, quality issues, or procurement cost trends. Factories serve local markets.

Supply Chain Planning Software 275

Supply Chain Planning Software Supply Chain Planning Supply Chain Software Supply Chain Network Software 275

RFgen

DECEMBER 19, 2024

Scaling manufacturing operations is crucial for business growth but presents unique challenges. Balancing increased demand with consistent quality and controlled costs is difficult but essential for manufacturers looking to expand. Successfully scaling manufacturing requires more than just adding resources.

Material Savings 92

Material Savings Sourcing Strategies Resource Reduction Inventory Reduction 92

Supply Chain Shaman

NOVEMBER 15, 2023

The essence of the question is resilience and the ability to forecast in a variable market reliably. This gets us to the question of what is the role of the forecast?` For most, forecasting is a conundrum full of potholes, politics, and bias. When he speaks of the supply chain, he means procurement. This is his world.

Supply Chain Planning Software 418

Supply Chain Planning Software Optimal Sourcing Modeling Supply Chain Software 418

ivalua

JUNE 12, 2025

If you’re evaluating procurement technology or exploring ways to drive more value from existing systems, chances are you’re looking beyond tactical fixes – you want a smarter, scalable strategy. Misaligned priorities across finance, legal, and procurement create friction that delays decision-making and reduces impact.

Cost Reduction Strategies 130

Cost Reduction Strategies Material Savings Expense Reduction Negotiating Skills 130

Supply Chain Shaman

DECEMBER 7, 2023

Today, I speak at the North American Manufacturing Association, Manufacturing Leadership Conference, in Nashville on the use of data to improve supply chain resilience. Expand the “FLOW” program for logistics information sharing to forecast transportation flow. The result was restatement. My conclusion?

Supply Chain Design Software 395

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

Supply Chain Shaman

DECEMBER 28, 2020

The first story is about a large regional food manufacturer. The SAS forecasting system implemented in 2019 was not tested for model accuracy. An example for this client would be to use 2017 and 2018 history to forecast 2019. So, I asked the questions, “Is your data forecastable? Let’s Be Customer Centric.

Supply Chain Planning Software 418

Supply Chain Planning Software Forecasting Forecasting Software Modeling 418

ToolsGroup

MARCH 14, 2025

Yet many organizations still rely on outdated demand forecasting methods that fail to address the long tail phenomenon , resulting in inventory imbalances excess stock in some locations and critical shortages in others. If your business is still guessing at demand instead of optimizing it, youre sacrificing more than efficiency.

Optimal Sourcing 156

Optimal Sourcing Supply Chain Planning Software Optimization Software Inventory Reduction 156

Supply Chain Shaman

JANUARY 25, 2024

My definition of a network is the bi-directional information exchange of manufacturing, procurement, quality, and transportation signals across multiple tiers of trading partners in a many-to-many trading partner information exchange with minimal latency. Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) does not meet this definition.

Supply Chain Network Software 359

Supply Chain Network Software Manufacturing Procurement Inventory Reduction Purchasing Skills 359

Logistics Viewpoints

APRIL 2, 2025

Companies that previously prioritized cost-cutting and centralized sourcing quickly found themselves exposed to serious production and distribution risks. In response, many organizations have shifted toward decentralized and regionalized supply chain models, distributing production and sourcing across multiple regions.

Modeling 162

Modeling Modeling Software Supply Chain Planning Software Supply Chain Design Software 162

Supply Chain Game Changer

JUNE 9, 2025

It requires a streamlined, reliable supply chain, from sourcing gear and managing equipment lifecycles to ensuring a seamless student experience. Much like gyms and wellness centers, diving schools operate within the broader fitness supply chain , which impacts how they source, sell, and serve.

Optimal Sourcing 87

Optimal Sourcing Manufacturing Procurement Sourcing Strategies Education 87

Logistics Viewpoints

FEBRUARY 20, 2024

Assumptions around demand are in the center here because, unlike all other main components, they are the most difficult to forecast. Another strategy is to dedicate resources and build the best algorithm for demand forecasting. This means that pouring resources into better forecasting will not produce the anticipated result.

Sourcing Strategies 306

Sourcing Strategies Supply Chain Design Software Modeling Inventory Reduction 306

Enterra Insights

DECEMBER 17, 2024

They write, “This includes tackling bigger issues such as compliance, supplier relationship management, risk and disruption, responsible sourcing, and transparency. “Sophisticated predictive analytics tools process sales data, seasonal trends, and market fluctuations to forecast demand accurately.

Optimal Sourcing 130

Optimal Sourcing Supply Chain Optimization Modeling Optimization Software 130