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 274

Manufacturing Procurement Procurement Analytics Material Savings Inventory Reduction 274

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

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 420

Supply Chain Planning Software Forecasting Forecasting Software Modeling 420

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

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

Supply Chain Shaman

MARCH 21, 2024

During the 1980s, I was on a management team for a large manufacturer. The Company was attempting to gain economies of scale by grouping manufacturing technologies within a common infrastructure to reap the benefits of a co-generation facility, a centralized warehouse, and a talented administrative team. Lack of aligned metrics.

Inventory Reduction 435

Inventory Reduction Supply Chain Planning Software Cost Reduction Strategies Supply Chain Design Software 435

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. The ability to meet fulfillment goals is impeded by several issues.

Optimal Sourcing 155

Optimal Sourcing Optimization Software Price Mitigation Strategies Sourcing Strategies 155

Supply Chain Shaman

FEBRUARY 18, 2021

Advanced planning evolved with a focus on modeling manufacturing constraints. Initially, the output was published to procurement to design strategic buying strategies. Procurement became an island–isolated from the demand signal except for MRP. Watermelon Metrics Don’t Drive The Right Results.

Supply Chain Planning Software 355

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

Supply Chain Shaman

JUNE 3, 2013

At a time that marketplace offerings were super-hyped, I forecasted the doom of ten e-marketplace providers. It was funded by 50 large consumer products manufacturing companies (CPG). In the dawn of e-commerce, conservative manufacturers, anteed up $240 million in four months. At the time, I was a junior Gartner analyst.

Supply Chain Design Software 322

Supply Chain Design Software Supply Chain Planning Software Procurement Analytics Manufacturing Procurement 322

Supply Chain Shaman

SEPTEMBER 17, 2014

There are three reasons why: Vertical excellence—having the best manufacturing, procurement or transportation function—has not worked. Aligned Metrics. What percentage of retail out-of-stocks could be prevented by the manufacturer in these industries? How do you balance the trade-offs between source, make and deliver?

Optimal Sourcing 365

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

RFgen

NOVEMBER 27, 2024

It’s the key to transforming your supply chain from a source of frustration into a well-oiled, profit-generating machine. Demand Forecasting: Analyze past data to predict future needs. Integration of Data Sources Data integration connects different information streams to create a single view of your supply chain.

Optimal Sourcing 98

Optimal Sourcing Supply Chain Optimization Modeling Inventory Reduction 98

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. Forecastability. In 2015, the forecastable volumes were over 50%. Let me explain.

Waste Reduction 195

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

Logistics Viewpoints

MARCH 9, 2023

Commerce is global and regional at the same time, the world is getting smaller and more interconnected, and Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) manufacturers operate in this build-anywhere and sell-anywhere market. Here we have compiled a list of the top six challenges that CPG companies face in the post-pandemic market.

Supply Chain Planning Software 288

Supply Chain Planning Software Modeling Forecasting Software Optimization Software 288

Silvon Software

JUNE 23, 2020

As I mentioned in my previous post, Sales Dashboards – 16 Metrics for Manufacturers , a strategy for measuring business performance should also incorporate metrics that focus on the supply chain and other operational areas of the enterprise. Sales to Forecast and Sales to Outlook. You can refine as you go!

Manufacturing Procurement 111

Manufacturing Procurement Metrics Gartner Supply Chain Planning Software 111

SCMDOJO

OCTOBER 30, 2024

Conversely, a student who quickly grasps procurement strategies can be challenged with advanced case studies and leadership projects. MTSS platforms facilitate hands-on projects where learners can apply statistical methods to identify trends, forecast demand, and optimize inventory levels.

Supply Chain Planning Software 96

Supply Chain Planning Software Analytics Software Forecasting Software Predictive Analytics Software 96

Logistics Viewpoints

APRIL 11, 2024

I’ll describe three of the top areas: seamless collaboration, improved forecast accuracy embedded in the supply chain workflow, and disruption response. Manufacturers of these weight loss drugs face a multi-headed hydra of the three c’s: coverage, competition and capacity. So how can supply chain orchestration help?

Pharmaceutical 316

Pharmaceutical Supply Chain Planning Software Supply Chain Planning Agile and Lean Supply Chain 316

SYSPRO Smarter ERP

MARCH 15, 2023

Manufactures are continuously faced with the challenge of forecasting how much (raw material) to purchase and how much (finished goods) to produce. To manage this delicate balance of demand and supply, manufacturers often use statistical forecasting techniques to predict future demand by looking at historical sales data.

Forecasting 105

Forecasting Forecasting Software Demand Planning Software Modeling 105

ShipBob

OCTOBER 24, 2022

Forecasting projections is one of the toughest things to get right. Whether your brand is experiencing gradual sales or is in high-growth mode , we’ll walk you through some tips to improve your ability to forecast demand. Jump to section: What is demand forecasting? Jump to section: What is demand forecasting? Conclusion.

Forecasting 130

Forecasting Forecasting Software Modeling Demand Planning Software 130

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

Logistics Viewpoints

JULY 22, 2021

While the terminology evolved, the underlying thesis of S&OP has stayed the same, i.e., bridge the divide between sales forecasts and operational plans while respecting the budget. For example, forecasts are generated using the past three years of history, implicitly assuming history repeats.

S&OP 290

S&OP Supply and Demand Optimal Sourcing Supply Chain Design Software 290

SYSPRO Smarter ERP

MAY 26, 2025

In the fast-paced world of smart manufacturing, making quick, accurate and informed decisions is essential. Real-time decision-making, powered by artificial intelligence (AI) , is revolutionizing smart manufacturing processes. That said, manufacturers need to take several steps to successfully enable these technologies.

Manufacturing Procurement 52

Manufacturing Procurement Optimal Sourcing Inventory Management Software Predictive Analytics Software 52

Logistics Viewpoints

APRIL 4, 2022

They source from approximately 15,000 suppliers with a sourcing spend of over €7 billion. It started in manufacturing and spread, step by step, to improvements in the way the company runs its supply chain. This manufacturer already has business continuity plans in place. But even multi-sourcing is not enough.

Supply Chain Transformation 264

Supply Chain Transformation Supply Chain Planning Software Modeling Scenario Planning 264

IQMS

JUNE 9, 2023

When we think about the critical requirements for a manufacturer to succeed, productivity, quality, and inventory management immediately jump to mind. But another factor can play an equally strong role in making or breaking a manufacturing business: communication. Design-Through-Manufacturing Efficiencies.

Manufacturing Procurement 52

Manufacturing Procurement Supply Chain Design Software Material Savings Supply Chain Planning Software 52

Supply Chain Shaman

DECEMBER 23, 2014

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. Some of the packages on the trucks moving right now are the first shipments of Metrics that Matter. This has changed.

Packaging 332

Packaging Inventory Reduction Supply Chain Design Software San Francisco 332

Supply Chain Shaman

NOVEMBER 15, 2021

Self-reported projections of the ocean carriers forecast that the industry is posting over $200B in profits. Especially grievous are the gaps between finance and operations, manufacturing and procurement, and the operations and commercial teams. Build Strong Supply Chain Sourcing Development Practices. We are to blame.”

Supply Chain Design Software 355

Supply Chain Design Software Supply Chain Planning Software Sourcing Strategies Supply and Demand 355

Logistics Viewpoints

SEPTEMBER 20, 2022

As a result, a wide range of businesses, from restaurants, and retail chains, to manufacturers, have been redesigning their business services and operations and re-engineering their supply chains. In parallel, the platform is launched with a smaller planning team and without demand planners reviewing forecasts.

Supply Chain Planning Software 293

Supply Chain Planning Software Agile and Lean Supply Chain Supply Chain Planning Forecasting Software 293

Supply Chain Shaman

OCTOBER 8, 2019

The number one question that I am asked today by manufacturers across all industries is “How can I improve customer service?” The budget is not sufficient and is often a detrimental input for supply chain forecasting. Why Is the Financial Forecast Not a Good Proxy for a Supply Chain Forecast? Background. Bias and error.

Supply Chain Design Software 208

Supply Chain Design Software Inventory Reduction Supply Chain Planning Software Forecasting 208

ToolsGroup

AUGUST 20, 2019

Gartner says that the most common outsourced SCP processes are inventory management, statistical forecasting and service parts planning. Companies moving to BPO in these practice areas are experiencing supply chain improvements in metrics such as inventory turnover and customer service. Driven by improvements in performance and cost.

Supply Chain Planning Software 214

Supply Chain Planning Software Supply Chain Planning Gartner Supply Chain Software 214

ToolsGroup

SEPTEMBER 20, 2022

Automation is at the center of modern manufacturing businesses, with companies exploring the possibilities of artificial intelligence in improving workflows and profitability. Industrial engineers incorporate these technologies in designing and fabricating advanced manufacturing systems. How AI Is Changing the Manufacturing Industry.

Manufacturing Procurement 156

Manufacturing Procurement Supply Chain Design Software Supply Chain Planning Software Optimal Sourcing 156

Logility

JUNE 2, 2023

In the intricate world of supply chain management, the accuracy of demand forecasting often serves as the cornerstone of business growth. Yet, despite its significance, demand forecasting continues to be a thorny issue for many businesses, particularly manufacturers. What is Demand Forecasting Accuracy?

Forecasting 130

Forecasting Modeling Forecasting Software Supply and Demand 130

Silvon Software

NOVEMBER 14, 2024

For Greater Product Performance Visibility and Improved Sales & Demand Planning Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) manufacturers operate in an increasingly competitive environment, where the ability to access and analyze timely, accurate data can make or break a company’s success. This process is known as data normalization and harmonization.

Inventory Reduction 59

Inventory Reduction Price Reduction Resource Reduction Optimal Sourcing 59

QAD

JULY 1, 2021

What are Total Manufacturing Costs? Your total manufacturing costs are essentially an expense analysis that calculates how each of your company’s departments contributed to producing a finalized product. This looks at all stages of the manufacturing process from raw materials to work-in-progress to final result.

Manufacturing Procurement 98

Manufacturing Procurement Procurement Analytics Cost Reduction Strategies Purchasing Skills 98

Jaggaer

APRIL 24, 2025

Supply chain management typically does not fit very well with procurement, which is a challenge at the best of times, and can be a disaster in difficult times. It is now a matter of planning the procurement system and the supply management system outside-in and then look at the true demand to minimize the latency.

Optimal Sourcing 52

Optimal Sourcing Manufacturing Procurement Procurement Analytics Demand Planning Software 52

Logistics Viewpoints

SEPTEMBER 19, 2023

Management practices such as lean manufacturing and just-in-time inventory management, along with globalization, have made tremendous impact on cost and service, but have accentuated risk. Metrics such as lead-times, forecast accuracy, inventory levels, and service are used to measure operational risks. are most exposed to risk?

Supply Chain Design Software 299

Supply Chain Design Software Supply Chain Design Supply Chain Planning Software Supply Chain Software 299

Logistics Viewpoints

JULY 18, 2022

The company sources goods from 34,000 suppliers out of 30 nations. In the annual report where they report on their key performance indicators (KPIs), they don’t just report on core financial metrics and the NPS, they also have people metrics. The company has shown sustained improvement on this metric.

Supply Chain Design Software 305

Supply Chain Design Software Supply Chain Planning Software Supply Chain Software Network Design Software 305

ivalua

NOVEMBER 29, 2022

In recent years, the overall state of Procurement has been bolstered by increased proficiency, expanding engagement, and a growing direct impact on operations. And they’re not the only ones—other department heads are also increasingly budget-conscious, creating a new opportunity to partner with procurement for better budget management.

Procurement Analytics 130

Procurement Analytics Metrics Manufacturing Procurement Optimal Sourcing 130

Logistics Viewpoints

JUNE 1, 2023

Continuing Disruptions in Transportation and Sourcing Materials After the pandemic, retailers are faced with new challenges and disruptions due to global conflicts, trade restrictions, and now recessions. They are more likely to shop for discounts and sales and may delay purchases of some items.

Supply Chain Planning Software 277

Supply Chain Planning Software Supply Chain Design Software Supply Chain Planning Supply Chain Software 277