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

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

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 251

Supply Chain Software Inventory Reduction Cost Reduction Strategies Supply Chain Planning Software 251

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 214

Optimal Sourcing Modeling Supply Chain Optimization Cost Reduction Strategies 214

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

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

DELMIA Quintiq

NOVEMBER 17, 2020

New technologies revolutionizing transportation are creating tremendous opportunities but also unprecedented challenges for tire manufacturers. Supply chain optimization is essential to achieve this and can help tire manufacturing companies deliver significant reductions in supply chain costs and improvements in service levels.

Optimal Sourcing 296

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

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

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. Such sourcing events can be in the context of direct materials or logistics capacity.

Optimal Sourcing 282

Optimal Sourcing Manufacturing Procurement Procurement Analytics Procurement Solutions 282

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 Cost Reduction Strategies Price Reduction Supply Chain Planning Software 221

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 288

Supply Chain Planning Software Prescriptive Analytics Software Agile and Lean Supply Chain Supply Chain Software 288

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

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 269

Manufacturing Procurement Procurement Analytics Material Savings Inventory Reduction 269

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 195

Prescriptive Analytics Software Optimal Sourcing Material Savings Predictive Analytics Software 195

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

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.

Vendor Strategies 165

Vendor Strategies Waste Reduction Inventory Reduction Cost Reduction Strategies 165

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 280

Supply Chain Planning Software Supply Chain Planning Supply Chain Software Supply Chain Network Software 280

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

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

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

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

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

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. By identifying these gaps, you can create sourcing events to close them.

Supply Chain Design Software 322

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

Supply Chain Shaman

NOVEMBER 11, 2020

I forecast that this interest will grow and the market is going to become more confusing. Globally ten percent of jobs are in manufacturing, while 37% are associated with supply chain management. The discipline, first defined in 1982, includes source, make, deliver, and planning functions. Kinaxis Purchase of Rubikloud.

Supply Chain Design Software 362

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

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

Jaggaer

FEBRUARY 5, 2025

What Is Strategic Sourcing? A Complete Guide Strategic sourcing is a data-driven approach to securing the best value for your organization from its strategic suppliers. It is called strategic because it replaces traditional ad hoc approaches to sourcing, which were almost entirely focused on cost savings, item by item.

Negotiating Skills 52

Negotiating Skills Sourcing Strategies Purchasing Skills Optimal Sourcing 52

SCMDOJO

JUNE 3, 2025

Before digital tools entered the scene, thats almost exactly what procurement used to feel like. Real-World Applications for Digital Calculators Across Industries: Learn how sectors like construction, general contracting, skilled trades, and manufacturing benefit from the assistance of these smarter tools. Today though?

Negotiating Skills 59

Negotiating Skills Predictive Analytics Software Supply Chain Design Software Supply Chain Software 59

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

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. Instead, we need to Jump.

Inventory Reduction 434

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

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

JUNE 3, 2024

similarly, over 95% of manufacturers invested and implemented supply chain planning, but their primary tool today is Excel. This technique has been very useful for retail store inventory and MRO where demand is lumpy, latent, and difficult to forecast. ” Does the Dog Hunt? Makes sense. So, my conclusion? So, does this dog hunt?

Supply Chain Planning Software 369

Supply Chain Planning Software Supply Chain Design Software Modeling Software Forecasting Software 369

SCMDOJO

APRIL 24, 2025

Manufacturers are shifting to on-demand production to align output with real-time demand. By producing only whats needed, when its needed, they eliminate the burden of forecasting errors and reduce warehouse dependency. On-demand production meets that need by replacing batch manufacturing with agile, made-to-order workflows.

Waste Reduction 98

Waste Reduction Inventory Reduction Cost Reduction Strategies Expense Reduction 98

Enterra Insights

NOVEMBER 14, 2024

Interestingly, in Q3 2023, 38% of manufacturers, distributors and retailers missed their target for revenue guidance for the quarter. If businesses cannot accurately forecast revenue, the organization is not resilient.”[3] ” • Implement digital and automated manufacturing. … My conclusion?

Supply Chain Planning Software 130

Supply Chain Planning Software Agile and Lean Supply Chain Supply Chain Software Supply Chain Planning 130

Logistics Viewpoints

APRIL 14, 2022

Experts from North Carolina State University and GEP conducted a survey on supply chain, procurement and IT leaders to determine their challenges and priorities, focusing on examining gaps in the supply chain. The study found that these leaders considered the largest gap to be between supply chain and procurement, citing it as a major issue.

Supply Chain Planning Software 283

Supply Chain Planning Software Supply Chain Software Forecasting Software Procurement Solutions 283

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. Procurement: Purchase price variance and procurement cost.

Supply Chain Planning Software 355

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