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

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

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

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

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

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

ToolsGroup

NOVEMBER 2, 2020

Melitta Sales Europe (MSE) embarked on an initiative to revamp existing planning and forecasting processes to increase efficiency and sustainability. The process brings together all the plans for the business (sales, marketing, development, manufacturing, sourcing, and financial) into one integrated set of plans.”

Forecasting 287

Forecasting Forecasting Software Optimal Sourcing S&OP 287

ToolsGroup

JUNE 17, 2021

Distribution industry supply chains have always been squeezed between manufacturers and their customers; facing increased competitive threats, escalating SKU counts, and expanding ecommerce. Accurate forecasting of uncertain demand. It goes beyond the “demand forecast number” to the probability of demand in any given time period.

Forecasting 295

Forecasting Forecasting Software Modeling Supply Chain Planning Software 295

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

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 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

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

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

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

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

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

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 277

Optimal Sourcing Manufacturing Procurement Procurement Analytics Procurement Solutions 277

Logistics Viewpoints

JUNE 7, 2021

The implementation also involves leveraging weather data to improve forecasting. Gijs Majoor, vice president of supply chain and sustainable fuels, and Jacob Gladysz, the director of logistics explained the Pinnacle Propane business and their journey to improve their forecasting. Forecasting is harder there. This is also rare.

Forecasting 243

Forecasting Forecasting Software Modeling Optimal Sourcing 243

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

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

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

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

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

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 Forecasting Software 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

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

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

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

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

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 320

Supply Chain Design Software Optimal Sourcing Supply Chain Planning Software Modeling 320

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 Procurement Solutions Manufacturing Procurement Supply Chain Planning Software 362

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. Or planned orders to purchase orders?) Go to the source. ” Anna, this blog post is for you.

Supply and Demand 431

Supply and Demand Supply Chain Planning Software Modeling Demand Planning 431

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 68

Manufacturing Procurement Optimal Sourcing Inventory Management Software Predictive Analytics Software 68

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