The Logistics of Logistics

NOVEMBER 5, 2024

During his tenure in the industry, he built innovative pricing and forecasting models, leveraging internal and external data sources to improve internal decision-making and increase profitability. He leads a team of market experts who study every facet of the logistics industry to bring the best available insight to customers.

Optimal Sourcing 246

Optimal Sourcing Freight Analytics Software Forecasting 246

Logistics Viewpoints

NOVEMBER 11, 2024

For instance, advanced factory scheduling solutions use predictive maintenance inputs, which rely on sensor data to forecast equipment failures. Short-term forecasting relies on POS and other forms of downstream data. Not all the transactional data, just the data required to calculate a metric or make a decision.

Supply Chain Planning Software 290

Supply Chain Planning Software Modeling Software Analytics Software Forecasting Software 290

Logility

MARCH 6, 2020

Machine Learning for demand forecasting has matured to a level of accuracy, transparency and replicability that translates into transformative results, including in these five areas: Accuracy, transparency, thoroughness of analytical options and results. Let’s take a closer look at each one. Accuracy and transparency.

Forecasting 261

Forecasting Supply and Demand Forecasting Software Modeling 261

ToolsGroup

NOVEMBER 27, 2018

Editor’s Note: Two years ago we posted a blog about how to set an annual forecast accuracy target and it was one of our most popular topics. It seems as if everyone is looking to improve their forecasting performance. How much can you realistically expect to improve your forecast accuracy each year?

Forecasting 214

Forecasting Forecasting Software Supply and Demand Modeling 214

Logistics Viewpoints

APRIL 23, 2025

With freight transport accounting for a significant share of global emissions, efforts to improve logistics now extend beyond operational metrics to include resilience, regulatory compliance, and climate performance. CEVA Logistics, a CMA CGM subsidiary, uses Googles AI tools for warehouse management and demand forecasting.

Supply Chain Planning Software 189

Supply Chain Planning Software Logistics Network Optimization Software Optimization Software Rail Software 189

ToolsGroup

MAY 8, 2025

This means going beyond high-level forecasts to embrace tools and practiceslike Demand Collaboration, Scenario Planning, and detailed modelingthat make Sales & Operations Planning actionable, dynamic, and performance-driven. As Gartner highlights, companies tend to prioritize improving forecast accuracy to strengthen S&OP results.

Inventory Reduction 156

Inventory Reduction Price Reduction Cost Reduction Strategies Supply Chain Planning Software 156

Logistics Viewpoints

MAY 11, 2025

beef from 1,000 to 13,000 metric tons , removing the 20% tariff within that limit. Cost Forecasting : The 10% tariff baseline increases landed costs and may affect margin forecasts across multiple sectors. Further details on derivative product eligibility and quota volumes have not been published.

Negotiating Skills 165

Negotiating Skills Pharmaceutical Cost Reduction Strategies Price Reduction 165

Supply Chain Shaman

MAY 12, 2025

Form and socialize your own hierarchy of metrics. For example, don’t focus on forecast error. Instead, analyze demand flow characteristics by demand stream to evaluate Forecast Value Added (FVA), forecastability, and bullwhip impact. Design your supply chain with a focus on the form and function of inventory.

Modeling 195

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

Logility

JUNE 23, 2023

That’s precisely what demand forecasting feels like for many businesses today. Enter causal forecasting. Unfortunately, many companies hesitate to use causal forecasting, thinking it’s too complicated or resource-hungry. What is Causal Forecasting? That’s where causal forecasting comes into play.

Forecasting 193

Forecasting Forecasting Software Modeling Predictive Analytics Software 193

Supply Chain Shaman

OCTOBER 16, 2023

A shift from functional metrics to a balanced scorecard. I like the use of growth, margin, inventory turns, Return on Invested Capital, customer service and ESG metrics. The focus on functional metrics sub-optimizes balance sheet results. Improved Forecast Value Added (FVA). A Focus on ‘One-Number Forecasting.’

S&OP 390

S&OP Supply and Demand Forecasting Supply Chain Design Software 390

Supply Chain Shaman

MAY 14, 2025

CPFR: Collaborative Planning, Forecasting and Replenishment garnered great fanfare late in the 1990s. The biggest issue with CPFR was the quality of the customer forecast. We are stuck with old models Without new thinking, we wont get unstuck. _ The building of collaborative processes remains an unfulfilled goal.

Modeling 195

Modeling Material Savings Vendor Strategies Supply and Demand 195

Supply Chain Shaman

DECEMBER 28, 2020

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? Data at this level of variability is complicated to forecast.) The reason? The answer?

Supply Chain Planning Software 418

Supply Chain Planning Software Forecasting Forecasting Software Modeling 418

ToolsGroup

MARCH 16, 2021

I have been blogging and advocating for the past 15 years on probabilistic approaches to planning and forecasting, and am happy to see in the last few years it has finally started gaining traction and attention. A symptom of a probabilistic plan or forecast is that its results are generally also expressed as probability distributions.

Forecasting 156

Forecasting Forecasting Software Supply Chain Planning Software Supply Chain Planning 156

Logistics Viewpoints

APRIL 10, 2025

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. Rather than planning based on a single forecast, supply chain teams can evaluate multiple options in parallel: What happens if tariffs increase by 15%?

Optimal Sourcing 228

Optimal Sourcing Modeling Cost Reduction Strategies Supply Chain Optimization 228

ToolsGroup

APRIL 7, 2025

Component 1: AI-Powered Probabilistic Forecasting for Inventory Optimization Effective forecasting enables businesses to navigate uncertainty and respond rapidly to disruptions. Multi-scenario prediction : Generates diverse forecast possibilities with precise probability assessments for informed decision-making.

Inventory Reduction 156

Inventory Reduction Modeling Optimization Software Supply Chain Optimization 156

The Logistics of Logistics

MAY 1, 2024

Samuel Parker and Joe Lynch discuss DAT iQ: the metrics that matter. Key Takeaways: DAT iQ: The Metrics that Matter In the podcast interview, Samuel Parker gave a freight market overview based on DAT’s database of $150 billion in annual market transactions.

Metrics 246

Metrics Logistics Network Optimization Software Analytics Software Optimal Sourcing 246

ToolsGroup

JANUARY 21, 2025

To address these return-driven challenges, the industry is moving away from siloed solutions toward integrated systems that seamlessly connect Merchandise Financial Planning , Assortment Planning , Allocation , and Demand Forecasting.

Supply Chain Planning Software 156

Supply Chain Planning Software Forecasting Software Inventory Reduction Price Reduction 156

Supply Chain Shaman

JUNE 29, 2021

Using balance sheet data from 2011 to 2019, we chart companies’ progress by peer group on rate of improvement and performance in the metrics of growth, operating margin, inventory turns, and Return on Invested Capital (ROIC). Let me share some and see what you think: Does forecast ownership make a difference in outcomes?

Supply Chain Planning Software 370

Supply Chain Planning Software Supply Chain Design Software Supply Chain Planning Supply Chain Design 370

Supply Chain Shaman

FEBRUARY 4, 2025

Functional Metrics and the Lack of Alignment to Strategy. Few companies are clear on the number of supply chains they operate, design the rhythms and cycles of each, and align metrics to the strategy. The industry is not clear on desired outcomes. Clarity on Value. Guess what? It doesn’t. These two reports are coming soon.

Supply Chain Design Software 221

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

Logistics Viewpoints

MAY 14, 2025

The system also contributes to better forecasting accuracy. Built-In Sustainability Reporting Some orchestration tools are adding carbon tracking or energy use metrics alongside cost and delivery performance data. The factory uses this information to make scheduling and inventory decisions more efficiently.

Supply Chain Planning Software 248

Supply Chain Planning Software Supply Chain Design Software Supply Chain Software Predictive Analytics Software 248

Logistics Viewpoints

OCTOBER 23, 2024

AI-driven predictive maintenance can also forecast potential issues before they occur, reducing downtime and improving product reliability. This integration includes tracking individual components and collecting data on environmental impact, including sustainability metrics such as carbon footprint and recyclability.

Resource Reduction 298

Resource Reduction Vendor Strategies Inventory Reduction Price Mitigation Strategies 298

ToolsGroup

MARCH 3, 2022

Despite knowing all this, too many retailers ignore the impact of weather and this adds error to plans and demand forecasts. And even though meteorology has come a long way, weather is a notoriously fickle and uncontrollable factor, and no forecaster can reliably predict it beyond the next few weeks. It all evens out in the end.

Forecasting 156

Forecasting Forecasting Software Procurement Analytics Retail 156

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

Logistics Viewpoints

DECEMBER 18, 2024

Innovative tools provide actionable insights and improve operational efficiency Artificial Intelligence (AI): AI systems optimize routing and demand forecasting, reducing energy consumption and empty miles. Set Measurable Goals: Establish clear targets for emissions reduction, energy efficiency, and sustainability metrics.

Optimal Sourcing 273

Optimal Sourcing Material Savings Supply Chain Design Software Supply Chain Planning Software 273

Logistics Viewpoints

JULY 10, 2024

A planner could ask the SCP engine to achieve 95% service, with CO2 emissions under a million metric tons at a given factory in the coming month. These forecasts occur in three different time horizons: Long-term planning. Often called strategic planning, this is a forecast spanning 1 – 5 years. Medium-term planning.

Supply Chain Planning Software 320

Supply Chain Planning Software Supply Chain Planning Scenario Planning Modeling 320

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. 40-50% of items are not forecastable at an item/location level. Lack of aligned metrics. 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

RFgen

NOVEMBER 27, 2024

Supply chain optimization is crucial for enhancing efficiency and cost-effectiveness by providing end-to-end visibility, aligning with demand forecasts, and continuously improving processes through technology and analytics. Demand Forecasting: Analyze past data to predict future needs.

Optimal Sourcing 98

Optimal Sourcing Supply Chain Optimization Modeling Inventory Reduction 98

Logistics Viewpoints

NOVEMBER 6, 2024

Protecting sensitive data—such as vehicle locations, driver information, and operational metrics—requires rigorous cybersecurity measures. Predictive analytics offers the added benefit of forecasting maintenance needs and planning routes based on historical data, allowing for proactive resource allocation.

Supply Chain Planning Software 297

Supply Chain Planning Software Supply Chain Design Software Predictive Analytics Software Optimization Software 297

Logistics Viewpoints

OCTOBER 4, 2021

A study by E2open – the 2021 Forecasting and Inventory Benchmark Study: Supply Chain Performance During the Covid-19 Pandemic – provides the answers. Benchmarking the forecasting process is difficult. Forecasting Accuracy Was Terrible . No matter what kind of demand planning solution was used, forecasting accuracy dropped.

Supply Chain Performance 290

Supply Chain Performance Inventory Reduction Cost Reduction Strategies Supply and Demand 290

Supply Chain Shaman

OCTOBER 11, 2023

We speak about the need to move from a functional understanding to a global, holistic capabilities, but the traditional supply chain leader defines bonus incentives and process performance goals based on functional metrics. I often laugh when companies ask me to define a good forecast. Measurement.

Supply Chain Planning Software 417

Supply Chain Planning Software Supply Chain Software Forecasting Software Supply Chain Network Software 417

Supply Chain Shaman

FEBRUARY 13, 2020

It is useful to analyze demand data to understand “forecastability” and randomness. Not all data is forecastable, and not all demand optimization engines are equal. The more forecastable the data set, the easier it is to find an optimizer. When I delve into the data, I find: Forecasting Solution Signal Efficacy.

Optimal Sourcing 300

Optimal Sourcing Modeling Forecasting Supply and Demand 300

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? Let’s get started!

Forecasting 130

Forecasting Modeling Forecasting Software Supply and Demand 130

RFgen

DECEMBER 4, 2024

We’ll examine the key components of efficient supply chains, explore essential performance metrics, and uncover the fundamental drivers that influence efficiency. Efficient supply chains strengthen collaborative relationships through automated communication systems and shared performance metrics.

Sourcing Strategies 96

Sourcing Strategies Inventory Reduction Waste Reduction Expense Reduction 96

Logility

JUNE 7, 2023

Top 3 Demand Forecasting Mistakes —How To Avoid Them with Demand planning software Demand forecasting is a critical facet of successful business operations, acting as the helm guiding companies through the rocks hiding beneath the water of market demands. What is Demand Forecasting?

Supply and Demand 130

Supply and Demand Demand Planning Software Forecasting Software Forecasting 130

Logility

APRIL 28, 2025

It could write poetry, generate code, or answer inquiries about next months forecast. Ask a basic GenAI tool for supply chain KPIs, and you’ll get a textbook list that includes forecast accuracy, days of inventory, and capacity utilization. But 2025 ushered a momentous change to everything we know about autonomy: goal-driven AI.

Supply Chain Planning Software 147

Supply Chain Planning Software Supply Chain Design Software Supply Chain Software Modeling 147

Supply Chain Shaman

JUNE 24, 2022

One of my stark realizations this year is that smaller companies are beating larger and often more established companies on growth metrics, inventory turns, operating margin, and Return on Invested Capital (ROIC). (In The metrics selection resulted from work with Arizona State University in 2013.) Look for the full report next week.).

Supply Chain Planning Software 397

Supply Chain Planning Software Supply Chain Design Software Supply Chain Planning Supply Chain Software 397

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