Logistics Viewpoints

APRIL 10, 2025

Reducing cost was the primary objective, and most operational decisionsfrom sourcing to fulfillmentreflected that mindset. Leading organizations are building supply chains that are less exposed to single points of failure, more informed by real-time data, and more able to adjust sourcing, inventory, and routing based on current conditions.

Optimal Sourcing 216

Optimal Sourcing Modeling Supply Chain Optimization Cost Reduction Strategies 216

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 225

Optimal Sourcing Optimization Software Price Mitigation Strategies Sourcing Strategies 225

Supply Chain Shaman

OCTOBER 16, 2023

Clear operating strategy and definition of supply chain excellence across plan, source, make and deliver. 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. Improved Forecast Value Added (FVA).

S&OP 390

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

ToolsGroup

OCTOBER 11, 2017

I’ve always maintained that improving demand forecast accuracy, as helpful as it can be, shouldn’t be the end goal itself, but simply a means to the end. A recent report from Gartner agrees, focusing specifically on the challenge of building a better business case for improved forecast accuracy.

Forecasting 180

Forecasting Supply and Demand Forecasting Software Optimal Sourcing 180

ivalua

JUNE 9, 2025

We’ve seen AI take over everyday tools and search engines; AI in Sourcing and Procurement is becoming a strategic tool in our kit, At Ivalua, we are helping global procurement teams integrate AI across the Source-to-Pay process, bringing automation, insight, and agility to every step. This is where AI can make a huge difference.

Optimal Sourcing 130

Optimal Sourcing Procurement Solutions Purchasing Skills Procurement Analytics 130

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

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. Companies should incorporate these provisions into their sourcing, pricing, and compliance strategies.

Negotiating Skills 151

Negotiating Skills Pharmaceutical Cost Reduction Strategies Price Reduction 151

Enchange Supply Chain Consultancy

JUNE 10, 2025

Do Set Clear KPIs and Governance Structures : Establish transparent metrics for sales, coverage, and service levels. Do Embrace Technology and Data : Use real-time data for demand forecasting, inventory management, and route optimization. A well-equipped distributor is an extension of your brand and a key to market penetration.

Waste Reduction 165

Waste Reduction Inventory Reduction Vendor Strategies Cost Reduction Strategies 165

Logility

FEBRUARY 26, 2020

Over my 25+ year supply chain career I have worked for several distribution-intensive companies and every single one of them had a focus on improving forecast accuracy. Achieving a high SKU level forecast accuracy is a top goal for supply chain planning teams regardless of industry, size, location, etc.

Forecasting 162

Forecasting Forecasting Software Optimal Sourcing Supply and Demand 162

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

ivalua

MAY 29, 2025

At a high level, procurement focuses on sourcing the goods and services an organization needs, while supply chain management oversees the broader flow of those goods, from raw materials to end customers. Supply Chain Management (SCM) involves orchestrating a product’s or service’s entire lifecycle, from sourcing and production to delivery.

Procurement Solutions 130

Procurement Solutions Optimal Sourcing Manufacturing Procurement Supply Chain Planning Software 130

Logility

APRIL 23, 2020

So, the promise of using statistical algorithms, forecasting and predictive analytics is now added to the list of a company’s number one priorities. Here are a few steps that you will need to take to deploy your forecasts successfully. Phone * Company * Job Title * Zip Code * Source Asset Source Download ID.

Forecasting 148

Forecasting Forecasting Software How To Procurement Analytics 148

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

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

ivalua

MAY 30, 2025

AI is reshaping the way organizations source, manage suppliers, and drive value today. AI agents offer a smarter, faster way to manage sourcing, risk, and spend across the entire procurement lifecycle. For example, agentic AI can analyze supplier data, evaluate contracts, manage purchase orders, or recommend sourcing strategies.

Optimal Sourcing 130

Optimal Sourcing Procurement Solutions Procurement Analytics Negotiating Skills 130

ivalua

MAY 30, 2025

AI is reshaping the way organizations source, manage suppliers, and drive value today. AI agents offer a smarter, faster way to manage sourcing, risk, and spend across the entire procurement lifecycle. For example, agentic AI can analyze supplier data, evaluate contracts, manage purchase orders, or recommend sourcing strategies.

Optimal Sourcing 130

Optimal Sourcing Procurement Solutions Procurement Analytics Negotiating Skills 130

SCMDOJO

OCTOBER 28, 2024

Procurement professionals can contribute significantly to the S&OP process by providing valuable insights into supply chain dynamics, identifying potential risks, and optimizing sourcing strategies. Help Forecast Upstream Supply Constraints Early Warning Signs: S&OP can identify potential demand increases.

S&OP 97

S&OP Optimal Sourcing Supply and Demand Material Savings 97

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

ivalua

MAY 21, 2025

Digital procurement streamlines workflows and unifies data, enabling faster sourcing, better collaboration, and improved accuracy. AI and automation boost procurement’s strategic impact, helping teams reduce risk, ensure compliance, and forecast spend.

Optimal Sourcing 130

Optimal Sourcing Procurement Solutions Procurement Analytics Analytics Software 130

Precoro

JUNE 2, 2025

Definition: Financial forecasting is a projection of the company's future financial performance based on historical data, market research, and business needs. The forecasts act as a guide, which you can use to make strategic decisions on resource allocation and define clear, attainable goals.

Forecasting 45

Forecasting Forecasting Software Expense Reduction Procurement Solutions 45

SCMDOJO

OCTOBER 30, 2024

MTSS platforms facilitate hands-on projects where learners can apply statistical methods to identify trends, forecast demand, and optimize inventory levels. Through interactive tutorials and practical exercises, learners can become adept at using software for inventory management, transportation planning, and demand forecasting.

Supply Chain Planning Software 97

Supply Chain Planning Software Analytics Software Forecasting Software Predictive Analytics Software 97

Logistics Viewpoints

FEBRUARY 15, 2023

Our preliminary findings suggest that supply chain resilience has been increasing in importance over time, but still remains secondary to the end goal embedded in the perfect order metric – the right product, to the right place, at the right time. However, I am surprised at the degree that localized sourcing is being considered.

Supply Chain Planning 289

Supply Chain Planning Supply Chain Optimization Optimal Sourcing Supply Chain 289

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

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

Supply Chain Brain

JUNE 17, 2025

Koganti said this is the fastest-growing use of AI in supply chain, especially when it comes to forecasting, procurement and fulfillment. He sees a near future in which there are multiple agents, each with their own realm of responsibility, such as shipping, pricing and forecasting.

Supply Chain Planning Software 100

Supply Chain Planning Software Optimal Sourcing Supply Chain Design Software Supply Chain Software 100

Logistics Viewpoints

MARCH 9, 2023

This is because most classical planning solutions lack the modeling capability and computing power to accommodate different data sources, large SKU count, and detailed constraints and contingencies to build an immediately executable plan. each with discrete plans generated typically in sequential batch runs.

Supply Chain Planning Software 282

Supply Chain Planning Software Modeling Forecasting Software Optimization Software 282

Logistics Viewpoints

APRIL 7, 2025

Digital twins bring enterprise-level visibility to network planning, allowing organizations to simulate new fulfillment strategies, evaluate sourcing risks, and prepare contingency plans that support both customer experience and bottom-line resilience. Scope Creep: Avoid trying to simulate the entire enterprise at once.

Sourcing Strategies 218

Sourcing Strategies Modeling Supply Chain Design Software Warehousing 218

Logistics Viewpoints

JULY 23, 2024

Collaborative discussions can help identify relevant data sources and metrics that capture the end-to-end supply chain process and align with overall business goals. Data inventory and assessment: Conduct a comprehensive inventory of available data sources within the organization, including internal systems (e.g.,

Optimal Sourcing 307

Optimal Sourcing Agile and Lean Supply Chain Supply Chain Software Modeling 307

Logistics Viewpoints

JUNE 29, 2023

PO Collaboration focuses on maintaining accurate demand forecasts, timely communication with suppliers, and efficient replenishment processes to ensure optimal stock levels and minimize stockouts. Configure to Order: This strategy involves customizing standard products based on customer specifications.

Manufacturing Procurement 269

Manufacturing Procurement Procurement Analytics Material Savings Inventory Reduction 269

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 284

S&OP Supply and Demand Optimal Sourcing Supply Chain Design Software 284

ivalua

JUNE 12, 2025

This blog offers a clear, practical overview of what spend analysis is, how it supports strategic sourcing, and why it matters for both direct and indirect procurement. We’ll walk through key benefits, types of spend analysis, steps to get started, and metrics to track—backed by lessons learned from real-world implementations.

Cost Reduction Strategies 130

Cost Reduction Strategies Material Savings Expense Reduction Negotiating Skills 130

ToolsGroup

APRIL 25, 2019

Anyone who has done demand planning knows it is extremely complex, with forecasting challenges and rapidly shifting consumer demand, often exacerbated by seasonality, new product introductions, promotions, and myriad causal factors (e.g. Data Variety The more different types of data sources you factor in (e.g. weather, social media).

Supply and Demand 227

Supply and Demand Demand Planning Modeling Supply Chain Planning Software 227

ToolsGroup

JULY 10, 2018

If you’ve been in supply chain for any length time, you might be wondering what caused demand forecasting to develop so many different ‘personalities’ over the years. Demand forecasting, planning, sensing, shaping…what’s going on? Demand Forecasting. Demand forecasting describes the decades-old science of predicting demand.

Supply and Demand 192

Supply and Demand Demand Planning Software Forecasting Forecasting Software 192

BlueYonder

APRIL 8, 2025

The traditional metrics of excellence cost efficiency, on-time delivery while still important, are no longer sufficient in an era defined by volatility, complexity and political changes. Gone are the days of monthly forecasts based solely on historical data. The first is living demand intelligence.

Supply Chain Network Software 101

Supply Chain Network Software Supply Chain Planning Software Network Optimization Supply Chain Design Software 101

ivalua

NOVEMBER 29, 2022

Aside from mitigating risk and saving organizations money, Procurement teams have an opportunity to add value by working closely with suppliers to reduce carbon emissions while ensuring supply chain continuity through diversity and proper forecasting. Tracking the Metrics that Matter. Inflation Metrics. Risk Metrics.

Procurement Analytics 130

Procurement Analytics Metrics Manufacturing Procurement Optimal Sourcing 130

Supply Chain Shaman

FEBRUARY 26, 2024

Based on the work with Georgia Tech, we are getting clear on which metrics matter by industry. As companies adopt a balanced scorecard, the functional metrics shift to a focus on reliability. Start by analyzing your Forecast Value Added by demand stream. Most of the models are supply-centric with no place to put channel data.

Modeling 273

Modeling Supply and Demand Optimal Sourcing Supply Chain Planning Software 273

Logistics Viewpoints

APRIL 4, 2022

They source from approximately 15,000 suppliers with a sourcing spend of over €7 billion. But even multi-sourcing is not enough. A supply chain is mapped, where components are source from, how they flow through a supply chain to factories and out to customers. Their revenues exceed €25 billion.

Supply Chain Transformation 261

Supply Chain Transformation Supply Chain Planning Software Modeling Scenario Planning 261