ivalua

MAY 30, 2025

AI is reshaping the way organizations source, manage suppliers, and drive value today. As supply chains become more interconnected and risks more dynamic, traditional procurement tools fall short. AI agents offer a smarter, faster way to manage sourcing, risk, and spend across the entire procurement lifecycle.

Optimal Sourcing 130

Optimal Sourcing Procurement Solutions Procurement Analytics Negotiating Skills 130

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

Logistics Viewpoints

MARCH 19, 2025

The COVID-19 pandemic and ongoing geopolitical shifts demonstrated the risks of relying on single-source suppliers and minimal inventory buffers. Companies are restructuring supplier networks, adopting just-in-case (JIC) inventory models, and implementing AI-driven forecasting to anticipate and mitigate disruptions.

Supply Chain Software 254

Supply Chain Software Inventory Reduction Cost Reduction Strategies Supply Chain Planning Software 254

ivalua

MAY 21, 2025

Enterprise procurement teams face growing pressure to deliver strategic value – managing supplier risk, ensuring compliance, and supporting sustainability – all without sacrificing speed or control. This blog explores the most common challenges in digital procurement and the capabilities that matter most.

Optimal Sourcing 130

Optimal Sourcing Procurement Solutions Procurement Analytics Analytics Software 130

ivalua

JUNE 5, 2025

Procurement and purchasing are often used interchangeably, but they serve distinct roles within any successful organization.While both involve acquiring goods and services, their workflows, objectives, and impact on enterprise risk management differ significantly. Procurement vs. Purchasing: What’s the Difference? What is Procurement?

Procurement Solutions 130

Procurement Solutions Purchasing Skills Optimal Sourcing Negotiating Skills 130

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 216

Optimal Sourcing Modeling Supply Chain Optimization Cost Reduction Strategies 216

ivalua

JUNE 17, 2025

In a world of ever-growing economic uncertainty, procurement is at the heart of organizations’ aim to drive efficiency and cost savings. As more and more companies invest in S2P technology, Ivalua has commissioned a survey and report on “The State of Source-to-Pay Digitization 2025” from trusted research and advisory firm Ardent Partners.

Optimal Sourcing 100

Optimal Sourcing Sourcing Strategies Supply Chain Planning Software Analytics Software 100

SCMDOJO

OCTOBER 28, 2024

Procurement People should learn the Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP) Process. 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.

S&OP 97

S&OP Optimal Sourcing Supply and Demand Material Savings 97

ivalua

MAY 10, 2025

Enterprise procurement leaders are under more pressure than ever—juggling cost control, compliance, supplier risk, and internal complexity, all while trying to modernize outdated systems. AI, automation, and generative tools are redefining efficiency, allowing procurement teams to move from reactive to proactive decision-making.

Procurement Solutions 130

Procurement Solutions Sourcing Strategies Optimal Sourcing Analytics Software 130

Supply Chain Shaman

JUNE 10, 2025

Supply chain was defined in 1982 as interoperability between source, make and deliver. Each organization has multiple demand streams with different characteristics–forecastability, demand latency, and bias. Most companies forecast a single stream with a focus on error. Why is a reinvention needed?

Supply Chain Planning Software 195

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

Precoro

DECEMBER 24, 2024

Traditionally, procurement has been a process weighed down by manual tasks, fragmented systems, and endless paperwork. Today, procurement is undergoing a transformation. While procurement teams have long worked to add strategic value, Artificial Intelligence (AI) amplifies their impact.

Price Reduction 105

Price Reduction Sourcing Strategies Cost Reduction Strategies Expense Reduction 105

Supply Chain Shaman

JUNE 17, 2025

The waste included: Negative Forecast Value Added (FVA) in demand planning. In 85% of organizations that I work with, conventional demand planning processes increase forecast error. When we measure the bullwhip impact (in my class on outside-in process thinking), the bullwhip between manufacturing and procurement is 2-3X.

Supply Chain Planning Software 195

Supply Chain Planning Software Supply Chain Planning Supply Chain Software Scenario Planning 195

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. Eleven of the thirteen industries studied are forecastable and stable over time.

Optimal Sourcing 367

Optimal Sourcing Supply Chain Planning Software Supply Chain Design Software Supply Chain Software 367

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 283

Optimal Sourcing Manufacturing Procurement Procurement Analytics Procurement Solutions 283

Kinaxis

JUNE 11, 2025

Automakers must model dual-path sourcing strategies and reintroduce buffer inventory—not just for parts, but for regulatory flexibility. Emergency tariffs have raised the landed cost of essential imports in medtech, forcing procurement teams to seek alternative (and often less validated) suppliers, which is a regulatory risk.

Pharmaceutical 167

Pharmaceutical Modeling Negotiating Skills Purchasing Skills 167

Kinaxis

MAY 29, 2025

When tariffs hit, crucial components that were once affordable can become prohibitively expensive, forcing companies to rethink their sourcing and production strategies. 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

MAY 1, 2025

Industry-specific content is available for processes like Source to Settle, Procure to Pay, Order to Cash, and more. Predictive and prescriptive AI addresses use cases like inventory optimization, asset health predictions, yield optimization, and financial forecasting. Key features include Multi-tier Mapping and Trace Request.

Prescriptive Analytics Software 197

Prescriptive Analytics Software Optimal Sourcing Material Savings Predictive Analytics Software 197

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. Is there value?

Optimal Sourcing 409

Optimal Sourcing Supply Chain Planning Software Manufacturing Procurement Modeling 409

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.

Supply Chain Planning Software 290

Supply Chain Planning Software Prescriptive Analytics Software Agile and Lean Supply Chain Modeling 290

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

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

MAY 13, 2025

But now, it’s being activated through AI agents designed to automate sourcing, manage risk in real time, and reduce the friction thats long plagued procurement and finance functions. This move positions Coupa as the full-stack provider for planning, execution, and optimization in global sourcing. One standout moment?

Las Vegas 136

Las Vegas Optimal Sourcing Sourcing Strategies San Francisco 136

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

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 Matters

APRIL 17, 2025

and China, are now compelling forecasters to make adjustments, mostly to the downside. Global Trade Forecasts Global trade forecasts serve as a barometer for global supply chain activity levels. The latest April UNCAD forecast reflects the downside risk. Regarding global headline inflation, the October forecast was 4.3

Forecasting 52

Forecasting Forecasting Software Global Modeling 52

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

Supply Chain Brain

JUNE 17, 2025

Koganti urged the procurement audience to look for whats referred to as “foresight function” in planning tools, which is capable of enhancing data analysis, scenario generation and trend identification , allowing for more informed and proactive decision-making, albeit with human oversight.

Supply Chain Planning Software 100

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

Supply Chain Shaman

APRIL 29, 2024

Don’t run a selection process through procurement or finance. For example, currently, I am surprised on the shifts on forecastability (many companies struggle with the shifts in the market and the decrease in forecastability). Source: Horse for Courses definition Oxford Dictionary Listen and learn. Next Steps?

Supply Chain Planning Software 417

Supply Chain Planning Software Supply Chain Design Software Supply Chain Software Forecasting Software 417

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

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 307

Sourcing Strategies Supply Chain Design Software Modeling Inventory Reduction 307

Logistics Viewpoints

FEBRUARY 28, 2022

Machine Learning, a Form of Artifical Intelligence, Has Feedback Loops that Improve Forecasting. A supply chain planning model learns when the planning application takes an output, like a forecast, observes the accuracy of the output, and then updates its own model so that better outputs will occur in the future.

Optimal Sourcing 354

Optimal Sourcing Supply Chain Planning Software Supply Chain Design Software Supply Chain Planning 354

Logistics Viewpoints

MAY 13, 2024

This technology allows businesses to unify their procurement, expense management, invoicing, payments, sourcing, contract management, and spend analysis processes and reporting. A solution needs to be trained on the right data, on data that has been ethically sourced.” The idea of community was there from the beginning.”

Procurement Solutions 293

Procurement Solutions Forecasting Software Modeling Software Procurement Analytics 293

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. I find 80-90% of companies are degrading the forecast through traditional thinking.) Go to the source.

Supply and Demand 431

Supply and Demand Supply Chain Planning Software Modeling Demand Planning 431

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

Logistics Viewpoints

JANUARY 17, 2023

Over the past few years, supply chain and procurement pros have faced the challenge of navigating their enterprises through one disruption after another. Despite their best efforts, current events and market dynamics caught up with them, leading to issues managing their suppliers and sourcing the materials needed for their products.

Prescriptive Analytics Software 281

Prescriptive Analytics Software Supply Chain Software Predictive Analytics Software Forecasting Software 281

Jaggaer

FEBRUARY 5, 2025

Complete Source to Pay cycle and Strategic Sourcing Guide An optimized Source-to-Pay (S2P) process helps businesses enhance procurement efficiency, reduce costs, and improve supplier collaboration. What is Source-to-Pay? A well-executed S2P strategy reduces costs, increases visibility, and ensures compliance.

Optimal Sourcing 52

Optimal Sourcing Sourcing Strategies Negotiating Skills Cost Reduction Strategies 52

Logistics Viewpoints

MARCH 17, 2022

The same survey indicates that 50% of the retailers are unhappy with their existing technology solutions and are looking to enhance or replace them to bring more diagnostic and predictive capabilities, including: Current demand vs. forecast analysis and rebalancing. Automated forecasting processes. Network cost modeling.

Supply Chain Planning Software 335

Supply Chain Planning Software Forecasting Software Analytics Software Supply Chain Network Software 335