Supply Chain Shaman

NOVEMBER 21, 2024

Yawn and walk on if the answer is i mproving demand error or reducing inventory levels. The session is open to manufacturers, retailers, consultants, and academics. Each attendee will receive an orbit chart packet with a comparison to their peer group. The questions to ask are, “How does the improvement of engines improve work?

Supply Chain Planning Software 396

Supply Chain Planning Software Modeling Software Modeling Supply Chain Network Software 396

The Logistics of Logistics

JUNE 14, 2024

trillion distortion inventory problem. Karl is the CEO and Co-founder of Pull Logic , an AI-enabled tech company focused on reducing lost sales for retailers, brands, and manufacturers due failure points in the supply chain and selling processes. Karl Swensen and Joe Lynch discuss solving the $1.8 Summary: Solving the $1.8

Inventory Reduction 264

Inventory Reduction Inventory Inventory Management Software Modeling 264

Supply Chain Shaman

FEBRUARY 4, 2025

Despite the evolution of technology, none of the 28 industry segments I follow can drive improvement at the intersection of operating margin and inventory turns. I define supply chain excellence as the ability to outperform an industry peer group during a time period. Change is Hard. Unlearning is Tougher. Guess what?

Supply Chain Design Software 221

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

RFgen

NOVEMBER 13, 2024

Picture this: You’re a warehouse manager, and with a few taps on your smartphone, you instantly know the exact location and quantity of every item in your inventory. That’s not science fiction—it’s the power of mobile inventory management. Ready to turn your inventory from a headache into a strategic asset?

Inventory Management Software 96

Inventory Management Software Real-time Visibility Inventory Reduction Inventory Management 96

Logistics Viewpoints

APRIL 10, 2025

First, overreliance on a narrow group of suppliersespecially those in politically sensitive regionsexposes companies to risk when trade relationships shift. When a critical Tier-2 supplier is affected by a tariff policy change or regional shutdown, the ripple effects often catch manufacturers by surprise.

Optimal Sourcing 218

Optimal Sourcing Modeling Supply Chain Optimization Cost Reduction Strategies 218

Supply Chain Shaman

APRIL 24, 2025

The Losers Are the Global Multi-National Supply Chain Teams As I work on the Supply Chains to Admire report, that will publish soon, I wince at the performance of large strategic customers of the supply chain planning vendors when compared to their peer groups. The methodology is now 20 years old. Let’s have an honest discussion.

Gartner 195

Gartner Supply Chain Planning Software Supply Chain Planning Scenario Planning 195

Logistics Viewpoints

OCTOBER 18, 2024

Now let’s get to the Supply Chain News: Descartes Acquires Sellercloud Descartes Systems Group, a standout provider in logistics solutions, announced its acquisition of Sellercloud, a US-based provider of omnichannel e-commerce solutions.

Price Reduction 291

Price Reduction Inventory Reduction Cost Reduction Strategies Supply Chain Planning Software 291

ToolsGroup

FEBRUARY 4, 2020

The manufacturing industry has a strong heritage of adopting game-changing technologies to deliver higher quality products more efficiently. In a recent KPMG study, 69% of manufacturing CEOs say acting with agility is “the new currency of business; if we’re too slow, we will be bankrupt.” Excess and obsolete inventory.

Supply Chain Planning Software 232

Supply Chain Planning Software Supply Chain Planning Inventory Reduction Supply Chain Software 232

Logistics Viewpoints

JUNE 3, 2025

These steps include sourcing and receiving inventory, storing inventory, order processing, picking and packing an order, shipping the order, and returns management. Factors like planning tools, inventory management, demand patterns, and innovations in technology contribute to the success or failure of fulfillment optimization.

Optimal Sourcing 227

Optimal Sourcing Optimization Software Sourcing Strategies Price Mitigation Strategies 227

Logistics Viewpoints

OCTOBER 24, 2024

The Warner Music Group was an early adopter. They also cover supplier managed inventory, quality collaboration, manufacturing line collaboration, and asset collaboration. While SAP has had procurement analytics solutions, last year at Spend Connect Live, SAP announced the Spend Control Tower.

SAP 292

SAP Procurement Solutions Manufacturing Procurement Procurement Analytics 292

ToolsGroup

OCTOBER 6, 2021

Optimization is peak efficiency, using the perfect balance of inventory and resources to service customer demand without incurring any unnecessary costs or waste. Optimizing is meaningless without an inventory optimization objective. Of course, inventory optimization is infinitely more complex than yacht racing.

Optimization Software 266

Optimization Software Supply Chain Planning Software Supply Chain Optimization Scenario Planning 266

ToolsGroup

SEPTEMBER 30, 2024

This sector is driven by several factors, including the ageing vehicle population, the rise of e-commerce platforms , and technological advancements in vehicle manufacturing. This shift has led to a growing need for agile inventory management and quick delivery systems.

Manufacturing Procurement 156

Manufacturing Procurement Optimization Software ToolsGroup Supply Chain Planning Software 156

Logistics Viewpoints

DECEMBER 30, 2024

A recent supply chain planning market analysis released by the ARC Advisory Group suggests EY has picked up on a trend. They also cover supplier-managed inventory, quality collaboration, manufacturing line collaboration, and asset collaboration. EY and ARCs research suggests that at many companies, that opportunity is receding.

Supply Chain Planning Software 301

Supply Chain Planning Software Agile and Lean Supply Chain Supply Chain Planning Scenario Planning 301

ToolsGroup

OCTOBER 29, 2024

At the forefront of this change is the circular economy – a framework that’s reshaping not just vehicle manufacturing but the entire automotive aftermarket. Multi-Echelon Inventory Optimization (MEIO) : Ensures optimal inventory levels across all stages of the circular supply chain.

Automotive 156

Automotive Waste Reduction Supply Chain Design Software Supply Chain Planning Software 156

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.

Inventory Reduction 434

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

Supply Chain Shaman

DECEMBER 28, 2020

Only four percent of companies compared to their peer groups improved balance sheet performance of growth, operating margin, and inventory turns. When compared to pre-recession years, we ended the decade with twenty more days of inventory. Days of Inventory Comparison. Both companies outperformed their peer groups.

Supply Chain Planning Software 418

Supply Chain Planning Software Forecasting Forecasting Software Modeling 418

Logistics Viewpoints

FEBRUARY 7, 2025

Companies are proactively acquiring electric vehicle (EV) manufacturers, battery storage providers, and related infrastructure firms to embed sustainability into their operations. Predictive analytics tools enabled by AI are helping organizations optimize inventory management, reduce downtime, and improve demand forecasting.

Logistics Network Optimization Software 198

Logistics Network Optimization Software Cost Reduction Strategies Price Reduction Inventory Reduction 198

Logistics Viewpoints

AUGUST 9, 2022

While consumers may see some short-term benefit in the form of discounted goods, many retailers have had to reset investor expectations , reflecting the expected hit on margins from carrying so much inventory. Inventory management is challenging enough in normal times. So, what is it going to take to enable better inventory management?

Inventory Management Software 261

Inventory Management Software Inventory Management Inventory Reduction Supply Chain Design Software 261

Supply Chain Shaman

MAY 15, 2023

If you would like to participate in a current research study, we would love your help and participation in the contract manufacturing study. We are trying to assess the value of a network in managing contract manufacturing.) One of the alignment gaps that is growing and is unfortunate is the gap between procurement and manufacturing.

Manufacturing Procurement 468

Manufacturing Procurement Optimal Sourcing Agile and Lean Supply Chain Supply Chain Planning 468

ToolsGroup

SEPTEMBER 29, 2022

Improving inventory position can help retailers secure consumer loyalty and capture impulse spending. Across other retail sectors, customers have increased their trust in inventory availability from 1-7%. In July 2022, IHL and ToolsGroup surveyed U.S. consumer trust in retailers over the last two years as a result of out-of-stocks.

ToolsGroup 156

ToolsGroup Optimal Sourcing Study Groups 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. Today, this network operates with less capacity and ballooning inventories.

Supply Chain Network Software 359

Supply Chain Network Software Manufacturing Procurement Inventory Reduction Purchasing Skills 359

Supply Chain Shaman

JUNE 30, 2023

As a result, demand planning is largely manual, inventory management is a series of manual inputs, and production planning is via spreadsheet. John’s company is a process-based manufacturer and Anne’s ERP solution is a better fit for configure to order which leads to limitations. Analyze Root Cause for Order Reliability.

Supply Chain Planning Software 387

Supply Chain Planning Software Supply Chain Design Software Agile and Lean Supply Chain Eliminating Excel in Purchasing 387

Logistics Viewpoints

MARCH 6, 2025

manufacturer I know saw their import costs jump overnight, forcing a rethink of a decade-old sourcing strategy. Strategic moves like bulk buying, closer supplier partnerships, and syncing procurement with supply chain planning can tighten inventory, cut waste, and free up cash. What Is Agile Procurement? For example, U.S.-based

Price Reduction 211

Price Reduction Material Savings Cost Reduction Strategies Waste Reduction 211

Supply Chain Shaman

OCTOBER 5, 2018

The award, based on beating the industry peer group on rate of improvement on the key metrics of growth, operating margin, inventory turns, and Return on Invested Capital (ROIC) while outperforming their peer group, is tough to achieve. Based in Paris, L’Oréal is a global personal care manufacturing company.

Case Study 329

Case Study Inventory Reduction Study Agile and Lean Supply Chain 329

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. Interestingly, in Q3 2023, 38% of manufacturers, distributors and retailers missed their target for revenue guidance for the quarter. The result was restatement.

Supply Chain Design Software 395

Supply Chain Design Software Supply Chain Planning Software Modeling Supply Chain Software 395

Supply Chain Shaman

NOVEMBER 21, 2023

My client attempted to have a supply chain discussion to improve flow, and his executive group just did not get it. I worked three layers down in the organization for a well-established leader in manufacturing named Dan. Dan had a very manufacturing view and Fred focused on logistics. Sometimes, this is a tough discussion.

Supply Chain Planning Software 406

Supply Chain Planning Software Inventory Reduction Supply Chain Design Software Cost Reduction Strategies 406

Supply Chain Shaman

JANUARY 9, 2024

Nvidia, Northrup Grumman, PACCAR Inc, PCA (Packaging Corporation of America), ResMed, Rockwell Automation, Ross Stores, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing (TSMC) Company, Tempur-Pedic, TJX, Toro, Toyota, West Pharma, United Tractors, and Urban Outfitters. An average margin of 21% with inventory turns of 1.58 The group is pragmatic.

Supply Chain Planning Software 386

Supply Chain Planning Software Pharmaceutical Supply Chain Planning Gartner 386

Supply Chain Shaman

JANUARY 30, 2025

The Salesforce.com model is primarily a pipeline management tool suitable for discrete markets but not process manufacturers. Relex will continue to do well in the retail market but will struggle to be a serious player in manufacturing due to the lack of thought leadership. Will this change the market? I don’t think so.

Supply Chain Planning Software 221

Supply Chain Planning Software Supply Chain Design Software Modeling Modeling Software 221

Supply Chain Shaman

APRIL 27, 2022

At each company, there is a relationship between the metrics of growth, margin, inventory, customer service, and asset strategy. Keith led the work to move P&G from a regional to a global manufacturer opening up the Warsaw center of planning excellence and outsourcing IT to HP. A manufacturing capability is not ubiquitous.

Procurement Analytics 369

Procurement Analytics Manufacturing Procurement Supply Chain Planning Software Supply Chain Design Software 369

Supply Chain Shaman

JUNE 21, 2023

One of my insights from doing the industry analysis for the Supply Chains to Admire each year is that smaller and less well-known companies outperform larger and better-known manufacturers. While companies that supply chain leaders believe are top performers– J&J, P&G, and Unilever– do not outperform their peer group.

Gartner 424

Gartner Supply Chain Planning Software Supply Chain Design Software Supply Chain Planning 424

Supply Chain Shaman

APRIL 2, 2025

For my long-time readers, you know that fewer than 3% of companies outperform their peer group in our Supply Chains to Admire analysis , and that the Gartner Top 25 is essentially a beauty contest for underperformers. The third step is to do a data inventory. The focus is on unveiling a new, bright, and shiny object. And what is value?

Optimal Sourcing 195

Optimal Sourcing Supply Chain Planning Software Modeling Supply Chain Design Software 195

Supply Chain Shaman

JUNE 10, 2025

Instead, the alignment between operations and commercial groups grew three-fold. Technology can automate role-based views up and down the river of demand for all roles: marketing, sales, finance, manufacturing, procurement, transportation, and human resources. A function within a functional organization.

Supply Chain Planning Software 195

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

Logistics Viewpoints

AUGUST 1, 2024

In this scenario, by adopting an adaptive supply chain, the retailer uses real-time data analytics to identify emerging trends and collaborate closely with suppliers to quickly adjust production and inventory levels to meet customer demand. This collaboration enables faster response times and cost savings.

Modeling 313

Modeling Network Optimization Supply Chain Design Software Supply Chain Network Software 313

Logistics Viewpoints

JUNE 3, 2025

Bob Gill, General Manager of ARC Advisory Group (right), presented the award to Dave Ching, Head of Sales for Southeast Asia, Australia, and New Zealand (left). trade policies on sourcing strategies, inventory flows, and distribution networks amid rising costs.

Asia 183

Asia Supply Chain Design Software Supply Chain Software Logistics Network Optimization Software 183

Supply Chain Shaman

JANUARY 9, 2019

Stuck, the company struggled with customer service levels and high inventory write-offs. The process helped World Kitchen manage inventories through bankruptcy filing in 2002. World Kitchen’s supply chain– with significant manufacturing and distribution operations throughout North America and Asia– was complex.

Supply Chain Design Software 334

Supply Chain Design Software Supply Chain Planning Software Case Study Forecasting Software 334

Supply Chain Shaman

JUNE 19, 2018

It is now our fifth year of analyzing balance sheets to understand which companies are outperforming their peer groups on the metrics of growth, operating margin, inventory turns and Return on Invested Capital (ROIC) while driving improvement. We group companies by industry sector because the industries are so different in performance.

Gartner 277

Gartner Supply Chain Design Software Supply Chain Design Supply Chain Strategy 277

Supply Chain Shaman

SEPTEMBER 13, 2023

If S&OP efforts were that effective, don’t you think that we would have made more progress against inventory levels, margin, and growth? In part, this results in increasing swings in inventory in response to shifts in consumer demand as one moves further up the supply chain. Which brings me back to Anna. She is a disbeliever.

Supply and Demand 431

Supply and Demand Supply Chain Planning Software Modeling Demand Planning 431