Logistics Viewpoints

APRIL 10, 2025

Reducing cost was the primary objective, and most operational decisionsfrom sourcing to fulfillmentreflected that mindset. First, overreliance on a narrow group of suppliersespecially those in politically sensitive regionsexposes companies to risk when trade relationships shift. Procurement is another area seeing change.

Optimal Sourcing 208

Optimal Sourcing Modeling Supply Chain Optimization Cost Reduction Strategies 208

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. While executive support for purchasing SCP has waned, future sales of supply planning are still linked to a suppliers ability to support agile planning. For SAP, good planning relies on robust collaboration.

Supply Chain Planning Software 301

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

Supply Chain Shaman

FEBRUARY 4, 2025

Process-based companies continue to focus on manufacturing efficiency (OEE) and discrete on procurement (PPV) without designing the supply chain to balance transportation, manufacturing, and procurement to a balanced scorecard. Functional Metrics and the Lack of Alignment to Strategy. The Lovefest with Shiny Objects.

Supply Chain Design Software 221

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

Logistics Viewpoints

FEBRUARY 26, 2025

Supply chains, which facilitate the movement of products from manufacturers to consumers, have historically encountered issues such as inefficiency, fraud, and a lack of transparency. Companies find it difficult to fully trust the data from suppliers, complicating efforts to ensure product authenticity, safety, and ethical sourcing.

Supply Chain Software 209

Supply Chain Software Pharmaceutical Supply Chain Network Software Optimal Sourcing 209

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. Instead, the alignment between operations and commercial groups grew three-fold. Why is a reinvention needed?

Supply Chain Planning Software 195

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

Jaggaer

NOVEMBER 14, 2024

In today’s dynamic market, procurement is far more than just a buying and purchasing center. Forward-thinking organizations have transformed the department into an untapped gold mine that creates value for the entire end-to-end manufacturing process—from design and sourcing to production and delivery.

Manufacturing Procurement 52

Manufacturing Procurement Optimal Sourcing Procurement Solutions Procurement Analytics 52

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

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

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

ivalua

MARCH 16, 2020

Optimization of the entire source-to-pay process for nearly all Körber locations worldwide. As an international technology group with about 10,000 employees, Körber offers products, solutions and services that inspire. The goal was to increase efficiency across the Group’s Business Areas.

Manufacturing Procurement 49

Manufacturing Procurement Optimal Sourcing Procurement Solutions Procurement 49

Supply Chain Shaman

DECEMBER 15, 2022

If you answer the survey, I will gladly give you a custom analysis of your organization against the peer group. The financial teams, and the Information Technology (IT) groups, did not see alignment gaps, but the supply chain teams felt them and viewed them as a critical performance issue. To respond, follow this link.

Manufacturing Procurement 397

Manufacturing Procurement Supply Chain Design Software Supply Chain Planning Software Procurement Analytics 397

Logistics Viewpoints

JANUARY 16, 2025

Collin Masson, Director of Research at ARC Advisory Group. Edge Hardware: The battle for edge hardware also intensified in 2024, as companies sought to deploy AI capabilities closer to the source of data. This puts pressure on other device manufacturers to follow suit. Colin heads up ARC’s research into Industrial AI.

Modeling Software 293

Modeling Software Supply Chain Design Software Optimization Software Predictive Analytics Software 293

Supply Chain Shaman

NOVEMBER 21, 2024

Most of the business networks were hollowed out by venture capitalists or purchased by opportunists. 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 business network market is in need of innovation.)

Supply Chain Planning Software 396

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

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. Less than 1% of companies in this value chain outperform their peer group.

Supply Chain Network Software 359

Supply Chain Network Software Manufacturing Procurement Inventory Reduction Purchasing Skills 359

Logistics Viewpoints

MARCH 3, 2025

According to a survey by ARC Advisory Group, only 10% of industrial companies are ready to apply artificial intelligence/machine learning. The company has 55 manufacturing sites across the world. The risks associated with chemical manufacturing include the storage and transportation of raw materials, finished products, and waste.

Negotiating Skills 181

Negotiating Skills Supply Chain Design Software Modeling Software Supply Chain Planning Software 181

Logistics Viewpoints

APRIL 6, 2023

Procurement and Supply Chain Management are essential functions that can help companies navigate these challenges, but they are often siloed and operate in separate departments. Their metrics are often misaligned as well – supply chain focuses on service and procurement focuses on the cost of acquiring materials and services.

Optimal Sourcing 246

Optimal Sourcing Sourcing Strategies Manufacturing Procurement Material Savings 246

The Logistics of Logistics

JANUARY 13, 2023

Trey is the Co-founder and CEO at Amplio , an Atlanta based tech firm that predicts and prevents material and parts shortage for companies in the electronic manufacturing space. Trey Closson is the Co-founder and CEO at Amplio, an Atlanta based tech firm builds supply chain resilience for electronics manufacturers. About Trey Closson.

Manufacturing Procurement 244

Manufacturing Procurement Optimal Sourcing Purchasing Skills Procurement Solutions 244

Logistics Viewpoints

AUGUST 15, 2022

GEP and the North Carolina State University (NCSU) Supply Chain Resource Cooperative surveyed supply chain, procurement and IT professionals across a range of industries to gain insight into their priorities and strategies regarding supply chain resilience and optimization. Procurement solutions are often updated with purchased information.

Supply Chain Network Software 307

Supply Chain Network Software Manufacturing Procurement Procurement Analytics Optimal Sourcing 307

Supply Chain Shaman

APRIL 27, 2022

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. Keith was an undisputed leader in building talent to drive manufacturing excellence. Supply chain excellence was largely defined as manufacturing excellence.

Procurement Analytics 369

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

Logistics Viewpoints

MAY 12, 2025

and lower manufacturing activity were reported in the months preceding the talks. The working group will address broader issues including tariff policy, market access, non-tariff barriers, state subsidies, and intellectual property rights. In the U.S., In China, a decline in exports to the U.S. firms with operations in China.

Cost Reduction Strategies 184

Cost Reduction Strategies China United States Negotiating Skills 184

Supply Chain Shaman

APRIL 18, 2023

In the face of variability, this is two-to-six weeks too long to make allocation or procurement decisions. Order cycles–the requested time from order to delivery–decreased while supply cycles –the time to procure materials– increased. Build in-market sourcing. Shift in cycles. The reason?

Supply Chain Planning Software 417

Supply Chain Planning Software Supply Chain Design Software Optimal Sourcing Supply Chain Software 417

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. Using channel and trading partner signals build outside-in models and orchestrate decisions across source, make and deliver.

Optimal Sourcing 195

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

ivalua

NOVEMBER 8, 2022

US Government Passes the CHIPS Act to Increase Semiconductor Manufacturing and Research. The CHIPS Act was created in response to pandemic-induced shortages of semiconductors and other critical manufacturing supplies, causing widespread disruption to supply chains across the country. . Part A: Manufacturing in the U.S.

Manufacturing Procurement 223

Manufacturing Procurement Manufacturing South Korea Supply Chain Planning Software 223

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. Read the full report here.

Optimal Sourcing 216

Optimal Sourcing Optimization Software Price Mitigation Strategies Sourcing Strategies 216

QAD

JANUARY 16, 2025

This complexity is amplified for organizations like KION Group AG with a global footprint, necessitating strong relationships and clear communication with suppliers at every level to respond proactively to shifting market conditions. This marked a critical step in KION’s digital transformation journey.

Optimal Sourcing 52

Optimal Sourcing Manufacturing Procurement Negotiate Pricing Negotiating Skills 52

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

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 11, 2020

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. The Rubikloud acquisition was a $60M cash purchase. Elemica Purchase by Eurazeo.

Supply Chain Design Software 362

Supply Chain Design Software Procurement Solutions Manufacturing Procurement Supply Chain Planning Software 362

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

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

SEPTEMBER 27, 2021

My thought was to combine my experience working on visibility solutions with Descartes Systems Group and Manugistics with recent research data. Too few companies have a holistic approach to embrace the plan, make, source, and deliver together. I volunteered to write a report on supply visibility. I thought it would be easy.

Supply Chain Planning Software 390

Supply Chain Planning Software Sourcing Strategies Manufacturing Procurement Supply Chain Design Software 390

Logistics Viewpoints

MARCH 17, 2025

A data fabric does not store data itself; it connects and provides access to data from diverse sources without physically moving or duplicating it. It accesses, transforms, and harmonizes data from multiple sources to make it usable and actionable for various business use cases. Agentic AI is a group of agents working together.

SAP 182

SAP Modeling Software Logistics Network Optimization Software Manufacturing Procurement 182

Kinaxis

MAY 16, 2025

Since January, Canadians’ weekly grocery trips have become a real-time indicator for the potential impacts of tariffs as shoppers have responded to threats with a showcase of buying power, prioritizing nationally sourced and manufactured products even before a single tariff was enacted. goods were “ rapidly dropping.”

Beverage 130

Beverage Price Reduction Canada Cost Reduction Strategies 130

Logistics Viewpoints

OCTOBER 18, 2023

These are questions ARC Advisory Group will seek to answer in our online survey research of supply chain executives over the next few months. Source: J.P. Global Manufacturing PMI Global Trade as a Barometer Clearly domestic business activity is much larger than international trade. The HCOB Germany PMI , which registered 39.6

Manufacturing Procurement 332

Manufacturing Procurement GEP Purchasing Skills Logistics 332

Logistics Viewpoints

FEBRUARY 11, 2021

At the same time, the Chief Purchasing Officer (CPO) has taken on a pivotal role by securing Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) to protect the workforce and direct materials when primary sources fail. As disruptions become the norm, Supply Chain Planning and Source-to-Pay (S2P) cycles need to be increasingly dynamic and intertwined.

Manufacturing Procurement 275

Manufacturing Procurement Sourcing Strategies Pharmaceutical Procurement Solutions 275

Supply Chain Matters

JUNE 3, 2025

Below are the individual web links and prime takeaway messages from each of our prior postings: Part One : Michael observed that standard sourcing solutions struggle to support direct materials sourcing because of specific challenges in legacy software design.

Supply Chain Planning Software 52

Supply Chain Planning Software Sourcing Strategies Manufacturing Procurement Purchasing Skills 52

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. Moreover, the proliferation of e-commerce is reshaping how aftermarket products are purchased.

Manufacturing Procurement 156

Manufacturing Procurement Optimization Software Supply Chain Planning Software ToolsGroup 156