ToolsGroup

JUNE 2, 2023

Suddenly, managing inventory is the name of the game for companies trying to manage working capital and maximize profit while keeping customers happy. So how does a manufacturer navigate this rollercoaster? And that’s where real-time perpetual inventory signals come in.

Real-time Visibility 294

Real-time Visibility Manufacturing Procurement Optimal Sourcing Inventory Reduction 294

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

Supply Chain Shaman

OCTOBER 29, 2020

Inventory, in this time of uncertainty, is the organization’s most important buffer to protect against variability. However, organizations are not good at managing inventory. Cash-to-Cash Metrics. Cash-to-cash is a compound metric: (Days of Receivables+Days of Inventory)-Days of Payables=Cash Conversion Cycle.

Optimal Sourcing 299

Optimal Sourcing Supply Chain Design Software Waste Reduction Inventory Reduction 299

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

Supply Chain Shaman

APRIL 2, 2025

The issue is that when companies optimize functional metrics, they throw the supply chain out of balance and sub-optimize value. The third step is to do a data inventory. Explore the data the organization owns and explore how to use different forms of data to answer the questions central to the business.

Optimal Sourcing 195

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

GlobalTranz

FEBRUARY 2, 2018

Align Inventory Placement With Demand. Retailers must align inventory placement , its physical location, with demand. This means moving inventory to make it closer to markets where it is sells. Staff members also need to know how to manage omnichannel fulfillment. The next step is simple.

Omnichannel 242

Omnichannel Supply Chain Design Software Supply Chain Planning Software Supply Chain Software 242

The Logistics of Logistics

JUNE 14, 2024

trillion distortion inventory problem. Trillion Inventory Distortion Problem In this podcast, Karl Swensen, CEO and Co-founder of Pull Logic, discusses how their AI-enabled technology helps retailers, brands, and manufacturers reduce lost sales by addressing supply chain and selling process failure points.

Inventory Reduction 264

Inventory Reduction Inventory Inventory Management Software Modeling 264

Supply Chain Shaman

MAY 12, 2025

So, if you are a planner today, why not invest in learning how to become an Agentic AI Supervisor? You would start by learning how to program AI agents. Focus on how to use new forms of technology to solve supply chain problems in your circle of control. Form and socialize your own hierarchy of metrics.

Modeling 221

Modeling Waste Reduction Supply Chain Planning Software Supply Chain Design Software 221

RFgen

NOVEMBER 27, 2024

You’ll learn how to leverage data to streamline operations, reduce costs, improve efficiency, and exceed customer expectations. Data analytics also offers actionable insights for: Inventory Management: See stock levels across multiple locations in real-time. Demand Forecasting: Analyze past data to predict future needs.

Optimal Sourcing 98

Optimal Sourcing Supply Chain Optimization Modeling Inventory Reduction 98

Supply Chain Shaman

JANUARY 7, 2015

While Joe is trying to balance the feedback from Filipe and Frank, he is often asked to change his metric targets by his CFO named Lou. The book outlines how to drive a guiding coalition. It is for this reason, that I believe that the traditional SCOR Model metrics are problematic. Achieving Balance in Metrics.

Metrics 150

Metrics Agile and Lean Supply Chain Manufacturing Procurement Modeling 150

GlobalTranz

JULY 7, 2021

Among the services which they provide are transportation, warehousing, cross-docking, inventory management, packaging, and freight forwarding.”. The post 3PL vs 4PL: How to Know Which One is Right for You appeared first on GlobalTranz Enterprises, LLC. Essentially, a 3PL is a third-party that fulfills requests from a shipper.

3PL 310

3PL Third Party Logistics Logistics Network Optimization Software How To 310

Supply Chain Shaman

SEPTEMBER 3, 2018

Over the last six years, we studied the connection between business results (growth, operating margin, inventory turns and Return on Invested Capital (ROIC)) and the link to company characteristics. The question was on “how to improve performance.” Reward teams for cross-functional metrics. What did we find?

Supply Chain Planning Software 377

Supply Chain Planning Software Supply Chain Design Software Agile and Lean Supply Chain Supply Chain Software 377

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. Now, let’s take consumer products. What can we learn?

Supply Chain Planning Software 418

Supply Chain Planning Software Forecasting Forecasting Software Modeling 418

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). The focus is not on who but on how to improve outcomes. Does functional ownership matter?

Supply Chain Planning Software 370

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

Supply Chain Shaman

JULY 6, 2020

Tom, the colorful warehouse manager, constantly heckled Frank for the increasing inventory levels while Ed, the quiet material/logistics manager, constantly questioned if there was a better way. The idea was so novel and counter to my project direction that I did not know how to react. Frank had little patience for Ed. The So What?

Agile and Lean Supply Chain 362

Agile and Lean Supply Chain Supply Chain Design Software Supply Chain Planning Software Supply Chain Strategy 362

Supply Chain Opz

OCTOBER 10, 2014

An accomplishment-based resume provides metrics and quantifiable info about a candidate’s accomplishments. For example, if your Supply Chain work has reduced inventory turns or resulted in savings, you want to make sure your resume spells that out loud and clear. If you’re an inventory planner, how many SKUs did you manage?

Supply Chain Planning Software 271

Supply Chain Planning Software Supply Chain Planning Supply Chain Software Supply Chain 271

Supply Chain Shaman

MARCH 21, 2024

At the time, many business leaders did not know how to type and had no idea how to use a computer. 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. Only 15% of inventories are safety stock.

Inventory Reduction 434

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

Supply Chain Shaman

NOVEMBER 21, 2023

In the early 1980s, As a result, we did not have a perpetual inventory signal. Without a perpetual inventory signal, we were never synchronized on where to place customer orders. As a result, inventories ballooned after the DRP implementation. The metrics were not aligned. I also ran three outside warehouses.

Supply Chain Planning Software 406

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

SCMDOJO

MAY 26, 2025

Learn how to build a robust maintenance program with Effective Preventive Maintenance Planning , and keep your machinesand timelinesrunning smoothly. Workers should feel supported, not micromanaged, and know how to escalate problems when necessary. Inventory systems must also reflect real-time conditions on the factory floor.

Supply Chain Planning Software 59

Supply Chain Planning Software Inventory Reduction Material Savings Resource Reduction 59

GlobalTranz

MAY 18, 2018

Leverage Inventory as Data When systems communicate, they create inventory data, but actual inventory can be turned into data points and metrics to understand the flow of products. How to Avoid Supply Chain Technology Hiccups appeared first on Transportation Management Company | Cerasis. Download white paper.

Supply Chain Design Software 184

Supply Chain Design Software Supply Chain Software Omnichannel Analytics Software 184

Supply Chain Shaman

JANUARY 8, 2014

Interview for Metrics That Matter. My kitchen table is piled high with interviews for the upcoming book, Metrics That Matter. I recently interviewed him for my upcoming book, Metrics that Matter, that publishes in August 2014. Which metrics do you think matter to supply chain excellence? ” Supply Chain Leader.

Procurement Analytics 279

Procurement Analytics Manufacturing Procurement Metrics Eliminating Excel in Purchasing 279

Supply Chain Shaman

OCTOBER 29, 2014

Some may be used by the digital marketing teams for marketing purposes, but the average company does not know how to use it. It is tough for me to see that nine out of ten companies are stuck, and not making progress, at the intersection of operating margin and inventory turns. It is piling up on the doorsteps of most major companies.

Supply Chain Planning Software 379

Supply Chain Planning Software Modeling Demand Planning Software Optimization Software 379

Enchange Supply Chain Consultancy

JULY 3, 2024

Using ourA-B-C of Route to Market model, the Catalyst Phase is when we execute or as we sometime call it ‘How to Win’. Ensure they have the necessary inventory, marketing materials, and training to effectively introduce your products to the market. Utilize inventory management tools and techniques to optimize stock levels.

Inventory Reduction 263

Inventory Reduction Supply Chain Planning Software Material Savings Price Mitigation Strategies 263

Freight Plus

MAY 13, 2025

Failing to meet expectations can result in: Chargebacks Loss of preferred vendor status Smaller or fewer orders Strained retailer relationships These scorecards are not just internal metrics. One of the most important metrics on a retailer scorecard is OTIF , which stands for On Time, In Full. What Is OTIF and Why Does It Matter?

Optimal Sourcing 52

Optimal Sourcing Retail Real-time Visibility How To 52

Supply Chain Shaman

JUNE 19, 2013

It comes in many flavors–increase in inventory, changes in sales policies, new product lines– all add to the complexity. The only industry that has made progress in inventory management is consumer electronics. Many executives lack an understanding of the supply chain as a complex system and how to manage trade-offs.

Forecasting 320

Forecasting Supply Chain Planning Software Agile and Lean Supply Chain Forecasting Software 320

SCMDOJO

FEBRUARY 26, 2025

By the end of this blog post, you will be able to not only understand what cost performance index is, but also know how to calculate it. What contexts can it be used in and how, as well as the benefits of using cost performance index in supply chain contexts. What is the Cost Performance Index (CPI)? The research paper by Winanda et.

Negotiating Skills 52

Negotiating Skills Optimal Sourcing Negotiate Pricing Cost Reduction Strategies 52

SCMDOJO

OCTOBER 30, 2024

For instance, a student struggling with inventory management concepts can receive supplementary materials, interactive simulations, and one-on-one tutoring sessions tailored to their needs. Conversely, a student who quickly grasps procurement strategies can be challenged with advanced case studies and leadership projects.

Supply Chain Planning Software 97

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

RFgen

JANUARY 16, 2025

That’s where manufacturing inventory management software comes in. In this ultimate guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about manufacturing inventory management software. Its your single source of truth for inventory, constantly updated and readily available.

Inventory Management Software 52

Inventory Management Software Manufacturing Procurement Supply Chain Planning Software Optimization Software 52

Supply Chain Shaman

JULY 12, 2013

Focus the organization on understanding the “probability and patterns of demand” and how to design push/pull decoupling points, supplier networks and inventory buffers to improve agility (focusing on form and function of inventory in the supply chain). Next week, I will be writing on my new book Metrics That Matter.

Supply Chain Design Software 322

Supply Chain Design Software Supply Chain Planning Software Modeling Modeling Software 322

Supply Chain Shaman

FEBRUARY 1, 2024

Optimization engines to improve functional metric performance resulted in an exploding number of planners. Rolling up a perpetual inventory signal takes eleven hours. days to get a perpetual inventory signal and 2.2 What is the impact of the amplification and distortion on inventory and cost? On average, it takes 2.8

Supply Chain Planning Software 392

Supply Chain Planning Software Optimal Sourcing Manufacturing Procurement Waste Reduction 392

Logistics Viewpoints

MAY 27, 2024

They achieved significant carbon reductions in their cloud supply chain by creating a model that looked at the forward positioning of inventory, freight consolidation opportunities, and where to build the distribution centers. A clear goal needs to be combined with good data and metrics. Access to the data needed to be democratized. “We

Supply Chain Design Software 305

Supply Chain Design Software Cost Reduction Strategies Inventory Reduction Supply Chain Design 305

Logistics Viewpoints

JUNE 22, 2023

Ultimately it allows the measurement of a business’ ability to deliver on their promise while capturing the highest gross margin on their inventory investment. How to measure OTIF: OTIF measurements pose challenges for organizations regardless of their type or industry. How can an OMS help improve OTIF?

Supply Chain Software 260

Supply Chain Software Real-time Visibility Modeling Software Optimization Software 260

ToolsGroup

MARCH 3, 2022

However, ignoring the effect of something with such a profound impact on consumers’ day-to-day lives can lead to severe miscalculations in everything from sales and inventory to markdowns and staffing levels. How to Use Weather Analytics in Retail Forecasting. Inventory costs, markdowns and shrink are three primary examples.

Forecasting 156

Forecasting Forecasting Software Procurement Analytics Retail 156

Supply Chain Shaman

JUNE 29, 2014

It could no longer be just about inventory levels. This analysis needed to be completed monthly and fed to newer forms of inventory optimization technologies. ” Most companies do not know how to manage this thing called supply chain, that is a complex system with increasing complexity. The gap is tough.

Supply Chain Design Software 268

Supply Chain Design Software Supply Chain Design Network Design Software Supply Chain Planning Software 268

SCMDOJO

APRIL 11, 2025

Is inventory bloating your costs? Running procurement and supply chain without metrics is like driving blindfolded. A scorecard acts as your dashboard, providing crucial visibility that helps you: Make Data-Driven Decisions: Replace guesswork with facts when evaluating suppliers, processes, and inventory levels.

Pricing Training 72

Pricing Training Negotiating Skills Purchasing Skills Optimal Sourcing 72

Supply Chain Shaman

MAY 3, 2015

When it comes to the management of inventory in value chains, frustration abounds. Executive, after executive, lament, “They have purchased many technologies and sponsored many projects to reduce inventories, but they are not seeing results.” Inventory is the culmination of many business decisions. Tracking Progress.

Inventory Reduction 150

Inventory Reduction Supply Chain Design Software Supply Chain Planning Software Inventory Management Software 150

Ware2Go

MARCH 27, 2025

Inventory shrinkage happens when your merchandise gets damaged or goes missing in a warehouse or in transit. We’ll quickly cover what shrinkage is, what can cause it, and how to calculate it so you can tell if your level of shrinkage is improving or not. What Is Inventory Shrinkage? billion in losses across the fiscal year.

Inventory Reduction 52

Inventory Reduction Inventory Cost Reduction Strategies Price Reduction 52