Supply Chain Shaman

FEBRUARY 4, 2025

For over a decade, since founding Supply Chain Insights in 2012, I have pounded the keyboard, asking business leaders to think more holistically about the impact of supply chain decisions on the firm’s value, the improvement of a value chain, and the impact on the environment. Thirteen years. Change is Hard.

Supply Chain Design Software 221

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

Logistics Viewpoints

SEPTEMBER 20, 2022

“May you live in interesting times,” widely attributed as a Chinese curse, some claim this as a blessing; whichever side you take, this is exactly what’s happening in the supply chain world since 2020, and it looks like we will be living with this blessing/curse for a while longer. Emerging Themes for Supply Chain Planning.

Supply Chain Planning Software 286

Supply Chain Planning Software Agile and Lean Supply Chain Supply Chain Planning Supply Chain Software 286

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

ToolsGroup

JUNE 2, 2023

Once upon a time, the world of manufacturing was a relatively stable place. But then, supply chain disruption became the rule instead of the exception, consumers changed their tastes as often as their socks, and global competition started playing hardball. So how does a manufacturer navigate this rollercoaster?

Real-time Visibility 294

Real-time Visibility Manufacturing Procurement Optimal Sourcing Inventory Reduction 294

Supply Chain Shaman

APRIL 2, 2025

The Connected Supply Chain. Drip Digital Supply Chain. Autonomous Supply Chain Planning. Self-Healing Supply Chains. Touchless Supply Chains. The issue is that when companies optimize functional metrics, they throw the supply chain out of balance and sub-optimize value.

Optimal Sourcing 195

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

Logistics Viewpoints

JULY 10, 2024

ARC Advisory Group has been covering the Supply Chain Planning ( SCP ) market for 17 years. The pandemic brought home the need for companies to run agile and resilient supply chains. Supply chain agility reflects a company’s ability to respond quickly to surges or plummeting demand.

Supply Chain Planning Software 316

Supply Chain Planning Software Supply Chain Planning Scenario Planning Modeling 316

RFgen

DECEMBER 4, 2024

Supply chain efficiency is the cornerstone of success and involves the effective management of processes, resources, and technologies from procurement to production, transportation to warehousing. In the automotive sector, manufacturers are simultaneously reducing inventory costs and delivery times.

Sourcing Strategies 96

Sourcing Strategies Inventory Reduction Waste Reduction Expense Reduction 96

Logistics Viewpoints

JUNE 3, 2025

Many large organizations have multiple systems for order, warehouse, or transportation management that are barely integrated frequently not at all. These steps include sourcing and receiving inventory, storing inventory, order processing, picking and packing an order, shipping the order, and returns management.

Optimal Sourcing 151

Optimal Sourcing Optimization Software Sourcing Strategies Price Mitigation Strategies 151

Logistics Viewpoints

FEBRUARY 21, 2022

S upply chain planning requires constraints to be mapped. Supply chain management has been in the news. But the intricacies of supply chain management are beyond the grasp of most. One key solution used to help manage complex supply chains is supply chain planning (SCP).

Supply Chain Planning Software 322

Supply Chain Planning Software Supply Chain Planning Scenario Planning Modeling 322

Supply Chain Shaman

SEPTEMBER 3, 2018

” Here is an excerpt from the article: “…it isn’t by becoming more efficient that the supply chains of Wal-Mart, Dell, and Amazon have given those companies an edge over their competitors. According to my research, top-performing supply chains possess three very different qualities. 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

Logistics Viewpoints

MARCH 9, 2023

Commerce is global and regional at the same time, the world is getting smaller and more interconnected, and Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) manufacturers operate in this build-anywhere and sell-anywhere market. End-to-end supply chain visibility, planning, and execution support software are critical in agile supply chain performance.

Supply Chain Planning Software 282

Supply Chain Planning Software Modeling Forecasting Software Optimization Software 282

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

RFgen

NOVEMBER 27, 2024

Ever feel like your supply chain is a tangled mess of spreadsheets, frantic phone calls, and last-minute scrambles? It’s the key to transforming your supply chain from a source of frustration into a well-oiled, profit-generating machine. You’re not alone. That’s where data analytics comes in.

Optimal Sourcing 98

Optimal Sourcing Supply Chain Optimization Modeling Inventory Reduction 98

Logistics Viewpoints

JUNE 1, 2023

That’s why staying on top of the latest supply chain planning trends is so important – they can make all the difference when it comes to staying competitive, reducing costs, and meeting your customers’ needs. Here are some highlights from these trends in 2023 and implications on supply chain planning.

Supply Chain Planning Software 271

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

Logistics Viewpoints

MARCH 31, 2022

While demand is high, ongoing product shortages continue to cause supply chain disruptions, create unpredictable shopping behaviors and drive rapid delivery expectations. If there’s a bright spot anywhere it’s the fact that, as logistics challenges have grown, so has the availability of advanced technologies to manage these challenges.

Logistics Network Optimization Software 291

Logistics Network Optimization Software Supply Chain Planning Software Predictive Analytics Software Supply Chain Network Software 291

Supply Chain Shaman

DECEMBER 28, 2020

When I started my business in 2012, I frequently wrote about the future using the moniker of Supply Chain 2020. We had just recovered from a recession, and my goal was to help supply chain leaders create a better supply chain by the end of the decade. At that time, Supply Chain 2020 seemed so far away.

Supply Chain Planning Software 418

Supply Chain Planning Software Forecasting Forecasting Software Modeling 418

Supply Chain Shaman

MARCH 27, 2023

My goal is to engage the supply chain community in a no smoke and mirrors discussion. My observation is that the supply chain community perpetuates a number of myths about planning. This post is a reflection from twenty years as an analyst in supply chain planning. I need to clear the air.

Supply Chain Planning Software 365

Supply Chain Planning Software Supply Chain Planning Scenario Planning Supply Chain Design Software 365

RFgen

DECEMBER 19, 2024

Scaling manufacturing operations is crucial for business growth but presents unique challenges. Balancing increased demand with consistent quality and controlled costs is difficult but essential for manufacturers looking to expand. Successfully scaling manufacturing requires more than just adding resources.

Material Savings 92

Material Savings Sourcing Strategies Resource Reduction Inventory Reduction 92

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. Why Jump Now?

Inventory Reduction 434

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

Supply Chain Shaman

JULY 6, 2020

This is a story for the Eds, Franks, and Toms working together in supply chains across the globe. It is also a story for a young supply chain manager attempting to make a difference, but feeling stymied. Frank, the line manager for manufacturing, dominated the meetings. Sharing My Experience. The year was 1982.

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 Shaman

JANUARY 9, 2024

Today, we published The Supply Chains to Admire for 2023. 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. I admit it.

Supply Chain Planning Software 386

Supply Chain Planning Software Pharmaceutical Supply Chain Planning Gartner 386

Supply Chain Shaman

APRIL 27, 2022

Supply chain excellence is easier to say than to explain. Executive teams strive to drive improvement in supply chain results; yet, sadly, only four percent of public companies succeed. The supply chain is a complex non-linear system. Now, I view the company as a supply chain laggard.

Procurement Analytics 369

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

RFgen

DECEMBER 19, 2024

It’s a holistic approach that blends strategic planning, streamlined processes, and the right technology to transform your warehouse into a well-oiled, profit-generating machine. Eight proven optimization strategies, combining technology, best practices, and sustainable solutions.

Optimal Sourcing 97

Optimal Sourcing Optimization Software Waste Reduction Inventory Reduction 97

RFgen

JANUARY 16, 2025

Keeping track of all your moving parts in manufacturing is a tall order. That’s where manufacturing inventory management software comes in. The right software can streamline your production, optimize stock levels, and even help you save money. Spreadsheets just don’t cut it anymore.

Inventory Management Software 52

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

Logistics Viewpoints

JULY 18, 2022

Michael Jacobs, Senior Vice President Supply Chain, Ferguson. Mr. Jacobs is the senior vice president for supply chain at Ferguson. While nominally a distributor, “supply chain management is our core competency. In particular, Ferguson’s supply chain is built for speed and to provide high service levels.

Supply Chain Design Software 300

Supply Chain Design Software Supply Chain Planning Software Supply Chain Software Network Design Software 300

Silvon Software

MAY 6, 2025

Thats why modern BI systems are quickly becoming the go-to solution for data-driven enterprises. They integrate, align, and activate data across the business to drive better, faster decisions unlike legacy reporting tools that can’t. But lets be clear: not all BI platforms are created equal. Why does that matter?

Prescriptive Analytics Software 89

Prescriptive Analytics Software Analytics Software Predictive Analytics Software Supply Chain Planning Software 89

Supply Chain Shaman

JUNE 16, 2014

Today, nine out of ten supply chains are stuck. Despite two decades of advancement in supply chain technologies, companies are struggling to gain balance at the intersection of operating margin, inventory turns and case fulfillment. My goal is to understand the impact of technologies and processes.

Supply Chain Design Software 319

Supply Chain Design Software Network Design Software Supply Chain Planning Software Supply Chain Network Software 319

Supply Chain Shaman

OCTOBER 29, 2014

The consulting team pitches a theme–vision of supply chain best practices, big data analytics, or demand-driven value networks– to the executive team, and a new project is initiated. Question 1: What drives a Successful Implementation of Supply Chain Planning? The answer is no. How do I know this?

Supply Chain Planning Software 379

Supply Chain Planning Software Modeling Demand Planning Software Optimization Software 379

Logistics Viewpoints

JANUARY 23, 2024

This year, nearly 40,000 attendees comprising 6,200 brands from all over the world headed to the Javits Center to see what new solutions and innovations software and hardware suppliers had in store for 2024 and beyond. Throughout the conference I met with several software and hardware providers to get a glimpse into what they were showcasing.

Supply Chain Planning Software 298

Supply Chain Planning Software Supply Chain Software Supply Chain Planning Modeling 298

Enchange Supply Chain Consultancy

JUNE 10, 2025

Do Invest in Distributor Capability Building : Provide training, digital tools, and performance incentives. 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 130

Waste Reduction Vendor Strategies Inventory Reduction Cost Reduction Strategies 130

Logistics Viewpoints

SEPTEMBER 19, 2023

Supply chain resiliency and sustainability are top priorities for CEOs today. To achieve these goals, corporate leadership must focus on two key areas: shift from internally focused supply chains to collaborative supply networks and actively design their supply chains.

Supply Chain Design Software 293

Supply Chain Design Software Supply Chain Design Supply Chain Planning Software Supply Chain Software 293

Supply Chain Shaman

MARCH 19, 2014

You are pissy and opinionated in this world of supply chain blandness. The term supply chain excellence is easier to say than define. I have been trying to define it as a supply chain analyst for over fifteen years. I had spent the last two decades in the technology market and I wanted to celebrate success.

Gartner 382

Gartner Supply Chain Planning Software Supply Chain Strategy Supply Chain Software 382

Supply Chain Shaman

JANUARY 8, 2024

This weekend, I edited the Supply Chains to Admire report. Planning Needs to Change. We have successfully reduced warehouse labor, but planning is more labor intensive today, and less effective. This work completed in 2013 defined the Supply Chains to Admire. The full report publishes this week.

Supply Chain Design Software 243

Supply Chain Design Software Supply Chain Planning Software Modeling Software Supply Chain Network Software 243

ToolsGroup

MARCH 18, 2019

Trends and other market forces that impact commercial opportunities need to appear on the planning radar. Therefore, traditional push-driven supply chains are wholly unfit for this situation. It bought its main rivals to become North America’s largest fine paper manufacturer. [1]

Supply Chain Planning Software 228

Supply Chain Planning Software Supply Chain Planning Scenario Planning Agile and Lean Supply Chain 228

Supply Chain Shaman

SEPTEMBER 17, 2014

Last week was the Supply Chain Insights Global Summit. 110 supply chain leaders attended. In preparation for the summit, we readied the final report of the work on translating balance sheet results into a methodology to judge Supply Chain Excellence. A big bang technology focus has not worked.

Optimal Sourcing 365

Optimal Sourcing Supply Chain Design Software Supply Chain Planning Software Manufacturing Procurement 365

Logistics Viewpoints

FEBRUARY 16, 2021

In a survey of 150 global manufacturing executives, 47% committed to improving supply chain visibility and tracking. According to the Global Supply Chain Disruption and Future Strategies Survey Report, this goal was the top-ranked planned tool investment. What is supply chain visibility?

Supply Chain Visibility 329

Supply Chain Visibility Agile and Lean Supply Chain Supply Chain Planning Software Scenario Planning 329

Logility

AUGUST 4, 2023

Selecting a new enterprise technology or supply chain planning software provider can be wrought with challenge and risk. Specifically: people have lost their jobs over poor technology selections and failed implementation projects. This is especially true in supply chain planning & management platforms.

Supply Chain Planning Software 209

Supply Chain Planning Software Supply Chain Design Software Supply Chain Software Vendor Strategies 209