ivalua

JULY 1, 2025

Fragmented systems, rising cost pressures, and shifting risk profiles are making it harder than ever to manage procurement effectively. But what does it actually take to regain control and build a procurement strategy that’s both resilient and scalable? How do you begin developing a procurement strategy?

Material Savings 130

Material Savings Sourcing Strategies Cost Reduction Strategies Vendor Strategies 130

Logistics Viewpoints

FEBRUARY 25, 2025

The manufacturing sector is facing unprecedented volatility in global trade, with tariffs becoming the latest in a series of uncertainty drivers that are impacting virtually all industries. Manufacturing plants are deeply entrenched; tied to infrastructure, suppliers, skilled labor, and regulatory requirements.

Manufacturing Procurement 249

Manufacturing Procurement Inventory Reduction Optimal Sourcing Price Reduction 249

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? Align the organization in 2025 to a balanced scorecard of growth, operating margin, inventory turns, ROCE, and order fulfillment. You are right.

Optimal Sourcing 367

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

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

Just-in-time (JIT) inventory models, lean supplier networks, and offshore manufacturing reduced expenses but left companies exposed to disruptions. The COVID-19 pandemic and ongoing geopolitical shifts demonstrated the risks of relying on single-source suppliers and minimal inventory buffers. Resilience is now taking precedence.

Supply Chain Software 259

Supply Chain Software Inventory Reduction Cost Reduction Strategies Supply Chain Planning Software 259

DELMIA Quintiq

SEPTEMBER 22, 2021

An increasing lineup of advanced digital solutions have given manufacturers the edge to transform and achieve better inventory control. The manufacturing industry is constantly searching for new and inventive ways to improve inventory management. Types of inventory that can be optimized.

Inventory Management Software 294

Inventory Management Software Inventory Reduction Inventory Management Optimal Sourcing 294

Logistics Viewpoints

APRIL 23, 2025

The resulting increase in demand may place pressure on agricultural producers and extract manufacturers to scale operations. Reformulation and Product Development The transition will require most affected manufacturers to reformulate products that rely on the targeted dyes. Reformulation is not a one-to-one ingredient swap.

Manufacturing Procurement 177

Manufacturing Procurement West Virginia Food Sourcing Strategies 177

DELMIA Quintiq

NOVEMBER 17, 2020

New technologies revolutionizing transportation are creating tremendous opportunities but also unprecedented challenges for tire manufacturers. Supply chain optimization is essential to achieve this and can help tire manufacturing companies deliver significant reductions in supply chain costs and improvements in service levels.

Optimal Sourcing 296

Optimal Sourcing Manufacturing Procurement Supply Chain Optimization Supply Chain Planning Software 296

SCMDOJO

APRIL 24, 2025

Excess inventory weighs down supply chains. Manufacturers are shifting to on-demand production to align output with real-time demand. The Hidden Costs of Traditional Inventory Models Traditional inventory models were built for predictability. It ties up capital, wastes storage space, and risks product obsolescence.

Waste Reduction 98

Waste Reduction Inventory Reduction Cost Reduction Strategies Expense Reduction 98

Supply Chain Shaman

JUNE 17, 2025

This is amplified across the supply chain into an exponential impact on inventory and planned orders for manufacturing. When we measure the bullwhip impact (in my class on outside-in process thinking), the bullwhip between manufacturing and procurement is 2-3X. Inventory Health. Measure inventory health.

Supply Chain Planning Software 195

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

The Logistics of Logistics

OCTOBER 30, 2023

Richard Lebovitz and Joe Lynch discuss leading inventory attack teams. Richard is the CEO of LeanDNA , a purpose-built analytics platform for factory inventory optimization. About Richard Lebovitz Richard Lebovitz is the CEO of LeanDNA , a purpose-built analytics platform for factory inventory optimization. acquired by SAP).

Optimal Sourcing 278

Optimal Sourcing Inventory Reduction Supply Chain Design Software Manufacturing Procurement 278

Logistics Viewpoints

APRIL 10, 2025

Sudden tariff increases can quickly make a cost-optimized procurement strategy untenable, leaving companies scrambling to adjust. When a critical Tier-2 supplier is affected by a tariff policy change or regional shutdown, the ripple effects often catch manufacturers by surprise. Procurement is another area seeing change.

Optimal Sourcing 220

Optimal Sourcing Modeling Supply Chain Optimization Cost Reduction Strategies 220

Logistics Viewpoints

JANUARY 6, 2025

Molex is a global electronics manufacturer that makes and sells over 100,000 distinct products – connectors, cable assemblies, and a wide variety of other products. 18,000 suppliers ship 70,000 different types of parts to 72 Molex manufacturing plants across the globe. We have not fired any supplier yet, Mr. Gainsford said.

Supply Chain Transformation 299

Supply Chain Transformation Supply Chain Software Purchasing Training Buyer Training 299

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. Change is Hard. Unlearning is Tougher. While many might see the issue as change management, I think that the journey must start with unlearning. The industry is full of experts.

Supply Chain Design Software 221

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

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

MARCH 31, 2025

Advanced supply chain planning is being transformed by probabilistic forecasting , which revolutionizes demand forecasting, supply planning, and inventory optimization. Enhancing Inventory with Probabilistic Forecasting A supply chain is a complex ecosystem influenced by dynamic variables. The result?

Forecasting 156

Forecasting Supply Chain Planning Software Forecasting Software Supply Chain Planning 156

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. By aligning supply chain and procurement, spend can be considered more holistically.

Optimal Sourcing 286

Optimal Sourcing Manufacturing Procurement Procurement Analytics Procurement Solutions 286

RFgen

DECEMBER 27, 2024

Running a manufacturing business isn’t easy. You’re juggling production schedules, managing inventory, keeping an eye on finances, and making sure everything runs smoothly on the shop floor. That’s where a manufacturing ERP comes in. It’s a lot to handle. Let’s get started.

Supply Chain Planning Software 98

Supply Chain Planning Software Supply Chain Design Software Manufacturing Procurement Inventory Management Software 98

SCMDOJO

DECEMBER 5, 2024

Leveling up your inventory life cycle can be crucial, but keeping all the fundamental factors jumping is essential to let the life cycle evolve. However, if the life cycle stock is healthy, inventory management is smooth. Inventory management revolves around the pivotal concept of the product life cycle. Click here!

Inventory Reduction 98

Inventory Reduction Inventory Management Software Optimal Sourcing Inventory Management 98

ToolsGroup

MARCH 31, 2025

Probabilistic forecasting is revolutionizing demand forecasting, supply planning, and inventory optimization by significantly improving forecast accuracy and decision-making across distribution networks. Enhancing Inventory with Probabilistic Forecasting A supply chain is a complex ecosystem influenced by dynamic variables.

Supply Chain Planning Software 156

Supply Chain Planning Software Forecasting Forecasting Software Inventory Reduction 156

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

Logistics Viewpoints

DECEMBER 30, 2024

The most common trading partner collaborative processes covered in MSCN suites are purchase order/procurement collaboration, demand forecast collaboration and the transportation shipper tender/carrier accept process. They also cover supplier-managed inventory, quality collaboration, manufacturing line collaboration, and asset collaboration.

Supply Chain Planning Software 301

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

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

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. In this ultimate guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about manufacturing inventory management software.

Inventory Management Software 52

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

Supply Chain Shaman

JUNE 10, 2025

Ask a procurement or transportation professional if they have a good demand signal and expect a laugh. 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. As a result, demand variability grew.

Supply Chain Planning Software 221

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

Kinaxis

JUNE 11, 2025

Automotive: Can JIT manufacturing survive legal disruptions to tariff policy? Automakers must model dual-path sourcing strategies and reintroduce buffer inventory—not just for parts, but for regulatory flexibility. Every major industry now faces a unique supply chain challenge. But failing to seek alternatives is also risky.

Pharmaceutical 161

Pharmaceutical Modeling Negotiating Skills Purchasing Skills 161

Supply Chain Shaman

JULY 31, 2024

How should a global manufacturer make a decision? In short, the research tells me that the manufacturing industries are stuck. In contrast, for a global manufacturer, the answer is more complex. Define a proactive approach and the value/economies of scale of planning manufacturing/transportation and sourcing together.

Supply Chain Planning Software 413

Supply Chain Planning Software Supply Chain Planning Supply Chain Design Software Scenario Planning 413

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 Planning Software 261

Supply Chain Shaman

JUNE 26, 2025

Table 1: Aligning the Organization to a Balanced Scorecard to Maximize Market Potential When we isolate the impact and only focus on only operating margin/inventory turns compared to a focus on cost of goods/inventory turns (as shown in Table 2), the impact is a 63% reduction in market capitalization/employee. Strategic levers (e.g.,

Material Savings 221

Material Savings Waste Reduction Cost Reduction Strategies Price Reduction 221

RFgen

DECEMBER 19, 2024

That’s the power of manufacturing data collection. Manufacturing data collection is your secret weapon for boosting efficiency, cutting waste, and staying ahead of the competition. Manufacturing data collection is your secret weapon for boosting efficiency, cutting waste, and staying ahead of the competition.

Manufacturing Procurement 98

Manufacturing Procurement Optimization Software Supply Chain Planning Software Inventory Reduction 98

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

JULY 24, 2024

Robotic Process Automation Deployment According to the APQC data, organizations are exploring Robotic Process Automation across a number of supply chain areas, including supply chain planning, sourcing and procurement, logistics and warehousing, and manufacturing.

Supply Chain Software 317

Supply Chain Software Manufacturing Procurement Supply Chain Planning Software Inventory Reduction 317

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 Brain

JULY 1, 2025

By harnessing the growing power of AI to not only sense demand at a very fine-grain, real-time level, but also to govern decisions about pricing and inventory. In terms of inventory strategy, First Insight assigns each SKU a unique “Value Score” based on a range of factors, including pricing, likeability and consumers’ likelihood of purchase.

Price Reduction 87

Price Reduction Inventory Reduction Cost Reduction Strategies Resource Reduction 87

Supply Chain Brain

JUNE 22, 2025

manufacturers have spent the last few decades consolidating production at gigantic offshore plants, especially in China. Such a model, based on prioritizing unit economies and production at scale, doesn’t prepare manufacturers and retailers for the waves of disruption that are washing over global supply chains today.

Manufacturing Procurement 76

Manufacturing Procurement Supply Chain Design Software Supply Chain Design Optimal Sourcing 76

Supply Chain Shaman

NOVEMBER 9, 2023

Translation of the demand forecast into planned orders to minimize manufacturing constraints. Use of optimization to consume planned orders into manufacturing scheduling and distribution requirements planning (including inventory optimization of safety stock). MRP is translated based on the manufacturing schedule into ERP.)

Optimal Sourcing 409

Optimal Sourcing Supply Chain Planning Software Manufacturing Procurement Modeling 409

Kinaxis

MAY 29, 2025

Let’s take a closer look at how four key industries—automotive, consumer packaged goods (CPG), high tech, and industrial manufacturing—are navigating the tariff rollercoaster and adjusting to the shifting landscape. Learn how industrial manufacturers are navigating tariff disruptions. Ready to turn tariffs into opportunity?

Modeling 130

Modeling Optimal Sourcing Manufacturing Procurement Material Savings 130