Logistics Viewpoints

NOVEMBER 4, 2024

We are no longer just forecasting demand but also when trucks and factory machinery are likely to break down ( predictive maintenance ), the optimal amount of inventory to hold and where it should be held ( inventory optimization) , and labor forecasting in the warehouse. Autonomous trucks will revolutionize logistics.

Supply Chain Planning Software 307

Supply Chain Planning Software Modeling Optimal Sourcing Supply Chain Design Software 307

Logistics Viewpoints

MARCH 4, 2025

Businesses are responding with production shifts, supply chain diversification, inventory stockpiling, and trade route adjustments in efforts to lessen the financial burden and avoid long-term instability. auto parts are sourced from Mexico, making the tariff impact immediate and severe. Approximately 40% of U.S.

Mexico 229

Mexico Canada Inventory Reduction Cost Reduction Strategies 229

ToolsGroup

AUGUST 1, 2022

Retail returns occur when a customer returns the purchased items to a seller in exchange for a refund, store credit, or a similar product. Returns come with plenty of challenges around logistics, inventory, and predicting volatile sales trends. Retail Returns Statistics Demonstrating the Path to Business Growth.

Retail 296

Retail Optimal Sourcing Purchasing Skills Procurement Solutions 296

Supply Chain Shaman

JANUARY 7, 2025

Compared to peer group performance for 2013-2023, 59% of the Gartner Top 25 score below their peer group on average revenue growth, 41% below inventory turns, and 41% below their sector on invested capital. The data outcome is open source and can be used to improve project outcomes. The answer is not th e Gartner Top 25.

Optimal Sourcing 367

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

Logistics Viewpoints

MARCH 6, 2025

Companies leaning heavily on global sourcing? 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.

Price Reduction 213

Price Reduction Material Savings Cost Reduction Strategies Waste Reduction 213

ToolsGroup

JULY 13, 2023

A significant addition to our Inventory Hub® product, Dynamic Fulfillment leverages advanced optimization logic to determine what to ship, from where, in real-time, to reduce shipping costs, improve margins, and satisfy empowered customers. The reasons for this are many.

Optimal Sourcing 291

Optimal Sourcing ToolsGroup Optimization Software Network Optimization 291

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.

Optimal Sourcing 230

Optimal Sourcing Optimization Software Price Mitigation Strategies Sourcing Strategies 230

Logistics Viewpoints

JUNE 1, 2023

Retailers know firsthand how quickly the market can change. Continuing Disruptions in Transportation and Sourcing Materials After the pandemic, retailers are faced with new challenges and disruptions due to global conflicts, trade restrictions, and now recessions. The retailers feel the impacts of the recession fast and deeply.

Supply Chain Planning Software 272

Supply Chain Planning Software Supply Chain Design Software Supply Chain Planning Supply Chain Software 272

Kinaxis

JUNE 11, 2025

Automakers must model dual-path sourcing strategies and reintroduce buffer inventory—not just for parts, but for regulatory flexibility. requalify suppliers across multiple geographies, and dual-source APIs and components to mitigate risk from any one trade partner. Every major industry now faces a unique supply chain challenge.

Pharmaceutical 161

Pharmaceutical Modeling Negotiating Skills Purchasing Skills 161

Logistics Viewpoints

OCTOBER 15, 2024

Distribution Network : Amul employs a wide distribution network that includes a mix of direct sales to retailers, wholesalers, and through its own branded outlets. Technology Integration : Use of technology in logistics, inventory management, and supply chain tracking has helped improve efficiency and transparency.

Optimal Sourcing 284

Optimal Sourcing Modeling Supply Chain Optimization Supply Chain Planning Software 284

ShipBob

JUNE 20, 2025

Table of Contents ** Minutes What is product sourcing? Where can I source products from? This makes it essential that buyers understand where they are sourcing their products from and how that ultimately affects their brand. What is product sourcing? Where can I source products from?

Purchasing Skills 64

Purchasing Skills Optimal Sourcing Sourcing Strategies Manufacturing Procurement 64

Logistics Viewpoints

AUGUST 9, 2022

Some of the world’s biggest retailers and their partners are once again feeling the sting of “ the bullwhip effect ” – a term of art amongst supply chain professionals that describes how changes in demand at the retail level can reverberate and amplify issues throughout the supply chain. Complete visibility into inventory.

Inventory Management Software 261

Inventory Management Software Inventory Management Inventory Reduction Supply Chain Planning Software 261

ToolsGroup

JULY 6, 2023

IL’s educational mission is to guide businesses to efficiently manage logistics, reduce and speed inventory, and neutralize transportation cost increases by aligning supply to demand and adjusting enterprise functions to support that paradigm shift. Read the press release here.

ToolsGroup 295

ToolsGroup Supply Chain Planning Software Supply Chain Planning Optimal Sourcing 295

BlueYonder

APRIL 3, 2025

In todays volatile retail landscape, organizations face unprecedented challenges across both category management and inventory planning. To remain competitive, retailers must embrace a comprehensive approach that taps into the synergy across all functions from category management to inventory allocation.

Supply Chain Planning Software 68

Supply Chain Planning Software Inventory Reduction Optimal Sourcing Optimization Software 68

Logistics Viewpoints

MARCH 27, 2025

More broadly, AI can be deployed across functions to shift inventory, switch transportation modes, find new carriers, communicate across functions and regions with customers and partners, and otherwise deliver a smart, collaborative response. For most supply chain and logistics teams, their execution options are not limitless.

Supply Chain Planning Software 331

Supply Chain Planning Software Supply Chain Network Software Logistics Network Optimization Software Predictive Analytics Software 331

Logistics Viewpoints

DECEMBER 15, 2022

The retail industry is rich with data. Four Ways of Using Cluster Analysis in Retail. Retailers can apply cluster analysis techniques in different ways to find groups of customers, products, stores, or suppliers that behave similarly. There are different ways of doing store cluster analysis.

Optimal Sourcing 261

Optimal Sourcing Analysis Procurement Analytics Purchasing Skills 261

ToolsGroup

FEBRUARY 7, 2021

In episode six of Be Ready for Anything, ToolsGroup’s Pre-Sales Manager for Europe, Birger Klinke, talks about what retailers should expect in 2021 and how they can leverage probabilistic forecasting and automation to adjust to a changing marketplace. What do you predict will be different for retailers in 2021? Transcript.

Predictive Analytics Software 295

Predictive Analytics Software Retail Modeling Forecasting 295

Logistics Viewpoints

JANUARY 18, 2022

Here are the challenges retailers may face in their supply chain operations in 2022 and some tips for overcoming them. As we have seen in 2021, businesses automated and integrated supply chain planning capabilities, including demand-sensing , dynamic safety-stock management , inventory optimization , and external collaboration.

Supply Chain Planning Software 307

Supply Chain Planning Software Supply Chain Planning Scenario Planning Supply Chain Software 307

ToolsGroup

AUGUST 25, 2022

BOSTON – (August 25, 2022) ToolsGroup , a global leader in AI-driven retail and supply chain planning and optimization software, has been named a leader in the Quadrant Solutions SPARK Matrix™ for Global Supply Chain Inventory Optimization. for Global Supply Chain Inventory Optimization, 2022. Source: [link].

Optimal Sourcing 222

Optimal Sourcing ToolsGroup Modeling Supply Chain Optimization 222

ToolsGroup

FEBRUARY 24, 2025

It leverages historical data, competitive intelligence, and external factors to guide inventory planning and resource allocation. Whether you’re in manufacturing, retail, or another industry, navigating the uncertainties can feel like solving an intricate puzzle. Image source: Stefan de Kok 2.

Forecasting 156

Forecasting Modeling Supply and Demand Forecasting Software 156

Logistics Viewpoints

JUNE 27, 2025

weeks of inventory at retailers. The world experienced a 2% annual increase in total energy supply in 2024, with all energy sources—such as oil, gas, coal, nuclear, hydro, and renewables—showing growth, a trend last seen in 2006, the report stated. FedEx Closes 100 Stations Through Network 2.0

Supply Chain Planning Software 152

Supply Chain Planning Software Logistics Network Optimization Software Optimal Sourcing Supply Chain Optimization 152

Cathy Roberson

MAY 11, 2025

There’s alot of content noise so I find it useful to understand the market by reading what retailers are directly saying each quarter. Look for another article later this week and part 4 of the What Retailers Are Saying Series on May 18. 🙏 Retailers Tractor Supply Q1 ending March 29. Christopher J. Christopher J.

Manufacturing Procurement 75

Manufacturing Procurement Purchasing Skills Retail Inventory Reduction 75

Enchange Supply Chain Consultancy

JUNE 10, 2025

Do Embrace Technology and Data : Use real-time data for demand forecasting, inventory management, and route optimization. Monitor retail presence, availability, and promotional compliance closely. Do Set Clear KPIs and Governance Structures : Establish transparent metrics for sales, coverage, and service levels.

Waste Reduction 165

Waste Reduction Vendor Strategies Inventory Reduction Cost Reduction Strategies 165

Logistics Viewpoints

JUNE 30, 2022

Last year, retailers started encouraging holiday shoppers to shop early. You might be thinking, “Well, but what about growing retail inventories? While inventories have started piling up, having the right product mix is where the challenge lies, resulting in a feast or famine situation. I am only saying this in half jest.

Supply Chain Planning Software 300

Supply Chain Planning Software Supply Chain Design Software Modeling Supply Chain Software 300

Enterra Insights

DECEMBER 17, 2024

They write, “This includes tackling bigger issues such as compliance, supplier relationship management, risk and disruption, responsible sourcing, and transparency. IoT devices track inventory in real time, providing valuable insights into stock movement, reducing waste, and ensuring products are available when needed.”

Optimal Sourcing 130

Optimal Sourcing Supply Chain Optimization Modeling Optimization Software 130

ThroughPut

JUNE 17, 2025

In the age of relentless disruption, razor-thin margins, and digitally empowered customers, the retail industry must rapidly evolve to stay relevant. AI in retail supply chain is no longer an innovation to observe—it’s a strategic imperative to adopt. is a Game-Changer for AI in Retail Supply Chain What is AI in Retail Supply Chain?

Optimal Sourcing 52

Optimal Sourcing Modeling Supply Chain Planning Software Supply Chain Design Software 52

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 141

Beverage Price Reduction Canada Cost Reduction Strategies 141

Logistics Viewpoints

JANUARY 23, 2024

Last week I attended the annual National Retail Federation (NRF) Big Show in New York City. The usual themes were still very present as solution providers and retailers alike were more than happy to talk about omni-channel, mobility, robotics, and machine learning, to name a few.

Supply Chain Planning Software 299

Supply Chain Planning Software Supply Chain Software Supply Chain Planning Modeling 299

Logistics Viewpoints

JANUARY 25, 2023

Last week I returned to the National Retail Federation (NRF) Big Show for the first time in 3 years. The usual themes were still very present as solution providers and retailers alike were more than happy to talk about omni-channel, mobility, and machine learning, to name a few. This is essentially continuous optimization.

Supply Chain Planning Software 284

Supply Chain Planning Software Optimization Software Logistics Network Optimization Software Optimal Sourcing 284

The Logistics & Supply Chain Management Society

SEPTEMBER 14, 2021

Incorporating circular economy principles throughout, from source to disposal. Incorporating responsible sourcing principles into the supply chain. Ordering, manufacturing and positioning of inventory in preparation for maintenance activities. Reduction in waste and driving cost efficiencies.

Resource Reduction 243

Resource Reduction Supply Chain Design Software Resources Sustainability 243

Freightos

JUNE 10, 2025

In early May, with US tariffs for China still at 145%, the National Retail Federation projected US ocean import volumes to fall significantly in May and then level off through October as high tariffs suppressed demand.

Negotiating Skills 177

Negotiating Skills Asia China Price Reduction 177

Cathy Roberson

MAY 25, 2025

A busy week in retail earnings! 🙂 Part 6 of the What Retailers Are Saying Series will be posted on June 1. 🙏🙏🙏 Retailers Home Depot Q1 ending May 4. Reported May 20 Let me take a moment to comment on our global sourcing strategy. As a result, we now have tremendous sourcing flexibility.

Purchasing Skills 67

Purchasing Skills Negotiating Skills Price Reduction Vendor Strategies 67

Supply Chain Shaman

OCTOBER 5, 2021

Let’s Start With a Discussion on Inventory. When we look at table 1, we see burgeoning inventories in some industries and extreme shortages in others. We are not good at inventory management. Inventory Levels Over the Quarters of the Pandemic. Companies struggle to have the right inventories. The end result?

Supply Chain Planning Software 343

Supply Chain Planning Software Supply Chain Design Software Modeling Optimal Sourcing 343

Supply Chain Shaman

JANUARY 25, 2024

To make the point, let’s examine the food retail network, as shown in Figure 1, over the last decade. With slim margins and ever-increasing inventories, companies invested less in capital assets. Today, this network operates with less capacity and ballooning inventories. Not all networks are equal. Customer Service.

Supply Chain Network Software 359

Supply Chain Network Software Manufacturing Procurement Inventory Reduction Purchasing Skills 359

ToolsGroup

JULY 19, 2023

With the advent of true “single source of truth” inventory visibility , a digital twin is a more feasible goal than ever before. In short, they help users make better decisions, much faster, resulting in improved financial performance, inventory efficiency, and customer satisfaction. Get the insights you need.

Real-time Visibility 295

Real-time Visibility Supply Chain Planning Software Modeling Scenario Planning 295

Silvon Software

APRIL 16, 2025

Inventory is the lifeblood of any manufacturing business. By leveraging analytics and key performance indicators (KPIs), manufacturers can optimize inventory, reduce waste, and boost profitability. Tracking inventory flow and performance across your supply chain is a must. Thats where data-driven decision-making comes in!

Optimal Sourcing 65

Optimal Sourcing Inventory Reduction Supply Chain Optimization Price Mitigation Strategies 65

BlueYonder

MARCH 17, 2025

E-commerce is fueling strong results for sellers, as a record five billion Internet users worldwide contributed to online retail revenues of over $4.1 Around the world, e-commerce accounted for 17% of all retail sales last year and that number is expected to rise to 21% by 2029. trillion in 2024 alone. But lets be honest.

Optimal Sourcing 94

Optimal Sourcing Real-time Visibility Logistics Network Optimization Software Supply Chain Planning Software 94