Logistics Viewpoints

APRIL 10, 2025

Many organizations are now realizing that resilience is not just a supply chain add-on; it’s a fundamental capability. Leading organizations are building supply chains that are less exposed to single points of failure, more informed by real-time data, and more able to adjust sourcing, inventory, and routing based on current conditions.

Optimal Sourcing 218

Optimal Sourcing Modeling Cost Reduction Strategies Supply Chain Optimization 218

CHAINalytics

MAY 1, 2023

The ongoing pandemic, global and regional conflicts, and economic turbulence are just a few pervasive supply chain risks impacting critical customer, operational, and business metrics. Supply chain resiliency is central to … The post De-Risking Supply Chains in 2023: Just-in-Time or Just-in-Case?

Just-in-Time 148

Just-in-Time Supply Chain Planning Supply Chain Metrics 148

Logistics Viewpoints

MARCH 27, 2025

A disruption at any point in the global logistics network including the average of 12 touch points from shipment packaging to final delivery can prove disastrous for profits, service levels, customer loyalty, and other key metrics. Today the question is not just When is the next disruption coming? We were wrong. billion to $23.07

Supply Chain Planning Software 332

Supply Chain Planning Software Supply Chain Network Software Logistics Network Optimization Software Predictive Analytics Software 332

ThroughPut

APRIL 15, 2025

Summary of the Impact A globally recognized Automotive Interiors Manufacturer deployed ThroughPuts AI-powered supply chain solution, Supply chain decision intelligence & analytics platform , to optimize Just-in-Time manufacturing across all operational shifts.

Just-in-Time 52

Just-in-Time Supply Chain Planning Software Analytics Software Automotive 52

ToolsGroup

MAY 8, 2025

According to Gartner , early stages of S&OP maturity often lack formal processes, metrics, and cross-functional participation. Tactical forecasts often focus on product families or categories, but operational performance is determined by SKU-level decisions, location-specific constraints, and time-sensitive actions.

Inventory Reduction 156

Inventory Reduction Price Reduction Cost Reduction Strategies Supply Chain Planning Software 156

RFgen

DECEMBER 4, 2024

In the automotive sector, manufacturers are simultaneously reducing inventory costs and delivery times. We’ll examine the key components of efficient supply chains, explore essential performance metrics, and uncover the fundamental drivers that influence efficiency.

Sourcing Strategies 96

Sourcing Strategies Inventory Reduction Waste Reduction Expense Reduction 96

Supply Chain Shaman

SEPTEMBER 3, 2018

Second, they adapt over time as market structures and strategies evolve. We consistently see that companies focused on functional excellence–a focus within a functional silo like manufacturing, transportation or distribution– or singular metrics– like inventory or costs– underperform against their peer groups.

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

OCTOBER 16, 2023

A shift from functional metrics to a balanced scorecard. I like the use of growth, margin, inventory turns, Return on Invested Capital, customer service and ESG metrics. The focus on functional metrics sub-optimizes balance sheet results. Linking is just so much easier than including all the details in the text.

S&OP 391

S&OP Supply and Demand Forecasting Supply Chain Design Software 391

Supply Chain Shaman

FEBRUARY 18, 2021

The output was just not helpful. We have too hard-wired solutions bolted into IT architectures to enable the flexibility needed by business leaders during times of high variability. Over time, this changed. The Covid-19 pandemic tested the global supply chain. It will not be over soon. The reason?

Supply Chain Planning Software 355

Supply Chain Planning Software Supply Chain Design Software Supply and Demand Procurement Analytics 355

ivalua

MAY 29, 2025

Misaligned priorities, siloed systems, and unclear ownership can directly impact key performance indicators like cost savings percentage and procurement cycle time. Procurement and supply chain management are often used interchangeably—but in practice, the lines between them can blur in ways that create real friction. What Is Procurement?

Procurement Solutions 130

Procurement Solutions Optimal Sourcing Manufacturing Procurement Supply Chain Planning Software 130

Supply Chain Shaman

APRIL 27, 2022

The promise of a well-intended consultant just sounds sooooooo good. At each company, there is a relationship between the metrics of growth, margin, inventory, customer service, and asset strategy. For the purpose of this article, I will use Return on Invested Capital (ROIC) as the proxy metric to discuss asset utilization.)

Procurement Analytics 369

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

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 use of market data decreases demand latency (time to sense and translate market shifts). The reason?

Supply Chain Planning Software 370

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

ToolsGroup

JANUARY 21, 2025

Forecasting has evolved into a sophisticated science, combining historical data, real-time market signals, and predictive analytics. Agent AI is emerging as a game-changing tool for understanding and responding to customer behavior in real-time.

Supply Chain Planning Software 156

Supply Chain Planning Software Forecasting Software Inventory Reduction Price Reduction 156

Logistics Viewpoints

MARCH 3, 2025

They prepare equipment for maintenance, do isolation (disconnect a piece of equipment from the flow of chemicals by closing valves), look at quality or reliability metrics, and do rounds. We spent hours and hours looking for data, whether it was for audits, compliance, or just basic troubleshooting. Al Syed explained.

Negotiating Skills 189

Negotiating Skills Supply Chain Design Software Modeling Software Supply Chain Planning Software 189

Supply Chain Shaman

DECEMBER 28, 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. When I started my business in 2012, I frequently wrote about the future using the moniker of Supply Chain 2020. My focus was simple.

Supply Chain Planning Software 420

Supply Chain Planning Software Forecasting Forecasting Software Modeling 420

ToolsGroup

MARCH 25, 2025

Real-Time Social Listening Integration Traditional supply chain planning relies heavily on historical transactional data, which inherently delays responses to rapidly shifting customer preferences. These improvements directly strengthen the bottom line, making ML capabilities an essential component of modern supply chain management software.

Supply and Demand 156

Supply and Demand Forecasting Forecasting Software Modeling 156

Supply Chain Shaman

NOVEMBER 21, 2023

My client attempted to have a supply chain discussion to improve flow, and his executive group just did not get it. I was promoted to run the warehouse, and at the time, I had no experience in distribution, but was asked to run the largest distribution center in the system. The metrics were not aligned. Yes, I am that old.)

Supply Chain Planning Software 407

Supply Chain Planning Software Inventory Reduction Supply Chain Design Software Cost Reduction Strategies 407

ivalua

MAY 30, 2025

They can learn and improve over time, as they collect new data and feedback. On the other hand, AI agents can analyze data, detect patterns, predict outcomes, and make recommendations in real time. For example, agentic AI can analyze supplier data, evaluate contracts, manage purchase orders, or recommend sourcing strategies.

Optimal Sourcing 130

Optimal Sourcing Procurement Solutions Procurement Analytics Negotiating Skills 130

Supply Chain Shaman

APRIL 18, 2023

For organizations layered in functional metrics and driving a cost agenda, this is a tough nut to crack. Process latency, the time for an organization to make a decision using a traditional S&OP process, is two-to-six weeks. The traditional leader values cost reduction but is blind on how to value time. Unrest in Sudan.

Supply Chain Planning Software 418

Supply Chain Planning Software Supply Chain Design Software Optimal Sourcing Supply Chain Software 418

Supply Chain Shaman

MAY 13, 2024

How aligned do you believe your organization is to drive these metrics? In my recent Mea Culpa post, I mentioned my prior work on Sales and Operations Planning (S&OP), and the importance of leadership. Sounds easy, right? Leadership and S&OP? Shouldn’t it be like peanut butter and jelly? What sounds so easy is very difficult.

S&OP 394

S&OP Supply and Demand Inventory Reduction Expense Reduction 394

ToolsGroup

APRIL 7, 2025

Financial crises, global tensions, supply shortages, technological innovations, and regulatory changes are inevitable we just cant predict when theyll strike. First, a sophisticated analysis and decision-making process, that incorporates real-time data and requirements. Disruptions in the supply chain happen with surprising regularity.

Inventory Reduction 156

Inventory Reduction Modeling Optimization Software Supply Chain Optimization 156

Logistics Viewpoints

MAY 5, 2025

It is a practical tool, actively helping fleets reduce idle time, improve safety, and gain real-time situational awareness across the supply chain. V2X enables vehicles to “talk” to their surroundings through real-time wireless communication. What Is V2X and Why Should Logistics Teams Care?

Supply Chain Network Software 137

Supply Chain Network Software Optimization Software Modeling Software Supply Chain Software 137

Logistics Viewpoints

JULY 7, 2022

These include: Challenges getting ESG metrics from suppliers, partners, and other third parties. Time-consuming manual processes to report on ESG metrics. Cloud applications that manage your supply chain provide real-time access—a single source of truth no matter where you are. But cloud applications are just the start.

Material Savings 321

Material Savings Waste Reduction Resource Reduction Supply Chain Design Software 321

Supply Chain Shaman

JULY 6, 2020

The changeover times for the CM Bartlelts was 5X more prolonged than the more agile IM machines. Equipment washouts represented 11% of the change over time and were a significant barrier to agility. I reached out to the corporate R&D team for help, but they did not have the time to work on the change. Sharing My Experience.

Agile and Lean Supply Chain 363

Agile and Lean Supply Chain Supply Chain Design Software Supply Chain Planning Software Supply Chain Strategy 363

Logistics Viewpoints

APRIL 7, 2025

Digital twins are emerging as digital transformation accelerators for supply chain and logistics organizations seeking enterprise-level visibility, real-time scenario modeling, and operational agility under disruption. Real-time decisions are now table stakesbut even real-time visibility isnt always enough.

Sourcing Strategies 224

Sourcing Strategies Modeling Supply Chain Design Software Supply Chain Planning Software 224

Supply Chain Shaman

JANUARY 2, 2024

The time gave me a good time to reflect and finish the reports that I should have completed in the summer when I recovered from Uterine Cancer. The time gave me a good time to reflect and finish the reports that I should have completed in the summer when I recovered from Uterine Cancer. As I write, I scratch my head.

Gartner 369

Gartner Supply Chain Planning Software Supply Chain Design Software Case Study 369

Logistics Bureau

JANUARY 21, 2025

It’s not enough to just categorise by product groups; you’ve got to dig deeper into line item analysis. Inventory management isn’t just about classification; it’s about getting your reorder points, minimum order quantities, and pack sizes perfectly aligned with your business reality.

Supply Chain Design Software 98

Supply Chain Design Software Supply Chain Planning Software Supply Chain Software Supply Chain Design 98

Logistics Viewpoints

FEBRUARY 16, 2021

With this information, are you any closer to knowing what to do about it, or have you just enriched your ability to admire your problem and see it close up? In a survey of 150 global manufacturing executives, 47% committed to improving supply chain visibility and tracking. Agility to act on transparency.

Supply Chain Visibility 331

Supply Chain Visibility Agile and Lean Supply Chain Supply Chain Planning Software Scenario Planning 331

Supply Chain Shaman

JANUARY 9, 2024

The companies with the strongest year-over-year performance (placing in the winner’s circle for six more times in ten years) are Apple, L’Oreal, Nike, Paccar, TJX, and TSMC. Supply Chains to Admire Winners 2023 Examine Your Own Paradigm. How Do You Define Excellence? Humility exudes from my fingers as I type this post.

Supply Chain Planning Software 388

Supply Chain Planning Software Pharmaceutical Supply Chain Planning Gartner 388

Logistics Viewpoints

AUGUST 19, 2024

Despite legislation, in 2022, the world generated 62 million metric tons of e-waste, according to the United Nations Global E-waste Monitor. million 40-metric-ton trucks which, if placed bumper-to-bumper, would form a line long enough to wrap around the equator. This is made most glaringly apparent in the fast fashion industry.

Waste Reduction 306

Waste Reduction Material Savings Apparel Supply Chain Design 306

Enchange Supply Chain Consultancy

JULY 3, 2024

And it’s not just about the contract. Use this information to make real-time adjustments to your strategies and offerings and, critically to your Demand Creation activities. Internal Perspective: Performance Monitoring: KPIs and Metrics: Establish key performance indicators (KPIs) to monitor distributor performance.

Inventory Reduction 263

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

Logistics Viewpoints

OCTOBER 26, 2021

Just as the saguaro is both nursed by and supports life in its ecosystem, it behooves supply chains to invest in their ecosystems, both suppliers and employees. It may feel like stormy times for supply chain right now, but not all rain is bad. Invest in your ecosystem. cm) in its first ten years.

Supply Chain Design Software 311

Supply Chain Design Software Agile and Lean Supply Chain Supply Chain Planning Software Pharmaceutical 311

Logistics Viewpoints

JULY 23, 2024

At the same time, feeding your AI models too much data can also be a problem. Like Goldilocks’ quest for the perfect bowl of porridge, to leverage AI in your supply chain you need to identify which data is ‘just right’ for your business. Data is the lifeblood of AI in the supply chain.

Optimal Sourcing 312

Optimal Sourcing Agile and Lean Supply Chain Supply Chain Software Modeling 312

Taulia

DECEMBER 6, 2024

How are companies rethinking their liquidity management strategies in response to the recent degradation across major working capital metrics? In the wake of economic uncertainty, many companies have experienced a degradation in key working capital metrics.

Inventory Reduction 52

Inventory Reduction Forecasting Software Supply Chain Planning Software Optimization Software 52

Logistics Viewpoints

OCTOBER 4, 2021

But just how bad was it? They can then use the data to provide an apples-to-apples benchmark on a variety of innovative supply chain metrics applicable to the grocery supply chain. Even in the best of times, this method has limitations. Dramtatically Reduced Service in Grocery Stores Since Pandemic was Declared.

Supply Chain Performance 290

Supply Chain Performance Inventory Reduction Supply and Demand Cost Reduction Strategies 290

Logistics Viewpoints

OCTOBER 18, 2022

Leaderboards on any manner of metric are an easy example of competitive gamification. The previously mentioned personal best metric could also let you know you are currently the 3 rd fastest picker for the day, for the week, or for the past hour. Or it could let you know you just set a company record for the month.

Logistics Network Optimization Software 51

Logistics Network Optimization Software Supply Chain Software New York DC 51

Logistics Viewpoints

NOVEMBER 3, 2022

The former pertains to engineered labor standards, which is just a more scientific way of saying multiple variable standards (MVS). The latter refers to a single variable standard (SVS), by which one metric, such as cases per hour, is expected to tell all. An SVS represents a static snapshot in time. Ad infinitum.

Supply Chain Design Software 264

Supply Chain Design Software Optimization Software System Logistics Network Optimization Software 264