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From sourcing and bid evaluation to warehouse slotting and dynamic routing, AI tools support faster and more consistent outcomes by processing large volumes of operational data and identifying patterns that human decision-makers may overlook. These capabilities are now being integrated into mainstream TMS, WMS, and ERP platforms.
However, logistics managers cannot deliver against todays goals with yesterdays TMS systems. To achieve traditional supply chain outcomessuch as reducing costs and managing lead timesTMS systems generate insight and foresight into these metrics during planning and execution processes.
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.
Enterprise procurement leaders are under more pressure than ever—juggling cost control, compliance, supplier risk, and internal complexity, all while trying to modernize outdated systems. AI, automation, and generative tools are redefining efficiency, allowing procurement teams to move from reactive to proactive decision-making.
The logistics and supply chain industry is a critical component of global trade, responsible for moving goods and materials efficiently to meet consumer and business demands. Addressing Energy Challenges in Logistics The logistics sector is a significant contributor to greenhouse gas emissions.
Even digital advancements, like Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) systems, only partially solve these challenges because they still need centralized oversight and reconciliation. Smart contracts are software programs that self-execute and are stored on a blockchain. Smart contracts offer a new approach.
Adopt a Holistic Direct Spend strategy Move beyond isolated tactics and adopt a holistic, approach to direct spend that integrates sourcing, contract management, procurement and invoicing. This means involving procurement in the highest levels of strategic planning and decision-making.
Three months into 2025, we have seen a barrage of on-again, off-again tariffs that have supply chain and logistics teams reeling, as they must rethink everything from next weeks shipping route to their foundational network models. Since then, supply chain disruptions and volatility have only increased. The Ukraine-Russia conflict is ongoing.
For most CPOs and CFOs, deciding on the right purchasing setup — centralized or decentralized — is no small task. In this article, we’ll explain what centralized purchasing is, the challenges it tackles, the benefits of centralized procurement, and the types of companies that can benefit most from it.
One essential tool used by the supply chain team is supply chain design. Energy management solutions are products that energy utilities use to produce power and data centers use to consume power. They also produce industrial automation solutions that allow factories to monitor and control production.
The average cost of a Warehouse Management System (WMS) install continues to rise each year, with implementations often reaching millions of dollars today. This is the best way to ensure you dont overbuy or underbuy a solution, avoiding unnecessary costs or missing critical functionality.
Instead of broad, theoretical solutions, we need to go deeper and identify the tangible levers companies can pull to adapt. Pre-Buying Inventory is another option, allowing companies to purchase additional stock before tariff hikes take effect to minimize short-term cost increases. So, what can supply chain leaders do right now?
If you’re evaluating procurement technology or exploring ways to drive more value from existing systems, chances are you’re looking beyond tactical fixes – you want a smarter, scalable strategy. But when spend is scattered across systems, business units, and suppliers, finding those insights is easier said than done.
Transparent data prepared especially for your logistics operation will get you easily through your peaks. The hype usually revolves around just one item and can easily be managed by a modern logisticssystem. How can we rapidly bring our logistics operation up to its full speed during such a peak?
Many large organizations have multiple systems for order, warehouse, or transportation management that are barely integrated frequently not at all. Factors like planning tools, inventory management, demand patterns, and innovations in technology contribute to the success or failure of fulfillment optimization.
The Warehouse Management System market nearly grew by $1 billion in 2024, following a robust four-year climb since the pandemic. With ongoing advancements in artificial intelligence and robotics, WMS solutions are broadening their capabilities. Interested in the latest global market data on the Warehouse Management System market?
Procuring transportation for freight is much different than any other procurement category. There are different tools, goals, and market dynamics. Transportation procurement needs to support both customer service and a company’s internal supply chain goals. One master of freight procurement is Kyle Masters.
At a division of one of the world’s largest consumer goods companies, 85% autonomy on manufacturing plans and 95% acceptance of proposed purchase orders has been achieved. This allows the system to learn and improves the quality of the engine’s output. You don’t act on a forecast; you act on what you purchase.
What is Vendor Relationship Management (VRM) and Why It’s Essential for Your ERP and Inventory Software? Strong vendor relationships are critical for business success, especially when it comes to managing inventory and procurement. Why is Vendor Relationship Management Important? Why is Vendor Relationship Management Important?
One of the first things people ask when investigating voice picking and other mobile applications for their DC is “how will the new applications work with my existing systems?” The All-In-One WMS Myth – A WMS voice module provides all the benefits of a best-in-breed warehouse optimization solution at a lower cost.
Procurement operations are no exception. In fact, 43% of GPOs that took part in the 2023 Global Chief Procurement Officer Survey cited overall procurement risk had increased significantly as compared to 20% in the 2021 study. Keep reading to learn: What is an online procurementsystem?
It is crucial for organizations to understand the importance of Purchase Order collaboration to effectively manage their direct spend, optimize operations, and mitigate risks. The post The Power of Purchase Order Collaboration: A Game-Changer in Managing Direct Spend appeared first on Logistics Viewpoints.
If you were tasked with procuring the best supply chain IT system, what would you look for? ERP, APS, SCM Systems Explained Organisations often use these systems together because each serves a distinct but complementary purpose. Think of it managing things like purchase orders, invoices, and inventory records.
More Resources Home Is AI Hype or a Truly Revolutionary Technology Set to Transform Logistics? (AI As someone passionate about efficiency and technology in logistics, but not an expert in AI, I was initially very excited about AI’s potential. In logistics, the cost of an error or exception is always where problems start to balloon.
Supply Chain & Logistics News Round-Up Sept 23rd- 27th This week I was busy attending various Climate Week NYC events, allowing me to step outside my usual bubble of supply chain and sustainability. I attended multiple events focused on the built environment, embodied carbon, digital decarbonization tools, and storytelling.
Until there are clear answers, business leaders should avoid buying software from companies with deep investments by venture capitalists. Likewise, data scientists are long on the understanding of software approaches but short on understanding the business. Kinaxis Purchase of Rubikloud. They are just too risky. Talent Demand.
Procurement and Supply Chain Management are essential functions that can help companies navigate these challenges, but they are often siloed and operate in separate departments. Their metrics are often misaligned as well – supply chain focuses on service and procurement focuses on the cost of acquiring materials and services.
At the same time, companies have been forced to pull forward inventory purchases, creating a squeeze where carrying costs are up while cash flow is tight. Until a trailer is unloaded and the warehouse records that inventory, it’s not reflected in the companys warehouse management systems.
The Failure of Existing Demand Planning Solutions. During the pandemic, supply chain leaders turned off their demand planning solutions. The systems–based on shipment and order data–were out of step with the market. Also, the solutions lacked flexibility. The Emergence of Logistics as Constraint.
This notice of the Rodanthe house purchase by the National Park Service was listed in my news feed above an article that Elliott Management Partners announced a confirmed 13.8% Software Survival in Battered Seas? E2open acquired ten companies, including BluJay Solutions, in the past five years for $1.7B. I am not so sure.
Unlike some of the other trends articles we have covered at Logistics Viewpoints, which take a deeper dive into technology and application specific trends, this article looked at the top trends executives need to be paying attention to before their strategic planning meetings commence. Top Five Transportation Trends ; Chris Cunnane.
Experts from North Carolina State University and GEP conducted a survey on supply chain, procurement and IT leaders to determine their challenges and priorities, focusing on examining gaps in the supply chain. The study found that these leaders considered the largest gap to be between supply chain and procurement, citing it as a major issue.
Blog More Resources Home It’s Not About Chatbots: Getting Real on AI Usage In Real Life Logistics (AI Popup #5) AI Popup #5 September 17, 2024 Dive deeper into freight data that matters Learn More It’s so hard to talk about AI without sounding pretentious or annoying. The real change-makers are quietly working on solutions.
GEP and the North Carolina State University (NCSU) Supply Chain Resource Cooperative surveyed supply chain, procurement and IT professionals across a range of industries to gain insight into their priorities and strategies regarding supply chain resilience and optimization. Business Spend Management Solutions are Networked .
Mobile inventory management is a digital solution that combines a mobile inventory app with cloud-based software to track, manage, and optimize inventory in real-time. Cloud software: Stores and distributes real-time data, producing reports accessible to all team members. Let’s get started!
Challenges drive dramatic shifts in supply chain and logistics. Across many of our industries, conventional wisdom about best practices for supply chain operations and logistical networks is being challenged. Hallmarks of successful logistics transformation.
As operations, maintenance, and supply chain leaders navigate a landscape shaped by rising asset complexity, volatile supply chains, and tight capital budgets, the pressure to optimize every part, every process, and every purchase has never been greater. This is where software steps in.
What is reverse Logistics? Before we dive in the nuances of reverse logistics, otherwise known as return logistics, integration, let's briefly recap what reverse logistics is. Reverse logistics refers to all operations related to the reuse of products and materials. Managing return logistic can be challenging.
Chakri Gottemukkala, CEO at Supply Chain Planning Vendor o9 Solutions There are several young supply chain software companies that are unicorns. One of the more interesting is o9 Solutions. In January of 2022, Dallas-based o9 Solutions was valued at $2.7 In-memory relies on system memory as opposed to disk space.
And now on to this week’s logistics news. The figure includes Panasonic’s purchase of the remaining 80 percent of shares in Blue Yonder for $5.6 The distribution hub will be operated by XPO Logistics Supply Chain, which has already started hiring. You can watch the full spot here ; I won’t spoil the outcome for you.
Many people associate reverse logistics to simply cover returns, but it is much more broad than that. Beyond answering “what is reverse logistics,” it is important to understand the history of reverse logistics, the benefits of reverse logistics and why it’s a rising practice, especially in aftermarket industries.
CAGR , the global supply chain management software market is expected to touch USD 50 billion by 2032. This one figure speaks volumes about how organizations worldwide want access to the best supply chain management tools to boost efficiency and value in their distribution and logistics network. The real challenge?
And now on to this week’s logistics news. While most of the tech world is focused on new generative AI tools, Amazon has been chipping away at an ongoing challenge posed by modern consumerism: the proliferation of shipping materials. Alibaba has officially introduced its Logistics Marketplace, providing U.S.
ARC defines the warehouse automation market according to a number of qualifications and dimensions to deliver a well-defined measure, with numerous segmentations, allowing those that purchase the research to understand what is being measured, and to easily extrapolate the findings to support their strategic planning needs.
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