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. Where does time go?

Supply Chain Design Software 221

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

Logistics Viewpoints

OCTOBER 28, 2024

According to research by Ernst & Young LLP, the global consulting firm, as the Covid crisis recedes, supply chain executives are losing the strategic gains they made with their C-suite counterparts. 28% of supply chain leaders cite cost reduction as one of the top three priorities currently.

Supply Chain Execution 281

Supply Chain Execution Agile and Lean Supply Chain Supply Chain Planning Software Supply Chain Strategy 281

Logistics Viewpoints

APRIL 10, 2025

For years, supply chains were engineered to be lean. Reducing cost was the primary objective, and most operational decisionsfrom sourcing to fulfillmentreflected that mindset. Recent years have brought a series of disruptions that exposed vulnerabilities in how supply chains are designed. AI also helps with scenario modeling.

Optimal Sourcing 216

Optimal Sourcing Modeling Supply Chain Optimization Cost Reduction Strategies 216

Supply Chain Shaman

MAY 15, 2023

Let me explain, if you fill out one of my surveys on LinkedIn, I share the research results in front of the paywall (I believe that supply chain research should be readily available and not locked behind a paywall.) (If We are trying to assess the value of a network in managing contract manufacturing.)

Manufacturing Procurement 468

Manufacturing Procurement Optimal Sourcing Agile and Lean Supply Chain Supply Chain Planning 468

Logistics Viewpoints

JUNE 3, 2025

Sudden and significant changes in demand, especially in consumer markets, stack up more challenges, requiring order revision and reallocation. Optimizing fulfillment requires a series of steps to get a shipment from its source to the end customer.

Optimal Sourcing 225

Optimal Sourcing Optimization Software Price Mitigation Strategies Sourcing Strategies 225

Supply Chain Shaman

FEBRUARY 18, 2021

The Covid-19 pandemic tested the global supply chain. Like riding a bumpy road, the supply chain leader is riding the ups and downs of changing market conditions facing greater variability day-to-day. Here, based on interviews with supply chain leaders, I share lessons learned. The Failure of Existing Demand Planning Solutions.

Supply Chain Planning Software 355

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

Logistics Viewpoints

OCTOBER 14, 2024

During my current supply chain planning market research, I have received briefings from several SCP companies. Many say that they are using generative AI, a type of AI that can create new content and ideas, as part of their journey toward autonomous planning. Solvoyo has a metric they call the user acceptance rate.

Supply Chain Planning Software 284

Supply Chain Planning Software Supply Chain Planning Procurement Analytics Scenario Planning 284

Supply Chain Shaman

NOVEMBER 21, 2024

(Most of the business networks were hollowed out by venture capitalists or purchased by opportunists. The supply chain planner role is the most dissatisfied of any employee in the supply chain, but most focus on improving engines using AI into conventional work processes. The opportunity is to rethink planning.

Supply Chain Planning Software 396

Supply Chain Planning Software Modeling Software Modeling Supply Chain Network Software 396

Logistics Viewpoints

JULY 22, 2021

While the terminology evolved, the underlying thesis of S&OP has stayed the same, i.e., bridge the divide between sales forecasts and operational plans while respecting the budget. Then the process was put to test in recent times, as increasing demand and supply side shocks caught companies flatfooted.

S&OP 284

S&OP Supply and Demand Optimal Sourcing Supply Chain Design Software 284

Supply Chain Shaman

DECEMBER 15, 2022

When reviewing strategy decks for supply chain teams, I often see statements like “move from a functional-silo’d focus to a drive a more holistic response.” Companies became less clear on the definition of supply chain excellence and how to implement decision support technologies. Functional Metrics.

Manufacturing Procurement 397

Manufacturing Procurement Supply Chain Design Software Supply Chain Planning Software Procurement Analytics 397

SCMDOJO

JANUARY 9, 2025

Strategic sourcing and innovative solutions are often viewed as two distinct procurement tools, but they should not be seen in isolation. Think of them as apples and gearseach essential and effective on its own, yet when combined; they create a formidable mechanism for achieving procurement excellence.

Optimal Sourcing 98

Optimal Sourcing Manufacturing Procurement Procurement Solutions Negotiating Skills 98

Freightos

APRIL 23, 2025

Home Introducing Freightos Enterprise: End-to-End Procurement, Benchmarking, and Management Freightos Enterprise unifies market intelligence, tender management, and shipment operations into one solution, enhancing logistics efficiency for large import-export businesses.

Optimal Sourcing 156

Optimal Sourcing Benchmarking Manufacturing Procurement Procurement 156

Logistics Viewpoints

JUNE 25, 2025

Over the past five years, supply chains have faced unprecedented challenges. E-commerce demands, trade pressures, and increasingly complex supplier networks have necessitated executives to raise concerns about their supply chain operations. Who is responsible for Supply Chain Planning?

Supply Chain Planning Software 163

Supply Chain Planning Software Supply Chain Planning Scenario Planning Supply Chain Design Software 163

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. Small companies outperform large companies, and the marquee customers of major supply chain planning technology providers underperform. Industry 4.0.

Optimal Sourcing 195

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

Supply Chain Game Changer

JUNE 24, 2025

Simply by searching for a pair of shoes within an intuitive user interface, users are given a seemingly limitless amount of choices each with prices, photos, measurements, and any other metric a shopper could desire. Worse yet, their responsibilities are far more important than purchasing a pair of sporty sneakers.

Manufacturing Procurement 75

Manufacturing Procurement Procurement Solutions Procurement Analytics Optimal Sourcing 75

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

APRIL 24, 2025

Self-congratulations notes abounded this week as vendor-after-vendor shared their rankings on the Gartner Magic Quadrant for Supply Chain Planning. I believe that the Gartner Magic Quadrant is a barrier to progress in supply chain planning, and that vendors that rally in support have a false sense of superiority.

Gartner 195

Gartner Supply Chain Planning Software Supply Chain Planning Scenario Planning 195

Enchange Supply Chain Consultancy

JUNE 10, 2025

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. Do Embrace Technology and Data : Use real-time data for demand forecasting, inventory management, and route optimization.

Waste Reduction 165

Waste Reduction Vendor Strategies Inventory Reduction Cost Reduction Strategies 165

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. Let’s take P&G as an example. The reason? A Case Study. Was this by design?

Procurement Analytics 369

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

Supply Chain Shaman

APRIL 18, 2023

The global supply chain is built on three assumptions: rational government policy, availability of reasonably priced logistics, and low variability. In March 2023, the Global Supply Chain Pressure Index fell to the lowest level since November 2008. Over the past three years, supply chain cycles shifted. Shift in cycles.

Supply Chain Planning Software 417

Supply Chain Planning Software Supply Chain Design Software Optimal Sourcing Supply Chain Software 417

Logility

JULY 20, 2023

Good forecasting leads to good demand planning —and good demand planning means better profitability. That’s why it’s essential to be sure you’re equipping your organization with the right demand planning software. Here are our answers to some of the most common questions about demand planning software.

Supply and Demand 188

Supply and Demand Supply Chain Planning Software Demand Planning Software Forecasting Software 188

Logistics Viewpoints

JUNE 29, 2023

In today’s interconnected global economy, supply chains play a vital role in the success of businesses. It is crucial for organizations to understand the importance of Purchase Order collaboration to effectively manage their direct spend, optimize operations, and mitigate risks.

Manufacturing Procurement 269

Manufacturing Procurement Procurement Analytics Material Savings Inventory Reduction 269

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

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. I was wrong.

Supply Chain Planning Software 418

Supply Chain Planning Software Forecasting Forecasting Software Modeling 418

GlobalTranz

JUNE 30, 2017

Manufacturers have always struggled to know their customers. Unfortunately, this means manufacturers face an even greater challenge, as more customers translate into greater use of customer service. In addition, customers are continuing to demand lower prices and free shipping. Lengthen the Buying Cycle Through Interaction.

Manufacturing Procurement 275

Manufacturing Procurement Manufacturing Procurement Analytics Price Reduction 275

Logistics Viewpoints

APRIL 6, 2023

In today’s dynamic and unpredictable business environment, companies face various challenges such as changing consumer demands, global uncertainty, and the impact of natural and man-made events. All the products and services purchased by procurement and supply chain organizations can be categorized into this two-by-two matrix.

Optimal Sourcing 246

Optimal Sourcing Sourcing Strategies Manufacturing Procurement Material Savings 246

Supply Chain Brain

JUNE 22, 2025

Bowman, SupplyChainBrain In the rush to adjust sourcing strategies in line with current trends in international trade, the answer might be to think small. manufacturers have spent the last few decades consolidating production at gigantic offshore plants, especially in China. It could even entail some degree of domestic production.

Manufacturing Procurement 69

Manufacturing Procurement Supply Chain Design Software Supply Chain Design Optimal Sourcing 69

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

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. ” Hau Lee, October 2014.

Supply Chain Planning Software 377

Supply Chain Planning Software Supply Chain Design Software Agile and Lean Supply Chain Supply Chain Software 377

ivalua

JUNE 26, 2023

Blog » Procurement on the Thames: Ivalua’s London Summer Symposium June 26, 2023 | | Thought Leadership by Eloise Barnum As businesses navigate through supply chain disruptions, high inflation, and sustainability initiatives, procurement, and supplier management has taken center stage in driving change.

Optimal Sourcing 244

Optimal Sourcing Manufacturing Procurement Procurement Sourcing Strategies 244

RFgen

DECEMBER 19, 2024

But instead of guessing what’s happening, you’ve got real-time insights at your fingertips. That’s the power of manufacturing data collection. It’s not just about collecting numbers it’s about turning those numbers into action. Its the foundation of modern manufacturing efficiency.

Manufacturing Procurement 98

Manufacturing Procurement Optimization Software Supply Chain Planning Software Inventory Reduction 98

Logistics Viewpoints

NOVEMBER 23, 2020

In supply chain management, it is widely accepted that holding enough finished goods inventory to fulfill every order is just too costly. Ronan Stephens, the Senior Vice President of Supply Chain Management and External Manufacturing, explained how the company set out on a journey to improve customer service while also reducing costs.

Supply and Demand 246

Supply and Demand Customer Service Logistics Network Optimization Software Supply Chain Planning Software 246

RFgen

DECEMBER 19, 2024

That’s where warehouse optimization comes in. Warehouse optimization isn’t just a buzzword; it’s a lifeline for businesses seeking to thrive in the demanding world of modern commerce. Space Utilization: Increase available storage capacity, better organize high-demand items, and optimize vertical space.

Optimal Sourcing 97

Optimal Sourcing Optimization Software Waste Reduction Modeling 97

Supply Chain Shaman

FEBRUARY 1, 2024

While consultants know the answers (or believe they do), I believe my goal as a research analyst is to unearth new questions that should be asked (and answered together openly in the supply chain community) to improve value. Like a car’s tire in a snowbank going nowhere… My goal is to free their thinking.

Supply Chain Planning Software 392

Supply Chain Planning Software Optimal Sourcing Manufacturing Procurement Waste Reduction 392

ivalua

JUNE 12, 2025

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. Misaligned priorities across finance, legal, and procurement create friction that delays decision-making and reduces impact.

Cost Reduction Strategies 130

Cost Reduction Strategies Material Savings Expense Reduction Negotiating Skills 130

Supply Chain Shaman

NOVEMBER 15, 2021

While we will recover quickly in retail (moving from painful shortages to a glut of inventory), the chemical industry–sitting four and five layers back in the supply chain–takes longer to recover. Supply chain leaders have little say in the business.” Supply chain leaders have little say in the business.”

Supply Chain Design Software 355

Supply Chain Design Software Supply Chain Planning Software Sourcing Strategies Supply and Demand 355