Logistics Viewpoints

APRIL 29, 2025

a leading global supplier of mechanical components for the manufacturing industry headquartered in Japan. The manufacturing and supply chain industries are rapidly evolving and increasingly volatile, fueled by shifts in global tariff and trade policy, geopolitical uncertainty, logistics disruptions, and technology developments.

Manufacturing Procurement 155

Manufacturing Procurement Supply Chain Software Logistics Network Optimization Software Manufacturing 155

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 260

Supply Chain Software Inventory Reduction Cost Reduction Strategies Supply Chain Planning Software 260

Logistics Viewpoints

AUGUST 15, 2022

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 .

Supply Chain Network Software 314

Supply Chain Network Software Manufacturing Procurement Procurement Analytics Optimal Sourcing 314

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. Such sourcing events can be in the context of direct materials or logistics capacity.

Optimal Sourcing 290

Optimal Sourcing Manufacturing Procurement Procurement Analytics Procurement Solutions 290

Logistics Viewpoints

DECEMBER 2, 2024

The high-tech firm is more than a manufacturer of PCs, tablets, smartphones, and servers. The company has more than 2000 suppliers and operates over 30 manufacturing sites. We run one of the few truly hybrid supply chain networks. We own a significant portion of our network, but we also work extensively with partners.

Supply Chain Planning Software 288

Supply Chain Planning Software Supply Chain Planning Supply Chain Software Supply Chain Network Software 288

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.) This gap of 48% between manufacturing and procurement is the highest seen in studies across the decade.

Manufacturing Procurement 469

Manufacturing Procurement Optimal Sourcing Agile and Lean Supply Chain Supply Chain Planning 469

Logistics Viewpoints

FEBRUARY 26, 2025

Supply chains, which facilitate the movement of products from manufacturers to consumers, have historically encountered issues such as inefficiency, fraud, and a lack of transparency. Companies find it difficult to fully trust the data from suppliers, complicating efforts to ensure product authenticity, safety, and ethical sourcing.

Supply Chain Software 222

Supply Chain Software Pharmaceutical Supply Chain Network Software Optimal Sourcing 222

ToolsGroup

MARCH 31, 2025

Advanced supply chain planning is being transformed by probabilistic forecasting , which revolutionizes demand forecasting, supply planning, and inventory optimization. This approach significantly improves forecast accuracy and enhances decision-making across distribution networks. The result?

Forecasting 156

Forecasting Supply Chain Planning Software Forecasting Software Supply Chain Planning 156

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. However, this approach ignores real purchasing behavior, such as customers buying complete sets of four tires. The result?

Supply Chain Planning Software 156

Supply Chain Planning Software Forecasting Forecasting Software Inventory Reduction 156

Logistics Viewpoints

MAY 1, 2025

They emphasized being an Industry Cloud Complete Company with industry-specific solutions for over 2000 micro verticals across Process Manufacturing, Distribution, Service Industries, and Discrete Manufacturing. Industry-specific content is available for processes like Source to Settle, Procure to Pay, Order to Cash, and more.

Prescriptive Analytics Software 203

Prescriptive Analytics Software Optimal Sourcing Material Savings Predictive Analytics Software 203

BlueYonder

MARCH 7, 2025

On the positive side, companies such as a small manufacturer of advanced plastic components used across various sectors, such as medical, industrial, automotive and consumer products has experienced increased interest from clients eager to purchase American-made goods. Where do industrial companies focus to prepare for tariffs?

Manufacturing Procurement 85

Manufacturing Procurement Optimal Sourcing Sourcing Strategies Material Savings 85

ivalua

MARCH 16, 2020

Optimization of the entire source-to-pay process for nearly all Körber locations worldwide. In order to establish a unified and consistent source-to-pay process throughout the entire Group, Körber was looking for a fully integrated e-procurement solution.

Optimal Sourcing 49

Optimal Sourcing Manufacturing Procurement Procurement Solutions Procurement 49

Logistics Viewpoints

APRIL 6, 2023

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.

Optimal Sourcing 246

Optimal Sourcing Sourcing Strategies Manufacturing Procurement Material Savings 246

DELMIA Quintiq

SEPTEMBER 16, 2021

Meeting these objectives, on top of addressing existing industry challenges, requires steel manufacturing companies to become more efficient and flexible in their operations—and this means optimizing their master production schedules. As your steel manufacturing operations transform, so too will the complexity of your planning needs.

Optimal Sourcing 287

Optimal Sourcing Supply Chain Optimization Network Optimization Optimization Software 287

Logistics Viewpoints

JUNE 29, 2023

However, recent disruptions have highlighted the vulnerabilities of these complex networks, resulting in significant financial losses for companies. 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 274

Manufacturing Procurement Procurement Analytics Material Savings Inventory Reduction 274

RFgen

DECEMBER 27, 2024

Running a manufacturing business isn’t easy. That’s where a manufacturing ERP comes in. Manufacturing ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) software integrates all your core business processes into one powerful platform. This prevents stockouts, reduces waste from overstocking, and optimizes your warehouse operations.

Supply Chain Planning Software 98

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

GlobalTranz

FEBRUARY 27, 2018

Procurement must never be an afterthought in any enterprise. Manufacturers need to have the right raw materials and supplies available. The answers to these questions lie in understanding a few of the top industrial procurement trends to expect in 2018. Companies Will Seek New Ways to Use Technology in Procurement.

Manufacturing Procurement 235

Manufacturing Procurement Optimal Sourcing Supply Chain Planning Software Supply Chain Software 235

Supply Chain Shaman

APRIL 18, 2023

During the pandemic, companies struggled with planning systems turning off the optimizers, and using the technology as a system of record. In the face of variability, this is two-to-six weeks too long to make allocation or procurement decisions. Build in-market sourcing. What Is the Value of A Network? Higher variability.

Supply Chain Planning Software 418

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

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

GlobalTranz

JULY 28, 2021

There are many working parts, network partners, and opportunities for things to go wrong that some are often overlooked. Additional opportunities can be reached through transportation optimization whether using a 3PL or 4PL. Defining Transportation Optimization.

Optimal Sourcing 317

Optimal Sourcing Optimization Software Network Optimization Supply Chain Optimization 317

Supply Chain Shaman

NOVEMBER 11, 2020

Globally ten percent of jobs are in manufacturing, while 37% are associated with supply chain management. The discipline, first defined in 1982, includes source, make, deliver, and planning functions. Kinaxis Purchase of Rubikloud. The Rubikloud acquisition was a $60M cash purchase. Elemica Purchase by Eurazeo.

Supply Chain Design Software 362

Supply Chain Design Software Procurement Solutions Manufacturing Procurement Supply Chain Planning Software 362

Logistics Viewpoints

MAY 19, 2022

Supply chain optimization has also improved in significant ways that can address these trade-offs better than before. Operational innovations like the invention of containers led to the huge growth in global value chains, and today 95% of manufactured goods move on ships. Supply chain optimization for today’s realities.

Optimal Sourcing 306

Optimal Sourcing Modeling Supply Chain Optimization Optimization Software 306

Logistics Viewpoints

FEBRUARY 20, 2024

Supply chain network design (SCND) is a powerful tool for improving business operations. Optimization and simulation are the two main branches of SCND. Optimization accounts for over 90% of all work that is being done by SCND teams. It can be used to solve a wide variety of supply chain problems. But it has gaps.

Sourcing Strategies 311

Sourcing Strategies Supply Chain Design Software Modeling Inventory Reduction 311

Logistics Viewpoints

AUGUST 9, 2024

Leveraging advanced technologies like AI, machine learning, and real-time tracking can enhance visibility, optimize routes, and improve overall supply chain efficiency. Reducing reliance on single suppliers and diversifying supply sources can mitigate the impact of disruptions in specific regions or industries.

Supply Chain Planning Software 312

Supply Chain Planning Software Logistics Network Optimization Software Optimal Sourcing Supply Chain Software 312

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

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. As companies across industries have discovered, a well-optimized supply chain can drive significant improvements throughout their operations.

Sourcing Strategies 96

Sourcing Strategies Inventory Reduction Waste Reduction Expense Reduction 96

Jaggaer

OCTOBER 24, 2024

Supplier Collaboration: Fundamental to Elevating Manufacturing Performance Supplier relationships are at the heart of manufacturing performance. That’s why supplier collaboration—that consistent, trusted, and responsive interaction between supplier and manufacturer—is pivotal to manufacturing success.

Manufacturing Procurement 52

Manufacturing Procurement Optimal Sourcing Sourcing Strategies Supply Chain Planning Software 52

Supply Chain Shaman

MAY 26, 2023

The basic frame of supply chain planning–functional taxonomies for optimization on a relational database–must be redesigned before supply chain leaders can reap the benefit of deep learning, neural networks, and evolving forms of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Graph architectures also use different optimization technologies.

Optimal Sourcing 369

Optimal Sourcing Modeling Supply and Demand Manufacturing Procurement 369

RFgen

NOVEMBER 27, 2024

It’s the key to transforming your supply chain from a source of frustration into a well-oiled, profit-generating machine. Forget static network designs and gut-feel decisions. Route Optimization: Calculate the most efficient delivery routes based on several factors. That’s where data analytics comes in.

Optimal Sourcing 98

Optimal Sourcing Supply Chain Optimization Modeling Inventory Reduction 98

SCMDOJO

JUNE 3, 2025

Before digital tools entered the scene, thats almost exactly what procurement used to feel like. Real-World Applications for Digital Calculators Across Industries: Learn how sectors like construction, general contracting, skilled trades, and manufacturing benefit from the assistance of these smarter tools. Today though?

Negotiating Skills 54

Negotiating Skills Predictive Analytics Software Supply Chain Design Software Supply Chain Software 54

Supply Chain Shaman

NOVEMBER 15, 2023

PWC’s Digital Trends in Supply Chain Survey reports that 83% of manufacturers say that supply chain technologies have not delivered the expected results. Let’s zoom to the bottom line: the results are less than optimal for all the monies spent and practices deployed. When he speaks of the supply chain, he means procurement.

Supply Chain Planning Software 419

Supply Chain Planning Software Optimal Sourcing Modeling Forecasting Software 419

Supply Chain Shaman

FEBRUARY 1, 2024

Optimization engines to improve functional metric performance resulted in an exploding number of planners. I would prefer for companies to invest in the building of outside-in processes, supply chain design capabilities, and network automation. Contract Manufacturing Signal Latency. days to receive a purchase order confirmation.

Supply Chain Planning Software 393

Supply Chain Planning Software Optimal Sourcing Manufacturing Procurement Waste Reduction 393

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 130

Beverage Price Reduction Canada Cost Reduction Strategies 130

Supply Chain Shaman

JUNE 9, 2023

The discussions included the pros and cons of probabilistic versus deterministic optimization, advancements in Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Deep Learning, and improvements in Machine Learning. Each box has an optimizer that drives output from a model based on a functional definition using enterprise data. My response is a big YAWN.

Optimal Sourcing 363

Optimal Sourcing Supply Chain Planning Software Supply and Demand Supply Chain Design Software 363

SYSPRO Smarter ERP

MAY 30, 2022

Disruptions like the pandemic, supply shortages, global trade barriers, high customer expectations and inflation all add tremendous pressure on the procurement process. According to SYSPRO Research 70% of manufacturing businesses experienced material handling and supply chain disruptions during the pandemic.

Manufacturing Procurement 105

Manufacturing Procurement Optimal Sourcing Procurement Solutions Procurement Analytics 105

Supply Chain Shaman

JUNE 16, 2014

In my work on the Supply Chain Index , I see that companies I recognize as doing network design well are rising faster on the list of the Supply Chain Index work. The network design technologies have changed a lot in the last decade. (I These tools allow us to look at sell, source, make, and deliver together.

Supply Chain Design Software 319

Supply Chain Design Software Network Design Software Supply Chain Planning Software Supply Chain Network Software 319

Logistics Viewpoints

DECEMBER 14, 2023

And even before they begin, they must realize these problems are too big for any single team—supply chain must connect with finance and procurement to treat the n-tier suppliers as an extended part of their network and become their preferred customer. By identifying these gaps, you can create sourcing events to close them.

Supply Chain Design Software 325

Supply Chain Design Software Optimal Sourcing Supply Chain Planning Software Modeling 325