Kinaxis

DECEMBER 3, 2014

Over the years, working for and with numerous manufacturing companies, I’ve seen many supply chain practices that cost companies money. Reason #9 Relentless pursuit of one supply chain metric at the expense of other metrics. Why do companies focus on reducing a specific metric? by John Westerveld. Sound ridiculous?

Expense Reduction 250

Expense Reduction Procurement Analytics Cost Reduction Strategies Metrics 250

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. The question then becomes what is a good OTIF score to shoot for?

Optimal Sourcing 225

Optimal Sourcing Optimization Software Price Mitigation Strategies Sourcing Strategies 225

Logistics Viewpoints

MARCH 3, 2025

Ibrahim Al Syed, the director of digital manufacturing at Celanese, was surprisingly forthcoming about how Celanese developed these capabilities at ARC Advisory Groups 29th Annual ARC Industry Leadership Forum. These agents can communicate, negotiate, and collaborate to solve complex problems. Their plants are very expensive.

Negotiating Skills 183

Negotiating Skills Supply Chain Design Software Modeling Software Supply Chain Planning Software 183

Supply Chain Shaman

FEBRUARY 18, 2021

Re-implement demand planning, trade promotion management, and revenue/price management together to improve the baseline demand signal. Advanced planning evolved with a focus on modeling manufacturing constraints. The focus of the transportation suites was on cost mitigation and price negotiation. This has changed.

Supply Chain Planning Software 355

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

Logistics Viewpoints

JUNE 29, 2023

It is crucial for organizations to understand the importance of Purchase Order collaboration to effectively manage their direct spend, optimize operations, and mitigate risks. Direct spend can be a significant part of the Cost of Goods Sold for an organization.

Manufacturing Procurement 269

Manufacturing Procurement Procurement Analytics Material Savings Inventory Reduction 269

Supply Chain Shaman

DECEMBER 15, 2022

” Or “push a shift from a focus on cost to drive value?” In my research, I find that the lack of alignment has a direct impact to value (operating margin and market price to book value). Functional Metrics. ” Sound familiar? As an analyst, I am always searching for answers and clear definitions.

Manufacturing Procurement 397

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

Supply Chain Shaman

APRIL 27, 2022

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.) Supply chain excellence was largely defined as manufacturing excellence.

Procurement Analytics 369

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

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

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

Logistics Viewpoints

AUGUST 15, 2022

Of the professionals surveyed, 59% saw the gap between procurement/sourcing and supply chain to be a major disconnect, and the most pressing pain point. A direct material is a raw material, component, or assembly used directly in the manufacturing process. Procurement solutions are often updated with purchased information.

Supply Chain Network Software 309

Supply Chain Network Software Manufacturing Procurement Procurement Analytics Optimal Sourcing 309

RFgen

DECEMBER 19, 2024

But between rising costs, complex logistics, and the constant struggle to optimize space and labor, staying ahead can feel like an uphill battle. By maximizing space utilization, improving inventory control , and boosting workflow efficiency, you can unlock significant cost savings and elevate your customer service game.

Optimal Sourcing 97

Optimal Sourcing Optimization Software Waste Reduction Inventory Reduction 97

Logistics Viewpoints

DECEMBER 15, 2022

ABC analysis creates product segments by grouping products with similar sales volume or purchase frequency to enable category managers to focus on what matters most. Price index and price elasticity are useful metrics on their own, and a combination of these can help determine the right price point to maximize revenue and profit.

Optimal Sourcing 260

Optimal Sourcing Analysis Procurement Analytics Purchasing Skills 260

QAD

JULY 1, 2021

What are Total Manufacturing Costs? Your total manufacturing costs are essentially an expense analysis that calculates how each of your company’s departments contributed to producing a finalized product. This looks at all stages of the manufacturing process from raw materials to work-in-progress to final result.

Manufacturing Procurement 98

Manufacturing Procurement Procurement Analytics Cost Reduction Strategies Purchasing Skills 98

Precoro

NOVEMBER 13, 2023

Financial efficiency, cost savings, and profitability undoubtedly fall under the main priorities of upper management, regardless of a company’s industry. However, only 30% of CPOs claim they have achieved their cost-saving targets in 2023. Why Is Purchase Price Variance Important?

Purchasing Skills 98

Purchasing Skills Procurement Analytics Negotiating Skills Negotiate Pricing 98

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

JANUARY 8, 2014

Interview for Metrics That Matter. My kitchen table is piled high with interviews for the upcoming book, Metrics That Matter. He is responsible for manufacturing, procurement, supply chain planning, logistics, quality, social responsibility and final product engineering. How do you define the metrics that matter?

Procurement Analytics 279

Procurement Analytics Manufacturing Procurement Metrics Procurement Solutions 279

Precoro

MARCH 27, 2025

Rising costs, supply chain chaos, and economic swings put businesses under enormous pressure to protect their margins. According to McKinsey & Company, procurement accounts for 50% to 80% of a company’s cost base. That’s why organizations zero in on strategies to achieve procurement cost reduction. 

Cost Reduction Strategies 45

Cost Reduction Strategies Price Reduction Expense Reduction Vendor Strategies 45

Logistics Viewpoints

MARCH 9, 2023

Commerce is global and regional at the same time, the world is getting smaller and more interconnected, and Consumer Packaged Goods (CPG) manufacturers operate in this build-anywhere and sell-anywhere market. Here we have compiled a list of the top six challenges that CPG companies face in the post-pandemic market.

Supply Chain Planning Software 282

Supply Chain Planning Software Modeling Forecasting Software Optimization Software 282

Logistics Viewpoints

APRIL 6, 2023

Their metrics are often misaligned as well – supply chain focuses on service and procurement focuses on the cost of acquiring materials and services. This approach results in inefficiencies, higher costs, and missed opportunities. These costs fall within the “Cost of Goods Sold” components of the company’s financial statement.

Optimal Sourcing 246

Optimal Sourcing Sourcing Strategies Manufacturing Procurement Material Savings 246

Precoro

JULY 16, 2023

The purchasing department plays a critical role in the success of an organization. Thought-out practices and well-managed workflows within the purchasing department are crucial for making sure that the company has the necessary resources available at the right time and at a reasonable cost.

Pricing Training 98

Pricing Training Purchasing Skills Procurement Analytics Purchasing Training 98

Logistics Viewpoints

JUNE 1, 2023

That’s why staying on top of the latest supply chain planning trends is so important – they can make all the difference when it comes to staying competitive, reducing costs, and meeting your customers’ needs. They are more likely to shop for discounts and sales and may delay purchases of some items.

Supply Chain Planning Software 272

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

GlobalTranz

DECEMBER 30, 2014

As with the logistics category where we featured 15 most popular blog posts vs. the 10 we covered in the top manufacturing blog posts and supply chain blog posts , we write so many transportation blog posts in that category, we are going to feature the 16 most viewed transportation blog posts. Read the Full Blog Post. Read the Full Blog Post.

Logistics Network Optimization Software 305

Logistics Network Optimization Software Expense Reduction Supply Chain Planning Software Modeling Software 305

GlobalTranz

DECEMBER 29, 2014

We’ve already listed the top 10 manufacturing blog posts and the top 10 supply chain blog posts last week. When a manufacturer’s product normally moves through the supply chain network, it is to reach the distributor or customer. Any process or management after the sale of the product involves reverse logistics.

Logistics Network Optimization Software 321

Logistics Network Optimization Software Reverse Logistics Manufacturing Procurement Logistics 321

Supply Chain Shaman

JANUARY 9, 2024

Nvidia, Northrup Grumman, PACCAR Inc, PCA (Packaging Corporation of America), ResMed, Rockwell Automation, Ross Stores, Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing (TSMC) Company, Tempur-Pedic, TJX, Toro, Toyota, West Pharma, United Tractors, and Urban Outfitters. The group’s response is, “Are these supply chain metrics?”

Supply Chain Planning Software 386

Supply Chain Planning Software Pharmaceutical Supply Chain Planning Gartner 386

QAD

MAY 22, 2025

Rising costs, geopolitical tensions, and tariffs demand a strategic and holistic approach to maintain profitability and competitive advantage. There are many ways an organization can cut supply chain costs. While there are no short-term fixes, enterprises should prioritize areas where they can make the quickest gains to reduce costs.

Cost Reduction Strategies 52

Cost Reduction Strategies Expense Reduction Price Reduction Waste Reduction 52

ToolsGroup

APRIL 1, 2022

How the War in Ukraine is Impacting the Supply Chain and Raw Material Prices. Increased Prices Resulting from Shortages and Supply Chain Issues. Increased Shipping Costs, Delays, and Transportation Issues. 28% of global retailers have tried to find alternative sourcing options due to supply chain issues (RetailNext, 2020).

Material Savings 207

Material Savings Purchasing Skills Supply Chain Planning Software Manufacturing Procurement 207

Supply Chain Opz

NOVEMBER 12, 2016

This can only be achieved by the knowledge and skills of the team. Then companies try to motivate staffs to continue developing their skills on regular basis. For both entry and executives, the self-study method has proven to be a cost-effective option. Anyway, the access to this database costs an arm and a leg.

Supply Chain Planning Software 271

Supply Chain Planning Software Supply Chain Design Software Gartner Supply Chain Strategy 271

Logistics Viewpoints

JUNE 28, 2024

The company said that it used 85,916 metric tons of single-use plastic that year, an 11.6 Walmart announced that it will pilot agriculture technology with crop supply intelligence company Agritaskto get real-time information on crops and improve sourcing decisions around produce. And now on to this week’s logistics news.

Logistics Network Optimization Software 283

Logistics Network Optimization Software Waste Reduction Logistics Price Reduction 283

Supply Chain Shaman

FEBRUARY 1, 2024

Each concept is flawed adding to, not reducing, cost and waste. Optimization engines to improve functional metric performance resulted in an exploding number of planners. Contract Manufacturing Signal Latency. In my last blog post, I shared insights on data synchronization between brand owners and contract manufacturing.

Supply Chain Planning Software 392

Supply Chain Planning Software Optimal Sourcing Manufacturing Procurement Waste Reduction 392

Precoro

JUNE 3, 2025

Businesses often use it in retail and purchasing. It’s a way for companies to group similar goods or services (like IT infrastructure, facilities, or raw materials) and manage them holistically instead of handling every purchase in isolation. Category management definition means looking beyond individual purchases.

Manufacturing Procurement 45

Manufacturing Procurement Procurement Analytics Procurement Solutions Material Savings 45

Supply Chain Shaman

AUGUST 12, 2024

I would like for us to move past the conventional view of sourcing strategies and globalization to drive improvements to the supply chain in a variable world. The populist narrative of sourcing globalization is only part of the story. Too few are questioning the products that should have never been manufactured. Let me explain.

Waste Reduction 195

Waste Reduction Supply Chain Planning Software Supply Chain Design Software Sourcing Strategies 195

Supply Chain Shaman

OCTOBER 5, 2018

The award, based on beating the industry peer group on rate of improvement on the key metrics of growth, operating margin, inventory turns, and Return on Invested Capital (ROIC) while outperforming their peer group, is tough to achieve. Based in Paris, L’Oréal is a global personal care manufacturing company.

Case Study 329

Case Study Inventory Reduction Study Agile and Lean Supply Chain 329

ivalua

NOVEMBER 29, 2022

For example, consider the challenges in the automotive industry that stem from the supply chain issue in chip manufacturing. Tracking the Metrics that Matter. While Ardent expects Procurement to rise to and tackle these challenges, tracking the metrics that matter will help them stay focused for full recovery. Inflation Metrics.

Procurement Analytics 130

Procurement Analytics Metrics Manufacturing Procurement Optimal Sourcing 130

GlobalTranz

APRIL 25, 2016

The average Supply Chain management professional measures their Supply Chain by reviewing cost reduction. Is cost reduction all that there is in measuring Supply Chain performance? 3 Key Metrics for Measuring Supply Chain Performance Beyond Cost Reduction. Cost reduction is still very important. Read more. .

Procurement Analytics 120

Procurement Analytics Supply Chain Performance Metrics Supply Chain Software 120

RFgen

JANUARY 16, 2025

Keeping track of all your moving parts in manufacturing is a tall order. That’s where manufacturing inventory management software comes in. We’re talking real-time tracking, automated purchasing, and a whole lot less stress. Its your single source of truth for inventory, constantly updated and readily available.

Inventory Management Software 52

Inventory Management Software Manufacturing Procurement Supply Chain Planning Software Optimization Software 52

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. There’d be no photos, no prices, nothing except a terse description.

Manufacturing Procurement 52

Manufacturing Procurement Procurement Solutions Procurement Analytics Optimal Sourcing 52

Supply Chain Shaman

OCTOBER 29, 2014

These solutions were usually implemented by the technology provider by consultants with specialized skill sets. The promise was the delivery of a decision support system that would allow the organization to optimize the relationships between cash, cost and customer service against the strategy. But, did it add more value?

Supply Chain Planning Software 379

Supply Chain Planning Software Modeling Demand Planning Software Optimization Software 379