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

JUNE 17, 2025

This is amplified across the supply chain into an exponential impact on inventory and planned orders for manufacturing. When we measure the bullwhip impact (in my class on outside-in process thinking), the bullwhip between manufacturing and procurement is 2-3X. They cannot access data directly from planning systems.

Supply Chain Planning Software 195

Supply Chain Planning Software Supply Chain Planning Supply Chain Software Scenario Planning 195

ToolsGroup

JUNE 2, 2023

Once upon a time, the world of manufacturing was a relatively stable place. So how does a manufacturer navigate this rollercoaster? The Challenge: Siloed Inventory Data and Lack of Visibility One of the primary obstacles in inventory management is the prevalence of siloed data across multiple execution systems.

Real-time Visibility 294

Real-time Visibility Manufacturing Procurement Optimal Sourcing Inventory Reduction 294

Freightos

APRIL 23, 2025

billion rate data points monthly to provide the most comprehensive view of the market, helping you identify savings opportunities and make data-driven decisions. Our platform can be deployed alongside your current solutions, providing immediate value without disrupting established workflows.

Optimal Sourcing 227

Optimal Sourcing Benchmarking Manufacturing Procurement Procurement 227

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

Logistics Viewpoints

APRIL 10, 2025

When a critical Tier-2 supplier is affected by a tariff policy change or regional shutdown, the ripple effects often catch manufacturers by surprise. All of this points to a larger issue: systems that perform well under stable conditions but lack the flexibility to respond when those conditions change.

Optimal Sourcing 212

Optimal Sourcing Modeling Supply Chain Optimization Cost Reduction Strategies 212

Supply Chain Shaman

APRIL 24, 2025

The research methodology for the Supply Chains to Admire compares the performance of a company against its industry peer group for the metrics of Year-over-Year Revenue Growth, Inventory Turns, Operating Margin, and Return on Capital Employed (ROCE). For 80% of industries, the supply chain metrics represent more than 40% impact on value.

Gartner 195

Gartner Supply Chain Planning Software Supply Chain Planning Scenario Planning 195

DELMIA Quintiq

NOVEMBER 6, 2019

Much has been done to improve manufacturing efficiency. As the common linchpin that brings together all manufacturing activities, has this metric improved along with all the investment in new technologies? One of the themes I have observed with typical technology investments or systems upgrades has been a focus on ROI.

Supply Chain Design Software 235

Supply Chain Design Software Manufacturing Optimization Software Predictive Analytics Software 235

Supply Chain Shaman

APRIL 27, 2022

The supply chain is a complex non-linear system. 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

Logistics Viewpoints

JUNE 3, 2025

Many large organizations have multiple systems for order, warehouse, or transportation management that are barely integrated frequently not at all. Effective fulfillment requires a well-designed system, efficient logistics, and a reliable supplier network to ensure timely and accurate delivery of products.

Optimal Sourcing 221

Optimal Sourcing Optimization Software Price Mitigation Strategies Sourcing Strategies 221

Supply Chain Shaman

JANUARY 8, 2024

No company in either the household non-durable (consumer goods) or the food manufacturing group beat their peer group on the balanced scorecard of growth, inventory turns, operating margin, and Return on Invested Capital (ROIC) for 2013-2022. My reply to my friend is that “The supply chain is a complex non-linear system.

Supply Chain Design Software 243

Supply Chain Design Software Supply Chain Planning Software Modeling Software Supply Chain Network Software 243

Supply Chain Shaman

APRIL 2, 2025

The issue is that when companies optimize functional metrics, they throw the supply chain out of balance and sub-optimize value. Planners evolved in the 1980s when planning systems were not scalable and memory was expensive. The most efficient supply chain (in terms of lowest cost) is not the most effective.

Optimal Sourcing 195

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

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. But, how do manufacturers turn their focus to the customer experience? Determine What Customers Want Today.

Manufacturing Procurement 275

Manufacturing Procurement Manufacturing Procurement Analytics Price Reduction 275

RFgen

DECEMBER 19, 2024

Essential technology solutions, including Warehouse Management Systems (WMS), Inventory Management Systems (IMS), and the transformative power of IoT and automation. This data should come from a system that can track multiple, moving parts and integrate with existing technologies.

Optimal Sourcing 97

Optimal Sourcing Optimization Software Waste Reduction Modeling 97

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

FEBRUARY 18, 2021

The systems–based on shipment and order data–were out of step with the market. With fixed models and hard-wired data feeds, teams could not adjust the planning systems to use consumption data or market indicators. Advanced planning evolved with a focus on modeling manufacturing constraints. The reason?

Supply Chain Planning Software 355

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

Supply Chain Shaman

DECEMBER 15, 2022

In the supply chain team analysis, note the 21% gap between procurement and manufacturing teams, the 35% gap between sales and operations and the 21% gap between finance and operations. Functional Metrics. Few consultants understand the supply chain as a complex non-linear system. Organizational Alignment 2012. False Beliefs.

Manufacturing Procurement 397

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

Supply Chain Shaman

DECEMBER 28, 2020

The first story is about a large regional food manufacturer. The SAS forecasting system implemented in 2019 was not tested for model accuracy. The second story is about a regional beverage manufacturer. This was the case for the client stories that I will share in this blog. I have changed the names to provide anonymity.

Supply Chain Planning Software 418

Supply Chain Planning Software Forecasting Forecasting Software Modeling 418

Supply Chain Shaman

DECEMBER 13, 2021

Their focus on technology for the sake of digital–doing the same things faster or hands-free–stalled out because of the lack of investment in human work systems. “Why would we invest in making current systems faster without recognizing the fundamental disconnects??? . What Does It Mean For Work Systems?

Cost Reduction Strategies 413

Cost Reduction Strategies Price Mitigation Strategies Supply Chain Strategy Supply Chain Design Software 413

Supply Chain Shaman

APRIL 18, 2023

For organizations layered in functional metrics and driving a cost agenda, this is a tough nut to crack. During the pandemic, companies struggled with planning systems turning off the optimizers, and using the technology as a system of record. To accomplish this goal avoid hardwiring planning platforms to transactional systems.

Supply Chain Planning Software 417

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

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. Agentic AI involves creating a system of interacting agents, each trained on a specific task or dataset. They must be.

Negotiating Skills 182

Negotiating Skills Supply Chain Design Software Modeling Software Supply Chain Planning Software 182

Supply Chain Shaman

NOVEMBER 21, 2023

In our discussion, we attempted to characterize and separate his performance from system issues. I worked three layers down in the organization for a well-established leader in manufacturing named Dan. Dan had a very manufacturing view and Fred focused on logistics. The metrics were not aligned. I was a pawn.

Supply Chain Planning Software 406

Supply Chain Planning Software Inventory Reduction Supply Chain Design Software Cost Reduction Strategies 406

Supply Chain Brain

JUNE 22, 2025

manufacturers have spent the last few decades consolidating production at gigantic offshore plants, especially in China. Such a model, based on prioritizing unit economies and production at scale, doesn’t prepare manufacturers and retailers for the waves of disruption that are washing over global supply chains today.

Manufacturing Procurement 69

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

SYSPRO Smarter ERP

APRIL 8, 2025

In manufacturing, performance improvement, cost reduction and process optimization are crucial. Manufacturers have adopted innovative solutions and technologies to deal with these issues. There is no question that AI and ML will have important roles in shaping the future of manufacturing ERP. What is AI and ML?

Supply Chain Design Software 62

Supply Chain Design Software Modeling Software Forecasting Software Modeling 62

Supply Chain Shaman

SEPTEMBER 3, 2018

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. Reward teams for cross-functional metrics. What did we find?

Supply Chain Planning Software 377

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

Freightos

APRIL 23, 2025

billion rate data points monthly to provide the most comprehensive view of the market, helping you identify savings opportunities and make data-driven decisions. Our platform can be deployed alongside your current solutions, providing immediate value without disrupting established workflows.

Optimal Sourcing 156

Optimal Sourcing Benchmarking Manufacturing Procurement Modeling 156

Silvon Software

MAY 6, 2025

Thats why modern BI systems are quickly becoming the go-to solution for data-driven enterprises. The best systems feature these five components: A Unified Data Hub Centralizes and harmonizes data for one-number reporting and consistent insights. Think of it as the central nervous system of your analytics ecosystem.

Prescriptive Analytics Software 89

Prescriptive Analytics Software Analytics Software Predictive Analytics Software Supply Chain Planning Software 89

RFgen

NOVEMBER 27, 2024

Connected technology transforms traditional supply chains into dynamic systems capable of real-time decisions and proactive problem-solving. Inventory Management Systems Integrated inventory management systems use data analytics to keep ideal stock levels.

Optimal Sourcing 98

Optimal Sourcing Supply Chain Optimization Modeling Inventory Reduction 98

SYSPRO Smarter ERP

MAY 26, 2025

In the fast-paced world of smart manufacturing, making quick, accurate and informed decisions is essential. Real-time decision-making, powered by artificial intelligence (AI) , is revolutionizing smart manufacturing processes. That said, manufacturers need to take several steps to successfully enable these technologies.

Manufacturing Procurement 67

Manufacturing Procurement Optimal Sourcing Inventory Management Software Predictive Analytics Software 67

Supply Chain Shaman

MARCH 5, 2019

What most companies want is a system with prescriptive analytics to tell them when a shipment is expected to be late and what action to take. Contract manufacturing or 3PL data often will have a 24-hour latency due to batch integration. The focus is on functional metrics, but are unable to get to overall supply chain metrics.

Supply Chain Design Software 339

Supply Chain Design Software Prescriptive Analytics Software Real-time Visibility Supply Chain Planning Software 339

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. These agreements often include performance metrics, sustainability requirements, and service-level expectations that are continuously monitored.

Procurement Solutions 130

Procurement Solutions Optimal Sourcing Manufacturing Procurement Supply Chain Planning Software 130

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. In this ultimate guide, we’ll break down everything you need to know about manufacturing inventory management software. Spreadsheets just don’t cut it anymore.

Inventory Management Software 52

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

Logistics Viewpoints

MAY 27, 2025

Consider the example of a large consumer goods manufacturer and distributor managing more than 80,000 locations. By integrating data from point-of-sale (POS) systems, IoT sensors, traffic, and weather forecasts, the company can: Automate Demand Sensing : AI dynamically adjusts order recommendations in response to demand fluctuations.

Supply Chain Software 150

Supply Chain Software Prescriptive Analytics Software Waste Reduction Cost Reduction Strategies 150

Logistics Viewpoints

JANUARY 31, 2024

As regulations across the globe strengthen, the pressure to collect, report, and organize emission-related metrics has never been higher. Across the globe, requirements for stricter reporting on complex metrics are increasing.

Report 313

Report Data Material Savings Manufacturing Procurement 313

Supply Chain Shaman

MARCH 21, 2024

During the 1980s, I was on a management team for a large manufacturer. The Company was attempting to gain economies of scale by grouping manufacturing technologies within a common infrastructure to reap the benefits of a co-generation facility, a centralized warehouse, and a talented administrative team. Lack of aligned metrics.

Inventory Reduction 434

Inventory Reduction Supply Chain Planning Software Cost Reduction Strategies Supply Chain Design Software 434

IQMS

JULY 21, 2023

The ability to ensure product quality is the cornerstone of a manufacturer’s success. By integrating quality into every step of the manufacturing process, companies can cut the production costs associated with rework and scrap, as well as lower the risk of recalls and potential litigation over defective products.

Quality 52

Quality Waste Reduction Cost Reduction Strategies Resource Reduction 52

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