ivalua

MAY 30, 2025

AI is reshaping the way organizations source, manage suppliers, and drive value today. AI agents offer a smarter, faster way to manage sourcing, risk, and spend across the entire procurement lifecycle. For example, agentic AI can analyze supplier data, evaluate contracts, manage purchase orders, or recommend sourcing strategies.

Optimal Sourcing 130

Optimal Sourcing Procurement Solutions Procurement Analytics Negotiating Skills 130

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. Supply Chain Management: Procurement is responsible for identifying suppliers, negotiating contracts, and ensuring cost-effective, compliant purchases.

Procurement Solutions 130

Procurement Solutions Optimal Sourcing Manufacturing Procurement Supply Chain Planning Software 130

SCMDOJO

MARCH 24, 2025

Introduction Gardner, (1954) and Huntzinger, (2007) define Purchase price variance (PPV) as a metric used to measure the effectiveness of cost-saving efforts by calculating the difference between the planned cost (standard pricing) allocated for purchasing activities and the actual cost incurred.

Purchasing Skills 69

Purchasing Skills Negotiating Skills Negotiate Pricing Procurement Analytics 69

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 227

Optimal Sourcing Optimization Software Price Mitigation Strategies Sourcing Strategies 227

Precoro

NOVEMBER 11, 2024

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.

Pricing Training 105

Pricing Training Expense Reduction Price Reduction Purchasing Training 105

Precoro

DECEMBER 24, 2024

Unlike traditional tools that often operate in isolation or rely on rigid workflows, AI connects the dots between disparate data sources, providing a more comprehensive view of procurement activities. This gives them advance warning so they can adjust their purchasing strategies.

Price Reduction 105

Price Reduction Cost Reduction Strategies Sourcing Strategies Expense Reduction 105

Logistics Viewpoints

MARCH 3, 2025

These agents can communicate, negotiate, and collaborate to solve complex problems. They prepare equipment for maintenance, do isolation (disconnect a piece of equipment from the flow of chemicals by closing valves), look at quality or reliability metrics, and do rounds. trillion records from 47 data sources in the Cognite platform.

Negotiating Skills 183

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

ivalua

MAY 10, 2025

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.

Procurement Solutions 130

Procurement Solutions Sourcing Strategies Optimal Sourcing Analytics Software 130

ToolsGroup

MARCH 25, 2025

Beyond simply improving forecast accuracy, todays ML-powered demand forecasting software uncovers hidden supply trends, anticipates pricing fluctuations, and enables proactive supply chain planning decisions. According to McKinsey , organizations implementing AI-driven demand forecasting solutions can reduce forecast errors by 30% to 50%.

Supply and Demand 156

Supply and Demand Forecasting Forecasting Software Modeling 156

ivalua

MAY 21, 2025

Key Takeaways Legacy procurement processes limit scale, speed, and visibility, making it harder to manage risk, compliance, and costs. Digital procurement streamlines workflows and unifies data, enabling faster sourcing, better collaboration, and improved accuracy.

Optimal Sourcing 130

Optimal Sourcing Procurement Solutions Procurement Analytics Analytics Software 130

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 270

Manufacturing Procurement Procurement Analytics Material Savings Inventory Reduction 270

Logistics Viewpoints

MARCH 27, 2025

A disruption at any point in the global logistics network including the average of 12 touch points from shipment packaging to final delivery can prove disastrous for profits, service levels, customer loyalty, and other key metrics. With the global e-commerce market predicted to reach $8.1

Supply Chain Planning Software 330

Supply Chain Planning Software Supply Chain Network Software Logistics Network Optimization Software Predictive Analytics Software 330

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

Precoro

DECEMBER 11, 2023

The dynamic landscape of modern business comes with increasing product variety and volatile prices, making it more important than ever to stay competitive on the market. To enhance their competitive edge, companies across industries are adopting a key tactic: strategic sourcing.

Negotiating Skills 105

Negotiating Skills Purchasing Skills Optimal Sourcing Sourcing Strategies 105

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. Procurement solutions are often updated with purchased information. Similarly, for spend management solutions the purchase order can be stopped if information is not up to date.

Supply Chain Network Software 310

Supply Chain Network Software Manufacturing Procurement Procurement Analytics Optimal Sourcing 310

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

SCMDOJO

APRIL 11, 2025

Is inventory bloating your costs? Running procurement and supply chain without metrics is like driving blindfolded. Control Costs: Track value beyond just the purchase price and manage inventory effectively. Struggling with the true cost of ownership or serving your customers? Our course breaks down TCO/TCS.

Pricing Training 72

Pricing Training Optimal Sourcing Purchasing Skills Negotiating Skills 72

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.) I never calculated and accounted for the inter-dependencies between metrics.

Procurement Analytics 369

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

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 261

Optimal Sourcing Analysis Procurement Analytics Purchasing Skills 261

Logistics Viewpoints

OCTOBER 12, 2023

Lower-income consumers and those using food assistance programs care the most about food waste as a purchase driver—again, suggesting it is a response to higher prices.” The same “If” statement was repeated for a host of financial and operational metrics.

Supply Chain Design Software 312

Supply Chain Design Software Supply Chain Design Supply Chain Planning Software Supply Chain Planning 312

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

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 Procurement Solutions 98

Logistics Viewpoints

MARCH 9, 2023

This is because most classical planning solutions lack the modeling capability and computing power to accommodate different data sources, large SKU count, and detailed constraints and contingencies to build an immediately executable plan. each with discrete plans generated typically in sequential batch runs.

Supply Chain Planning Software 283

Supply Chain Planning Software Modeling Forecasting Software Optimization Software 283

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

Supply Chain Opz

JANUARY 7, 2013

Apple Inc purchases raw materials from various sources then get them shipped to an assembling plant in China. One journalist indicated that the life of Apple Inc is fairly easy by utilizing its negotiation power. Some components are currently obtained from the single or limited sources. 2) Apples Supply Chain Challenges.

Case Study 279

Case Study Study Negotiating Skills Supply Chain Planning Software 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 Expense Reduction Price Reduction Vendor Strategies 45

My Office Apps

OCTOBER 21, 2024

Vendor Contract Management Vendor contracts are the backbone of supplier relationships, detailing terms, pricing, and obligations. This allows businesses to track expenses, costs, and payments against the appropriate financial accounts. This data is invaluable for evaluating suppliers, resolving disputes, or negotiating better terms.

Vendor Strategies 98

Vendor Strategies Supply Chain Planning Software Procurement Solutions Optimization Software 98

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

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

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

Supply Chain Shaman

MAY 25, 2024

The use of orbit charts allowed me to see the patterns of performance at the intersection of metrics over time. We purchase data from Y charts. (A This data source synchronizes corporate reporting across global markets while tracking restatements, name changes, and currency shifts.)

Eliminating Excel in Purchasing 384

Eliminating Excel in Purchasing Gartner Supply Chain Design Supply Chain Strategy 384

Freight Waves

JUNE 16, 2025

This extensive connectivity has resulted in impressive metrics: 1.2 These agents serve as a means to “connect seamlessly with existing systems” as part of project44’s API-first architecture, gathering data from sources that might otherwise be disconnected. AI agents in project44’s Movement negotiating rates for a shipment.

Supply Chain Design Software 99

Supply Chain Design Software Supply Chain Network Software Logistics Network Optimization Software Predictive Analytics Software 99

Descartes

JUNE 4, 2025

We remain committed to growing our business with prudent investments and cost discipline to build the premier network and technology for logistics-intensive businesses." Issuances of common shares, net of issuance costs 3.6 Issuances of common shares, net of issuance costs 3.6 million, up 12% from $151.3 Net change in cash (59.7)

Expense Reduction 195

Expense Reduction Material Savings Cost Reduction Strategies Price Reduction 195

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 284

Logistics Network Optimization Software Waste Reduction Logistics Price Reduction 284

ivalua

NOVEMBER 29, 2022

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. Savings from Sourcing: In 2021, competitive sourcing projects generated an average of 7.7% Risk Metrics.

Procurement Analytics 130

Procurement Analytics Metrics Manufacturing Procurement Optimal Sourcing 130

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 Supply Chain Planning 207

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. Goodman is, “Should the item ever been sourced or scheduled for production?”

Waste Reduction 195

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