Supply Chain Shaman

JANUARY 7, 2025

” Traditional planning models optimize functional processes to improve cost and customer service. For example, if I improve the cost structure in transportation, procurement, manufacturing and sales independently, what decision support framework decides the right trade-offs? You are right. This work was expensive.

Optimal Sourcing 367

Optimal Sourcing Supply Chain Planning Software Supply Chain Design Software Supply Chain Software 367

Logistics Viewpoints

FEBRUARY 25, 2025

Trade policies are constantly evolving, forcing companies to assess how these changes impact customer demand, supply networks, fulfillment strategies, and cost to serve. To mitigate such risks, manufacturers need to learn from others and look at how they can: Diversify sourcing strategies to include (in this case) North American suppliers.

Manufacturing Procurement 244

Manufacturing Procurement Inventory Reduction Optimal Sourcing Price Reduction 244

ivalua

MAY 21, 2025

Enterprise procurement teams face growing pressure to deliver strategic value – managing supplier risk, ensuring compliance, and supporting sustainability – all without sacrificing speed or control. This blog explores the most common challenges in digital procurement and the capabilities that matter most.

Optimal Sourcing 130

Optimal Sourcing Procurement Solutions Procurement Analytics Analytics Software 130

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than ever—juggling cost control, compliance, supplier risk, and internal complexity, all while trying to modernize outdated systems.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

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 309

Supply Chain Network Software Manufacturing Procurement Procurement Analytics Optimal Sourcing 309

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 254

Supply Chain Software Inventory Reduction Cost Reduction Strategies Supply Chain Planning Software 254

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 283

Optimal Sourcing Manufacturing Procurement Procurement Analytics Procurement Solutions 283

Kinaxis

JUNE 11, 2025

Automakers must model dual-path sourcing strategies and reintroduce buffer inventory—not just for parts, but for regulatory flexibility. As a next step, automotive companies should expand legal-scenario-based control towers and embed tariff-triggered workflows across the tier-1 to tier-3 supplier network.

Pharmaceutical 167

Pharmaceutical Modeling Negotiating Skills Purchasing Skills 167

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

Precoro

DECEMBER 24, 2024

Traditionally, procurement has been a process weighed down by manual tasks, fragmented systems, and endless paperwork. Today, procurement is undergoing a transformation. While procurement teams have long worked to add strategic value, Artificial Intelligence (AI) amplifies their impact.

Price Reduction 105

Price Reduction Cost Reduction Strategies Sourcing Strategies Expense Reduction 105

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

Logistics Viewpoints

FEBRUARY 26, 2025

Companies find it difficult to fully trust the data from suppliers, complicating efforts to ensure product authenticity, safety, and ethical sourcing. FDAs Drug Supply Chain Security Act (DSCSA) and global standards like ISO 20400 for sustainable procurement are driving companies to adopt blockchain for improved compliance and accountability.

Supply Chain Software 215

Supply Chain Software Pharmaceutical Supply Chain Network Software Optimal Sourcing 215

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. The Value of Master Production Scheduling. DELMIA Quintiq Master Production Scheduling (MPS).

Optimal Sourcing 287

Optimal Sourcing Supply Chain Optimization Network Optimization Optimization Software 287

Logistics Viewpoints

MAY 1, 2025

Innovation Pillars: Diagnose: primarily powered by Infor Process Mining, this capability helps organizations gain visibility into business processes, uncover non-conforming variants, identify critical bottlenecks, and optimize operations based on data. This involves a Network Data Mesh for unlocking insights.

Prescriptive Analytics Software 197

Prescriptive Analytics Software Optimal Sourcing Material Savings Predictive Analytics Software 197

Logistics Viewpoints

DECEMBER 2, 2024

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. We’ve done a lot of customization, with Blue Yonder’s help, to create a digital twin of our entire supply network. We now have complete visibility of our supply chain.

Supply Chain Planning Software 281

Supply Chain Planning Software Supply Chain Planning Supply Chain Software Supply Chain Network Software 281

ivalua

JUNE 14, 2023

We recommend leveraging these workstreams, based on Gartner’s 4 Workstreams for Successful Implementation of Any Procurement Application to maximize the impact of your next large-scale procurement implementation: 1. Ivalua Spend Management Insights [ivory-search] Get Ready for Success!

Optimal Sourcing 239

Optimal Sourcing Procurement Sourcing Strategies Resource Reduction 239

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 307

Sourcing Strategies Supply Chain Design Software Modeling Cost Reduction Strategies 307

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

MAY 13, 2025

Coupa CEO Leagh Turner took the stage to declare that we’re entering a new era defined by AI, resilient supply chains, and predictive intelligence drawn from the worlds most powerful B2B network. This move positions Coupa as the full-stack provider for planning, execution, and optimization in global sourcing.

Las Vegas 136

Las Vegas Optimal Sourcing Sourcing Strategies San Francisco 136

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 417

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

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

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

FEBRUARY 5, 2025

Strategic Sourcing Simplified: Best Practices for Maximizing Value Strategic sourcing goes beyond cost savings its about making informed decisions that drive long-term value. Now well dive into best practices in these critical areas to ensure a more effective and resilient sourcing strategy.

Sourcing Strategies 52

Sourcing Strategies Negotiating Skills Optimal Sourcing Price Reduction 52

GlobalTranz

NOVEMBER 30, 2021

Analytics provides visibility into your transportation network and operations. Leveraging historical data with current market trends, and layering human review and intervention provides insight into OTR transportation optimization opportunities. Enable Ongoing Route Optimization. OTR transportation optimization?is

Optimal Sourcing 296

Optimal Sourcing Transportation Rail Software Sourcing Strategies 296

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

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 307

Supply Chain Planning Software Logistics Network Optimization Software Optimal Sourcing Supply Chain Software 307

Enchange Supply Chain Consultancy

JUNE 10, 2025

Here are the Top 5 Do’s and Don’ts to help you build a high-performing RTM model and distributor network: ✅Top 5 Do’s Do Align RTM Strategy with Consumer Behaviour : Design your RTM based on where, how, and why your consumers shop. Urban vs. rural, modern trade vs. traditional trade—each requires a tailored approach.

Waste Reduction 165

Waste Reduction Vendor Strategies Inventory Reduction Cost Reduction Strategies 165

The Logistics of Logistics

NOVEMBER 15, 2023

Ryan is the Co-founder and CEO of GoodShip , an all-in-one platform for supply chain analytics, carrier management, and transportation procurement About Ryan Soskin Ryan Soskin is a 13 year logistics veteran and three time startup unicorn alum with a long history in freight tech. Ryan Soskin and Joe Lynch discuss insight to action.

Optimal Sourcing 289

Optimal Sourcing Analytics Software Optimization Software Supply Chain Network Software 289

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 322

Supply Chain Design Software Optimal Sourcing Supply Chain Planning Software Modeling 322

Supply Chain Shaman

JUNE 10, 2025

Supply chain was defined in 1982 as interoperability between source, make and deliver. The concept was that managing trade-offs and optimizing the whole to drive business outcomes would improve value. Ask a procurement or transportation professional if they have a good demand signal and expect a laugh.

Supply Chain Planning Software 195

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

Logility

MAY 25, 2022

Now more than ever, the conventional silos of planning, sourcing, and procurement teams must be connected into one cohesive network. A digital supply chain platform enables these interactions between planning, sourcing, and procurement ? as well as many other departments across the supply network ?

Optimal Sourcing 130

Optimal Sourcing Manufacturing Procurement Supply Chain Planning Software Supply Chain Design Software 130

Supply Chain Shaman

NOVEMBER 11, 2020

The discipline, first defined in 1982, includes source, make, deliver, and planning functions. Founded in 2000 by a group Global Process Industries, Elemica is a Supply Chain Operating Network enabling business-to-business commerce primarily in the chemical and rubber industries. The supply chain career is new. Evolution is messy.

Supply Chain Design Software 362

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

Logistics Viewpoints

MAY 16, 2022

ARC has done research and writing on supply chain collaboration networks. A supply chain collaboration network (SCCN) is a key technology for improved collaboration across an extended supply chain. Networked applications have distinctive advantages that other types of solutions lack. But something called ERP 4.0

Supply Chain Planning Software 306

Supply Chain Planning Software Optimal Sourcing Supply Chain Optimization Supply Chain Planning 306

Logistics Viewpoints

JANUARY 17, 2023

Over the past few years, supply chain and procurement pros have faced the challenge of navigating their enterprises through one disruption after another. Despite their best efforts, current events and market dynamics caught up with them, leading to issues managing their suppliers and sourcing the materials needed for their products.

Prescriptive Analytics Software 281

Prescriptive Analytics Software Supply Chain Software Predictive Analytics Software Forecasting Software 281

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

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

APRIL 29, 2025

Fictiv’s Global Manufacturing Supply Chain brings together AI-driven technology workflows, a world-class global manufacturing network, and teams of local manufacturing experts to simplify sourcing for custom mechanical components. Fictiv brings exceptional talent, proven technology, and a shared commitment to innovation.

Manufacturing Procurement 151

Manufacturing Procurement Supply Chain Software Logistics Network Optimization Software Manufacturing 151