It’s often easy to assume that direct materials are all that matters for a company’s bottom line. They’re highly visible on the production line and essential to the manufacturing of finished goods. But beyond the raw materials and equipment needed…
It’s Time to Apply 21st-Century Technology to Fix the Challenges of Supply Chain Management As we enter the final quarter of 2021, hindsight shows us the wide-scale impact organizations have faced as a result of supply chain issues stemming from…
Many companies know that indirect expenditure puts a drag on their bottom lines. Seemingly insignificant indirect materials such as glue and fuel can quickly pile up the costs when consumed in high amounts. Some analysts estimate that about 40% of…
There’s probably no company that’s immune from the challenges of making supply meet demand. However, thanks to the growth of demand forecasting techniques, we’re often able to mathematically predict certain customer behaviors and market factors to a high level of…
There’s arguably nothing more important in the world of business than working capital. It enables you to pay your staff, invest in assets, and keep your supply chain running. High working capital allows you to run operations efficiently, while a…
There’s been a long-held concept that a supply chain could be agile or lean, but not both. In last month’s article, we explored how with the right digital transformation, there is no reason why a company can’t be both. Here, we’ll…
Building trust-based connections with vendors for Maintenance, Repair, and Operations (MRO) supplies is a make-or-break factor for any organization’s ongoing success. The reality is, companies often grapple with a myriad of challenges in managing a diverse range of MRO inventory…
What is network optimization in supply chain? Supply chains are the lifelines of every business, and aligning your operations and communication can be key to supply chain optimization and ultimately minimizing operating costs. Strategic supply network optimization software takes this…
The world of supply chain management is changing fast. According to Gartner, a global research and advisory firm, supply chain companies will invest heavily in machine learning and artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities over the coming years to maximize productivity and…
What is sustainable supply chain management? The sustainability of your supply chain is inextricably linked with the long-term financial health of your business, in addition to its economic, social, and environmental impact. Instigating sustainable supply chain practices across your supply…
