Category Blog

Materials management is the process of overseeing the flow of materials through a production system.  To do this effectively, you need the right software.  This software has taken a variety of forms over the years, embraced new technologies, suffered stagnant…

Materials management is the process of organizing and controlling the flow of materials through a production system. It encompasses the planning, sourcing, procurement, inventory management, and distribution of materials.  To do this effectively, you need the right software. So what…

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…

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…