ERP and supply chain management
In today's increasingly complex and global business landscape, supply chain management is an important differentiator for companies today. To help, this section on ERP and supply chain management provides expert advice on choosing and implementing supply chain management software, logistics software, analytics, and supply chain visibility technology, as well as planning for market demands and adhering to best practices.
Top Stories
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Answer
29 Mar 2023
Learn the differences between 3PL and 4PL
A 3PL logistics provider fulfills some companies' needs, while others require a 4PL's more extensive services. Learn the difference between 3PL and 4PL. Continue Reading
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Feature
20 Jan 2023
10 AI use cases in manufacturing
Manufacturing companies are turning to AI to streamline the way they do business and increase efficiency. Here are 10 common use cases. Continue Reading
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Feature
23 Dec 2021
Supply chain disruption will persist in 2022, but tech may help
The supply chain problems of the last two years will persist into 2022, but companies can use the opportunity to redesign processes and update technology to solve long-term issues. Continue Reading
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Feature
14 Dec 2021
How warehouse automation robotics transformed the supply chain
To maximize efficiency in warehouses and ameliorate supply chain issues, companies are turning to automation technology, leading them to embrace warehouse automation robotics. Continue Reading
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News
12 Nov 2021
White House unveils supply chain dashboard, but who is it for?
A new supply chain dashboard from the White House promises to provide valuable data on supply chain disruption, but it may not be adequate to resolve the complex issues. Continue Reading
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Tip
10 Nov 2021
Prepare a supply chain disaster recovery plan
Supply chain disruptions can bring business to a halt and lead to high costs. Examine potential threats, mitigation costs and prepare to plug any gaps in the chain. Continue Reading
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News
08 Nov 2021
Agility a key quality to surviving supply chain issues
In this Q&A, IDC's Simon Ellis discusses the ongoing disruption to global supply chains and how enterprise apps can help improve processes, mitigate problems and introduce agility. Continue Reading
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News
04 Nov 2021
Salesforce expands consumer packaged goods cloud
Salesforce to add features next year that help consumer goods manufacturers plan, track and analyze effectiveness of promotional spending with retailers. Continue Reading
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Feature
01 Nov 2021
Supply chain disruption to affect holidays, but analytics can help
Real-time analytics can be used in demand forecasting and flexibility for long-term supply chain issues but won't provide an easy path out of the current disruption. Continue Reading
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Feature
27 Oct 2021
How procurement's little-known importance helps supply chain
The procurement department's importance is likely little-known within their own company. But procurement can contribute more than cost analysis to the supply chain. Continue Reading
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News
15 Oct 2021
Shopify opens e-commerce platform to enterprise ERP vendors
Shopify's new Global ERP Program takes steps to attract larger enterprises, but the transition won't be easy, as large ERP systems are far more complex than those of Shopify's SMB base. Continue Reading
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News
11 Oct 2021
More urgency needed for supply chain security during holidays
In this Q&A, Kyle Rice, CTO at SAP NS2, explains the delicacy of increasingly complex supply chains and why IT needs to be proactive in finding their weakest links. Continue Reading
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News
30 Sep 2021
B2B network broadens partnership potential but requires trust
B2B networks increasingly offer smaller companies opportunities to collaborate and conduct business with multiple parties, but the networks have to be easy to use and trusted. Continue Reading
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Feature
27 Aug 2021
5 skills supply chain professionals need
As with any job, there are various skills supply chain professionals need to succeed in their chosen field. Here are the five each leader must possess. Continue Reading
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Feature
19 Aug 2021
What's next for the supply chain? An expert's take
'Supply Chain Management Best Practices' author David Blanchard discusses pandemic lessons, how the SCOR model can help and why sustainability is so complex. Continue Reading
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Feature
14 Jul 2021
Supply chain AI adoption happening too fast
AI's future in the supply chain seems assured as the pandemic accelerates AI adoption in various industries. Here's why some business leaders think it's happening too fast. Continue Reading
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Feature
09 Jun 2021
Top 7 ways to improve last-mile delivery
Failed deliveries have a powerful effect on customer experience. Here's how to improve last-mile delivery and increase overall customer satisfaction. Continue Reading
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Feature
03 Jun 2021
The importance of last-mile delivery to logistics
Last-mile delivery is the key to customer satisfaction. Here are four reasons your supply chain management strategy needs to focus on this critical stage of logistics. Continue Reading
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Feature
21 May 2021
Supply chain risks can be costly if companies fall behind
In this Q&A, Jim Yarbrough of the British Standards Institution discusses the risks supply chains face today and what organizations should consider to address those risks. Continue Reading
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News
03 May 2021
Celonis process mining aids Hager's S/4HANA journey
A successful SAP S/4HANA migration depends on companies fully understanding business processes. Here's how the Hager Group uses Celonis process mining to analyze and optimize processes. Continue Reading
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Feature
15 Apr 2021
Top 8 warehouse management systems to research
Efficient warehouses are key to customer satisfaction. Learn about some of the top warehouse management systems, including some of their benefits and drawbacks. Continue Reading
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Feature
14 Apr 2021
Overview of 4 types of warehouse management systems
Modern companies need to create efficient warehouses, and understanding which type of warehouse system to choose is key to that. Here's a look at four types and how they can help. Continue Reading
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News
09 Apr 2021
Supply chain disruptions force companies to rethink strategy
Supply chain disruptions from COVID-19 and other longstanding issues cost businesses trillions in revenue, leading to shifts in supply chain strategy, a new report said. Continue Reading
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Feature
05 Apr 2021
Top challenges of supplier relationship management
Supplier relationship management challenges are even more likely to occur during challenging times. Here are a few problems your company might encounter and how to solve them. Continue Reading
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Feature
05 Apr 2021
Biden supply chain EO makes resilience a priority
Supply chain experts weigh in on the Biden administration's push to help address vulnerabilities like parts shortages that have slowed production and put national security at risk. Continue Reading
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Feature
19 Mar 2021
A real-life example of the self-distribution supply chain model
A self-distribution approach to supply chain management can help a company lower the risk of disruption. Learn how Ahold Delhaize USA is doing just that. Continue Reading
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Feature
15 Mar 2021
5 COVID-19 vaccine rollout lessons for supply chain leaders
The effort and coordination required to deliver COVID-19 vaccines to people across the globe provides powerful lessons. Here are five. Continue Reading
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News
26 Feb 2021
Call to review critical supply chains praised, questioned
The Biden administration is requiring federal agencies to conduct a review of critical supply chains, dividing analysts on what they see as the potential long-term effects. Continue Reading
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Feature
19 Feb 2021
Supplier segmentation lessons in the wake of COVID-19
Supplier segmentation is more necessary than ever for businesses during COVID-19. Here's how to start the process and why it matters for your business. Continue Reading
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Feature
18 Feb 2021
Fueled by new technologies, the future of supply chains is here
An army of digital technologies like AI, IoT, bots and blockchain will reshape supply chains and add resiliency and transparency in the wake of the pandemic. Learn how. Continue Reading
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Feature
12 Feb 2021
Digitizing the supply chain requires standards to succeed
In this Q&A, Vector's Brian Belcher discusses why interest in digitizing the supply chain has soared recently and why standards are needed for wider use of digital technologies. Continue Reading
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Feature
10 Feb 2021
Kinaxis fuels Technicolor's supply chain digital transformation
Technicolor Connected Home digitally transformed its manual supply chain operations with the Kinaxis supply chain platform, resulting in improved forecasting ability. Continue Reading
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Feature
08 Feb 2021
5 cybersecurity lessons from the SolarWinds breach
Ransomware attack simulations, accessing enterprise logs and pen testing software code are among the best practices cybersecurity pros suggest following the SolarWinds breach. Continue Reading
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Feature
05 Feb 2021
Vaccine supply chain needs Starbucks -- not stadium -- model
In this Q&A, Sylvie Thompson makes the case for small, localized distribution at places like Starbucks for COVID-19 vaccine distribution. Continue Reading
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Tip
03 Feb 2021
5 supply chain management tips for 2021
Understanding recent forecasts and events -- such as difficulties in the COVID-19 vaccine supply chain -- can help you create more effective supply chain management in 2021. Continue Reading
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Feature
29 Jan 2021
8 key supplier relationship management strategies
Treating suppliers like partners and planning for disruption are two components of a successful supplier relationship management strategy. Here's what to keep in mind. Continue Reading
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Feature
25 Jan 2021
Supply chain trends for 2021 include reshoring, digitization
The diversifying of manufacturing, including reshoring to the U.S. and the adoption of new technologies, will be top supply chain trends in 2021, according to industry experts. Continue Reading
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Feature
22 Jan 2021
9 supplier relationship management benefits COVID-19 emphasized
The benefits of effective supplier management include less price volatility for businesses and the possibility of future collaboration. Learn about others and why they matter. Continue Reading
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News
23 Dec 2020
Security measures critical for COVID-19 vaccine distribution
The COVID-19 vaccine supply chain is already under attack, which comes as no surprise to experts. The biggest potential threats, however, are still to come. Continue Reading
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News
21 Dec 2020
Supply chain faces greatest challenge with COVID-19 vaccine
Developing a COVID-19 vaccine was only the first step in beating the pandemic. Now the supply chain must manage the challenges and complexities of getting those vaccines delivered. Continue Reading
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Feature
18 Dec 2020
4 supply chain finance benefits and why they matter now
Liquidity in the supply chain for buyers and suppliers is just one of the benefits supply chain finance can offer companies. Learn about some others. Continue Reading
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News
20 Nov 2020
At Signavio World, center stage belongs to customer excellence
Signavio brings customer experience data into its process management platform with the Signavio Business Transformation Suite Customer Excellence Edition. Continue Reading
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Feature
13 Nov 2020
Predictive maintenance: Definition, benefits, example, strategy
Predictive maintenance is a promising approach to monitoring equipment and preventing failures. Learn about the benefits of this approach and how to get started. Continue Reading
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Feature
10 Nov 2020
Bose builds supply chain resilience program that pays off
An earthquake and floods in 2011 disrupted the Bose supply chain but better prepared the company for the risks and disruptions brought on by COVID-19. Continue Reading
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Feature
06 Nov 2020
Early days for digital twins in the supply chain
A digital twin that solves every supply chain problem may not yet be a reality. Learn why and which types of projects are realistic for today. Continue Reading
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News
21 Oct 2020
Partnerships add more supply chain visibility to SAP LBN
New SAP Logistics Business Network partnerships provide users with key logistics data on shipment location and estimated arrival times for road, freight and ocean shipments. Continue Reading
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News
19 Oct 2020
Celonis expands to action with Execution Management System
Celonis released the Execution Management System, which enables companies to automate actions in operational processes, improving business capacity and process efficiency. Continue Reading
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Feature
08 Sep 2020
Supply chain-customer service partnership is vital
A company's success depends on a supply chain that can meet customers' expectations. To do that well, supply chain leaders must partner with their customer service counterparts. Continue Reading
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Feature
21 Aug 2020
Process mining vs. data mining: What's the difference?
Both process mining and data mining tools can help business leaders make better decisions. Here's a look at how each works and what their differences are. Continue Reading
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Feature
21 Aug 2020
AI, robotics help businesses pivot supply chain during COVID-19
Big enterprises such as Wayfair, UPS, Unilever and Siemens move to automate more of their supply chains with AI as the coronavirus pandemic disrupts business operations. Continue Reading
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Feature
15 Jun 2020
Lessons from COVID-19: 4 inventory management strategies
COVID-19 highlighted a number of problems with current approaches to inventory management. Here are four strategies that leaders can use to correct those inefficiencies. Continue Reading
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Feature
10 Jun 2020
7 use cases for RPA in supply chain and logistics
Robotic process automation can help companies automate supply chain and logistics workflows. Here's a look at seven areas where RPA shows the most promise. Continue Reading
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News
29 May 2020
SAP, InstaFreight partner to reduce freight costs, complexity
The SAP Logistics Business Network integration with InstaFreight is aimed at reducing the cost and complexity of finding carriers and shipping goods throughout Europe. Continue Reading
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Feature
29 May 2020
7 techniques to build supply chain resilience
In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, business and supply chain leaders have realized how important supply chain resiliency is. Here are seven ways to boost it. Continue Reading
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Tip
19 May 2020
Supply chain recovery post-COVID-19: Risk, disruption and tech
The coronavirus pandemic exposed the fragility of global supply chains and leaders must turn their attention to boosting resiliency. Here's how to start. Continue Reading
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Feature
07 May 2020
Life and business post-COVID-19 for employees and companies
The COVID-19 pandemic has changed how companies interact with both employees and customers. Karl Sharicz offers a look at what he sees from a CX perspective going forward. Continue Reading
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Feature
17 Apr 2020
Supply chain applications help ease COVID-19 crisis
Supply chain applications from SAP Ariba, SourceDay and Kinaxis are helping companies find critical PPE, maintain manufacturing lines and plan for supply chain risk assessment. Continue Reading
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Feature
10 Apr 2020
ERP security issues with working remotely during COVID-19 outbreak
Keeping the organization's enterprise systems safe is everyone's job -- from top leadership on down. Now that the coronavirus has millions homebound, that's never been more important. Continue Reading
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Feature
10 Apr 2020
AI for supply chain can help companies handle disruptions
Even faced with the unpredictability of the coronavirus pandemic, enterprises can generate some stability using AI and machine learning in their supply chains. Continue Reading
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Feature
06 Apr 2020
Amazon bets big on last mile delivery service improvements
Amazon has made a significant investment in building out its last mile delivery services to grab a piece of the growing grocery delivery market. Continue Reading
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Tip
02 Apr 2020
Essentials of EDI in supply chain management
Electronic data interchange (EDI) applies to many different business aspects. Learn three ways EDI has streamlined supply chain management. Continue Reading
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Report
31 Mar 2020
Top 10 Careers in Supply Chain Management
Each step of the supply chain -- from procuring raw materials to shipping products to end customers – offers a variety of career opportunities. Here's a look at some of those careers. Continue Reading
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News
26 Mar 2020
AI in procurement creates searchable, sorted data
Canadian startup Tealbook uses NLP and machine learning to automatically create sorted and searchable supplier data, enabling its customers to spend less time looking for data and more time using it. Continue Reading
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Feature
25 Mar 2020
7 supply chain management best practices in a COVID-19 world
Amid global disruptions due to coronavirus, businesses need to redo supply chain best practices immediately. Here are seven ways to get started down the right path. Continue Reading
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Answer
20 Mar 2020
What you need to know about fourth-party logistics
Fourth-party logistics build on the benefits third-party logistics offers. Learn more about how this services model can help create more efficient logistics. Continue Reading
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Feature
18 Mar 2020
Coronavirus disruption frays Amazon supply chain
Even as orders increase, disruption from the new coronavirus outbreak could have big consequences for smaller, third-party sellers on Amazon, as they will be punished for stock outages. Continue Reading
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Feature
17 Mar 2020
COVID-19 outbreak in China slows global supply chain
The COVID-19 outbreak started in China, where a large percentage of major enterprises have factories. Here's what business leaders should learn from the resulting slowdown. Continue Reading
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Feature
16 Mar 2020
How to prevent a coronavirus panic buying bullwhip effect
Widespread coronavirus panic buying is likely to cause a bullwhip effect in some areas -- such as toilet paper. Here's how suppliers can work to minimize the negative supply chain effects. Continue Reading
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Report
13 Mar 2020
7 Supply Chain Management Trends to Watch In 2020
The role of technology in supply chain management (SCM) is changing. The internet of things (IoT), artificial intelligence (AI), and machine learning, cloud technology and blockchain technologies are all affecting the ways organizations manage their supply chains. Continue Reading
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Feature
11 Mar 2020
Cognitive automation helps processes run on their own
Merck Healthcare has implemented cognitive automation technology from Aera Technology to drive a digital transformation of its supply chain operations. Continue Reading
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Tip
10 Mar 2020
How nation-state cyberattacks affect the future of infosec
Any company can be a nation-state cyberattack victim. Brush up on the latest and most common nation-state techniques and their implications on the threat landscape of tomorrow. Continue Reading
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Feature
28 Feb 2020
3 case studies on reducing supply chain complexity
Understanding which technologies can best simplify supply chain management is key to success in today's economy. Here's how three companies have tackled this issue. Continue Reading
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Feature
24 Feb 2020
Coronavirus outbreak puts focus on supply chain risk
Global supply chains have been disrupted by the coronavirus outbreak, and companies need to diversify suppliers and rethink strategies like lean and just-in-time manufacturing. Continue Reading
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Tip
07 Feb 2020
6 supply chain management tips
A poorly maintained supply chain can spell disaster for your business. Here are six supply chain management tips to ensure success and mitigate risk. Continue Reading
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Feature
24 Jan 2020
Last-mile delivery challenges in the age of omnichannel
The last-mile delivery problem is getting more difficult as customers demand lightning-speed product fulfillment. Here's hope. Continue Reading
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Feature
21 Jan 2020
Top 6 2020 supply chain trends
Supply chain technology is growing more complex and so are partnerships. Here are the most important trends leaders must understand in 2020 and beyond. Continue Reading
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Feature
17 Jan 2020
Top 5 inventory management techniques
Great inventory management techniques are critical as supply chain complexity grows. Here's a look at the top techniques to help your company succeed. Continue Reading
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Answer
08 Jan 2020
What are the top ways to improve warehouse efficiency?
Today's warehouses have different issues than the warehouses of yesteryear, so it's critical to understand the role technology serves. Here's a look. Continue Reading
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Feature
16 Dec 2019
How to tackle a supply chain transformation
Today's business and supply chain leaders understand they need to transform the supply chain. Here's a look at the tools and strategies they'll need to create success. Continue Reading
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News
16 Dec 2019
Amazon supply chain model disrupts entire industry
Amazon has conditioned consumers to get goods as quickly as possible, which has affected the global supply chain industry from top to bottom, including inventory management and logistics. Continue Reading
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News
05 Dec 2019
Epicor ERP system focuses on distribution
Companies like Jergens Industrial Supply are favoring purpose-built ERP systems like Epicor Prophet 21 for distributors over comprehensive ERPs that need customizations. Continue Reading
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Answer
05 Dec 2019
How do IoT and blockchain for traceability simplify compliance?
Organizations can use IoT sensors and blockchain to confirm their traceability systems meet compliance requirements and get through customs efficiently. Continue Reading
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Answer
21 Nov 2019
Why use IoT traceability over traditional methods?
IoT sensors and blockchain combined create a better traceability system for pharmaceutical manufacturers to combat drug counterfeiting and gray markets. Continue Reading
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Tip
21 Nov 2019
7 demand planning strategies to beat the competition
Today's supply chain management rests on refining your demand forecasting and creating partnerships. Here's a look at what that means. Continue Reading
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Answer
15 Nov 2019
What are traceability systems for IoT asset management?
Organizations can apply supply chain traceability to improve their IoT systems for identifying and tracking goods in any industry, such as pharmaceuticals. Continue Reading
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News
06 Nov 2019
With Scout, Workday acquisition strategy takes shape
Workday's planned acquisition of Scout RFP, a sourcing and procurement platform, says one thing to analysts: It is pushing to become a full-service ERP vendor. Continue Reading
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Feature
10 Oct 2019
Digital supply networks improve visibility and collaboration
Digital supply networks offer better visibility and collaboration than traditional supply chains. Find out what they are and whether they might help your company. Continue Reading
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News
18 Sep 2019
Sigfox network provides cheap, efficient connectivity for IoT
IoT applications for manufacturing and supply chain don't require 5G networks to send small packets of data. Sigfox believes they're better suited for a 0G network. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
10 Sep 2019
Introduction to supply chain management software of 2020
Discover the functions of supply chain management software and learn how SCM software helps companies manage the complex demands of today's customers. Continue Reading
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Feature
29 Aug 2019
Supply chain digital transformation demands new skills
Madhav Durbha's take on the evolving supply chain landscape includes a warning: Organizations will need to address the growing skills gap it is creating. Continue Reading
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Feature
05 Aug 2019
TraceLink Network delivers digital supply chain visibility
Drug manufacturers can collaborate with customers, suppliers and contract manufacturers on the TraceLink Network, and build applications on the new TraceLink Digital Network Platform. Continue Reading
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Feature
25 Jul 2019
How blockchain energy consumption affects supply chains
Blockchain's use of energy is proving to be a problem in supply chains, but why? Experts are diving into the issue and providing insight on two key factors: computation and speed. Continue Reading
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Feature
21 Jun 2019
Benefits and challenges of blockchain food supply chain growth
Using blockchain in the food supply chain may improve consumer safety, but experts say reluctance from suppliers and a lack of viable use cases are preventing widespread adoption. Continue Reading
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News
14 Jun 2019
Nexera launches self-assessment for hospital supply chain
Nexera's free Hospital Supply Chain Performance Self-Assessment tool will help supply chain and CQO professionals evaluate and improve supply chain processes. Continue Reading
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Feature
10 Jun 2019
Blockchain food supply chain growth depends on clean data
Traceability to ensure freshness, safety and compliance is an obvious benefit of blockchain in the food supply chain, but it won't happen without solving data acquisition issues. Continue Reading
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News
06 Jun 2019
Demand-driven replenishment added to SAP IBP
New demand-driven planning methodology in SAP Integrated Business Planning helps organizations create better supply chain forecasts based on real customer sales orders. Continue Reading
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News
29 May 2019
Revlon SAP ERP problems result in rare investor lawsuit
An SAP ERP implementation at cosmetic maker Revlon disrupted some operations. After the news came out, the company's stock price suffered. Now, investors are suing. Continue Reading
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Guide
23 May 2019
Key considerations in global supply chain management
Globalization adds geopolitical and cybersecurity risks to the already daunting challenges of supply chain management. Read how the experts deal with them. Continue Reading
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Feature
15 May 2019
Challenges slow the union between blockchain and ERP
Rather than technical challenges, building the business networks and hammering out governance and rules of engagement are the toughest hurdles to blockchain-enabled ERP. Continue Reading
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Feature
08 May 2019
Vendors step up efforts to marry blockchain and ERP
Companies are working on enabling their ERP platforms to support the distributed ledger technology, along with courting partners and consortiums to create industry-specific solutions. Continue Reading
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Quiz
07 May 2019
Test your knowledge of supply chain management basics and key terms
To gain a better understanding of supply chain management, take this 13-question quiz and ensure you have a firm grasp of the key terms and processes it encompasses. Continue Reading
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Feature
26 Apr 2019
ERP and blockchain work together for complex, multiparty transactions
Blockchain -- the immutable, distributed ledger technology -- is well on its way to strengthening the multiparty transactions that fuel complex supply chain networks. Continue Reading