Inventory management technology
Inventory management technology is critical for today's companies. This section includes inventory management software implementation case studies, techniques for dealing with supply chain risk and disruption as it relates to inventory, improving supplier relationships, how to use IoT for inventory management and other expert advice required companies need to keep a competitive edge.
Top Stories
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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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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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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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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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27 Oct 2021
The decision to upgrade a legacy ERP system vs. replace it
How do you know whether to upgrade your current ERP system to the newest version or implement a new one? Here's what you should consider when making this decision. Continue Reading
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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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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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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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10 May 2021
Top 5 last-mile delivery challenges
Last-mile delivery challenges can lead to reduced revenue. Here are some of the most common last-mile delivery problems your company is likely facing and why they occur. Continue Reading
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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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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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02 Mar 2021
Review of global supply chains a delicate undertaking
A federal review of vital global supply chains such as semiconductors will likely produce a 'carrot/stick approach' to change, according to Gartner's Kamala Raman. Continue Reading
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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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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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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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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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30 Oct 2020
The disruptive impact of COVID-19 on warehouse automation
The pandemic has had mixed effects on warehouse automation. Learn why this has been the case and what warehouse leaders say are important takeaways. Continue Reading
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17 Sep 2020
Covid crisis shifts supply chain management from efficiency to resilience
Supply chain management seems to be changing profoundly as the coronavirus pandemic unfolds, possibly shifting from an economy of efficiency to resilience, harnessing trading networks, machine learning and robotic process automation Continue Reading
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Tip
08 Jul 2020
5 steps to help prevent supply chain cybersecurity threats
Follow five steps to lower the risk of supply chain cybersecurity threats, from creating third-party risk management teams to using blockchain and hyperledger and more. Continue Reading
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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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20 Dec 2019
How to reduce the bullwhip effect: Supply chain partners, data key
Understanding the causes of the bullwhip effect is critical to preventing it. Here's a look at why it happens and ways to close the gap between supply and demand. Continue Reading
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18 Dec 2019
How food traceability software boosts supply chain visibility
Food recalls have increased and more consumers want to know the supply chain journey of their food. Here's a look at how technology can help. Continue Reading
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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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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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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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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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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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22 May 2019
Inventory optimization machine learning tool sharpens pricing
Retailers are chasing data-driven process automation in hopes of boosting sales and streamlining margins. But how do you decide which processes to automate or vendor to implement? 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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12 Apr 2019
7 supply chain management key terms you need to know
Consumers are demanding greater visibility, but how do you give it them? We're starting with a list of supply chain management basic terms that you should be aware of. Continue Reading
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Answer
21 Mar 2019
Which order management system features can improve customer service?
Great order management provides insight that shipping, production, marketing and other functions need to gain a competitive edge and keep customers happy. Here's what to know. Continue Reading
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05 Feb 2019
What are the biggest inventory optimization factors in ERP?
Replenishment strategies, lot sizes, safety stock, reorder point planning and replenishment lead time are five factors in ERP that can ensure inventory remains at an optimal level. Continue Reading
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14 Nov 2018
AWS IoT button now a part of ERP processes
ERP systems are increasingly being connected to more and more things, including the AWS IoT button. This simple button, with the right use case, can streamline some processes. Continue Reading
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09 Nov 2018
With blockchain asset tracking, Walmart pushes supplier tech adoption
In requiring its green vegetable suppliers to use blockchain by 2019, Walmart seeks more transparency in the food supply chain. Whether suppliers will push back remains to be seen. Continue Reading
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29 Oct 2018
What's most important in creating a supply chain management strategy?
Begin with the end in mind: great customer service. That's one secret to establishing your supply chain priorities -- one that can help as you decide on its tradeoffs. Continue Reading
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25 Oct 2018
Top 5 inventory management challenges for manufacturers
Get expert advice on the technologies, best practices and organizational change management needed to master the most common inventory management problems. Continue Reading
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06 Sep 2018
What is the difference between logistics and supply chain management?
Logistics is part of supply chain management, but the two terms are often used synonymously. Here's a quick explanation of how these two are different. Continue Reading
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14 Aug 2018
What are some best practices for crafting a supply chain technology strategy?
Supply chain managers have a tough job and face many challenges. Technology can help but must also be approached with return on investment top of mind. Here are three tips that can help. Continue Reading
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21 Jun 2018
How do e-commerce returns affect reverse logistics management?
Customers expect to return purchases, which means you need to be proactive in your approach to reverse logistics. Here are some things to think about. Continue Reading
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12 Mar 2018
What should companies know about sustainability software?
Sustainability is composed of social, environmental and economic pillars. That's why technologies focused on this market address different needs. Here's a narrow glimpse. Continue Reading
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06 Feb 2018
Survey says: ERP changes, more human-machine interactions coming by 2030
A Dell survey finds strong belief that humans and machines will work as integrated teams within five years. ERP systems, especially inventory, will be top automation target. Continue Reading
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11 Jan 2018
How is inventory management for e-commerce challenging?
The inventory challenges of adding e-commerce to your supply chain are considerable. Here's a look at what they entail and how you might overcome them. Continue Reading
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05 May 2017
Top four supply chain strategies to create the omnichannel experience
The need for omnichannel capabilities is a major force affecting modern supply chain management. Here are four ways to get strategic, so you won't be left behind. Continue Reading
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21 Sep 2016
How manufacturers can use an MRP system to reduce inventory
By focusing on compensating factors such as safety stock and shrinkage, you can counteract the tendency of an MRP system to increase inventory, especially in the beginning. Continue Reading
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Answer
21 Dec 2015
What are the advantages of cycle counting?
If you're looking for that holy grail of 98% inventory accuracy, cycle counting can help. Here's how to move away from taking only periodic inventory counts. Continue Reading
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19 Oct 2015
Can MRP be successful without 98 percent inventory accuracy?
Effective MRP requires prioritizing inventory accuracy and true troubleshooting over a reliance on safety stock and other compensating factors. Continue Reading
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29 Jun 2015
How can distribution requirements planning help inventory management?
An expert explains how distribution requirements planning can help companies gain better control over their inventory and prevent shortages. Continue Reading
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02 Dec 2009
Inventory management software frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Inventory management software goes beyond simple record-keeping to provide the information and analysis you need to make better decisions. Here are some frequently asked questions. Continue Reading