Supply chain and manufacturing
Learn how technology can optimize your supply chain, logistics and manufacturing processes. Explore how the internet of things, AI and blockchain are bringing new efficiencies and how ERP software can help with supply chain operations and improve product delivery. Here you'll also find overviews on important supply chain management concepts.
Top Stories
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News
02 Jul 2025
IFS snaps up AI agent platform vendor TheLoops
IFS has beefed up its industrial AI agentic capabilities by acquiring TheLoops. Continue Reading
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Feature
30 Jun 2025
6 benefits of using 3PL for last-mile delivery
Partnering with a 3PL provider can help organizations improve supply chain management and ensure effective delivery. Learn other benefits of using 3PL for last-mile delivery. Continue Reading
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Tip
26 Jun 2025
9 generative AI use cases in supply chain
Generative AI's demand forecasting and inventory optimization abilities, among others, can help companies meet their goals. Learn how the technology can align with these efforts. Continue Reading
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Tip
11 Jun 2025
8 use cases for generative AI in manufacturing
Generative AI can potentially help manufacturers improve daily operations and increase efficiency, among other use cases. Learn more with these examples. Continue Reading
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Definition
09 Jun 2025
What is the Fourth Industrial Revolution?
The Fourth Industrial Revolution (4IR) is the ongoing transformation of how people live, work and relate to one another through the fusion of technologies that blur the lines between the physical, digital and biological spheres. Continue Reading
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Tip
04 Jun 2025
8 steps to follow for an MES implementation
Manufacturing leaders can avoid unexpected challenges during an MES implementation by following this expert advice, including the importance of selecting the right system. Continue Reading
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Definition
04 Jun 2025
What is cost of goods sold (COGS)?
Cost of goods sold (COGS) is the total of the costs directly attributable to producing things that can be sold. Continue Reading
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Tip
29 May 2025
10 software requirements to look for in an MES
In production environments, a manufacturing execution system can help boost efficiency. Learn the required features that an MES should have before investing in the software. Continue Reading
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Conference Coverage
29 May 2025
SAP Sapphire 2025 news, trends and analysis
SAP showcased new business AI applications and continued to make the case for S/4HANA Cloud as the future of SaaS-based ERP innovation and digital transformation. Continue Reading
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Definition
28 May 2025
What is an upcharge?
An upcharge is an additional fee that is added to a bill after a contract has already been negotiated. Continue Reading
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Definition
28 May 2025
What is field service management (FSM)?
Field service management (FSM) is a system of managing off-site workers and the resources they require to do their jobs efficiently. Continue Reading
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Tip
22 May 2025
Demand vs. supply planning: Learn about the differences
Demand planning helps companies predict future demand for goods, while supply planning enables companies to order enough goods. Learn more about how the two differ. Continue Reading
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Definition
21 May 2025
What is cross-docking?
Cross-docking is the practice of unloading goods from inbound delivery vehicles and loading them directly onto outbound vehicles. Continue Reading
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Definition
20 May 2025
What is modeling and simulation (M&S)?
Modeling and simulation (M&S) involves creating a digital representation of a given system to gather data and help inform decisions or predictions about it. Continue Reading
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Tip
13 May 2025
7 benefits of using an OMS
The benefits of using an OMS include improving customer service. Using an OMS can also improve operational efficiency and strengthen a company's competitive edge in its market. Continue Reading
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Feature
12 May 2025
How U.S. tariffs are reshaping the tech landscape
The Trump Administration's tariffs levy a minimum 10% tax on global imports, heavily affecting tech industry supply chains. Continue Reading
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Feature
08 May 2025
Four tech companies increasing manufacturing in the U.S.
Tech companies are pledging to increase U.S. manufacturing by building new or expanding existing facilities as well as investing in research and development. Continue Reading
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News
06 May 2025
Epicor ERP adds agentic AI capabilities for supply chain
Epicor Prism's new agentic AI use cases aim to make supply chain processes more efficient and productive for its manufacturing customers. Continue Reading
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Tip
02 May 2025
4 steps for using predictive analytics in demand planning
Many companies are already carrying out demand planning, and predictive analytics can potentially help improve the results of that process. Learn more. Continue Reading
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Feature
01 May 2025
The clear business case for environmental sustainability
Environmental sustainability isn't just an exercise in 'doing good' -- it has a clear ROI. Here's how to get it. Continue Reading
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Definition
29 Apr 2025
What is lean manufacturing?
Lean manufacturing is a methodology that focuses on minimizing waste within manufacturing systems while simultaneously maximizing productivity. Continue Reading
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Feature
29 Apr 2025
6 examples of RFID supply chain use cases
RFID tags can help improve inventory management, product and asset tracking, goods authentication and cross-docking. Learn more RFID in supply chain examples. Continue Reading
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Feature
24 Apr 2025
4 common challenges of supplier relationship management
Problems with suppliers can affect a company's supply chain and, eventually, its bottom line. Learn some of the best ways to foster a positive relationship with your suppliers. Continue Reading
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Definition
23 Apr 2025
What is supply chain visibility and why is it important?
Supply chain visibility (SCV) is the ability to track parts, components, raw materials or products as they move from the manufacturer to the final destination. Continue Reading
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News
21 Apr 2025
ERP customers seek answers to AI questions before investing
ERP customers say yes to AI investments, as long as they can realize efficiency and productivity gains. Continue Reading
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Tip
17 Apr 2025
How quantum computing can improve supply chains
Quantum's ability to model and analyze complex scenarios is tailor-made for tasks like route optimization and inventory management. Apps exist, but wide availability is years away. Continue Reading
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Definition
09 Apr 2025
What is a lean water spider?
Lean water spider, or water spider, is a term used in manufacturing that refers to a position in a production environment or warehouse. Continue Reading
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Definition
09 Apr 2025
What is a digital twin?
A digital twin is a virtual representation of a real-world entity or process. Continue Reading
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Tip
01 Apr 2025
MRP vs. MRP II: Learn the differences
MRP II software gives companies much greater control over their scheduling and production processes than MRP software. Learn more about MRP vs. MRP II. Continue Reading
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News
26 Mar 2025
Past manufacturing disruptions a roadmap for Trump tariffs
Manufacturers that survived COVID-19 disruptions are in good shape for what's to come, but don't expect jobs back in the U.S. anytime soon. Continue Reading
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Feature
25 Mar 2025
8 supplier relationship management strategies
Categorizing suppliers, then understanding how to treat each type of supplier, helps companies allocate resources appropriately. Learn some top strategies. Continue Reading
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Definition
18 Mar 2025
What is product as a service?
Product as a service (PaaS) is the concept of selling the services and outcomes a product can provide rather than the product itself. Continue Reading
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Tip
13 Mar 2025
10 benefits of RFID in supply chain management and logistics
RFID can help companies in their supply chain operations by assisting with product tracking and potentially improving product availability. Learn some of RFID's other benefits. Continue Reading
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Definition
13 Mar 2025
What is order to cash (OTC or O2C)?
Order to cash, or OTC or O2C, is a business process that involves receiving and fulfilling customer requests for goods or services. Continue Reading
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Definition
10 Mar 2025
What is a general ledger (GL)?
A general ledger (GL) is a set of numbered accounts a business uses to keep track of its financial transactions and to prepare financial reports. Continue Reading
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Definition
05 Mar 2025
What is production planning and why is it important?
Production planning is the act of developing a guide for the design and production of a given product or service. Continue Reading
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Tip
28 Feb 2025
What to include in an RFP for an OMS, with template
A request for proposal can help save software buying teams time because they receive most, if not all, of the data they'll need to make a vendor selection. Learn more. Continue Reading
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Tip
11 Feb 2025
5 benefits of using demand planning software
Demand planning software can help companies plan for unexpected supply chain events like extreme weather. Learn more about the benefits of using the technology. Continue Reading
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Definition
05 Feb 2025
What is demand planning and why is it important?
Demand planning is the process of forecasting the demand for a product or service so it can be produced and delivered more efficiently and to the satisfaction of customers. Continue Reading
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Definition
30 Jan 2025
What is supply chain sustainability (SCS)?
Supply chain sustainability (SCS) is a holistic view of supply chain processes, logistics and technologies that affect the environmental, social, economic and legal aspects of a supply chain's components. Continue Reading
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Definition
24 Jan 2025
What is CAD (computer-aided design)?
CAD (computer-aided design) is the use of computer-based software to aid in design processes by creating simulations of real-world objects. Continue Reading
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Definition
15 Jan 2025
What is RFI (request for information)?
A request for information (RFI) is a formal process for gathering information from potential suppliers of a good or service. Continue Reading
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Tip
02 Jan 2025
7 benefits of using a 3PL provider for reverse logistics
A 3PL with experience working with supply chain partners and expertise in returns can help simplify a company's operations. Learn more about how a 3PL helps with reverse logistics. Continue Reading
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Definition
30 Dec 2024
What is generative design? Ultimate guide
Generative design is a computer-aided design technique and category of software that uses AI to optimize the design process. Continue Reading
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Definition
23 Dec 2024
What is 3PL (third-party logistics)?
A 3PL (third-party logistics) provider offers outsourced logistics services, which encompass anything that involves management of one or more facets of procurement and fulfillment activities. Continue Reading
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Feature
19 Dec 2024
Challenges for manufacturing's digital shift in 2025
Manufacturers will continue digital transformation initiatives in 2025, although some will struggle to make those moves pay off. Continue Reading
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Definition
17 Dec 2024
What is a bill of materials (BOM)?
A bill of materials (BOM) is a comprehensive inventory of the raw materials, assemblies, subassemblies, parts and components, as well as the quantities of each, needed to manufacture a product. Continue Reading
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Definition
06 Dec 2024
What is a collaborative robot (cobot)?
A collaborative robot, also known as a cobot, is an industrial robot that can safely operate alongside humans in a shared workspace. Continue Reading
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Feature
05 Dec 2024
Supply chain wanes in 2025, but resilience remains key trend
The supply chain might be losing its seat at the executive table, but the work must continue to provide more resilience and agility. Continue Reading
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Feature
22 Nov 2024
Planning for supply chain uncertainty under Trump
Nothing is certain except death, taxes and supply chain disruptions. Companies should plan accordingly, especially as the administration changes hands. Continue Reading
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Tip
22 Nov 2024
7 software requirements to look for in a TMS
Essential TMS features are real-time tracking, route optimization, carrier management, load planning, fleet management, automated billing and invoicing, and analytics tools. Continue Reading
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Tip
15 Nov 2024
10 advantages, disadvantages of using AI in supply chain
The disadvantages of using AI for the supply chain are the costs of the tech and employee training, difficult integrations, security risks and overreliance on the tech. Continue Reading
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Tip
05 Nov 2024
6 benefits of carrying out production planning
Production planning's benefits are helping manufacturers improve productivity, customer service, product quality, employee morale, disruption responsiveness and company expenses. Continue Reading
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News
25 Oct 2024
IFS exec: Moving to cloud creates sustainability benefits
In this Q&A, IFS' chief sustainability officer discusses how sustainability efforts make good business sense but noted that companies struggle with managing all the data. Continue Reading
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Tip
23 Oct 2024
4 use cases for machine learning in the supply chain
Use cases for machine learning in the supply chain are inventory and warehouse management, equipment maintenance, supplier management and cost savings. Continue Reading
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Feature
23 Oct 2024
Sustainability and ESG glossary: 52 terms to know
Sustainable strategies require basic understanding of the fundamentals. Business leaders and IT teams can benefit from this list of essential sustainability terms and ESG concepts. Continue Reading
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Feature
23 Oct 2024
In defense of a digital circular economy
Digital tech can potentially help companies follow the circular economy model, but critics point out possible issues as well, including continuing demand for plastics. Learn more. Continue Reading
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Tip
18 Oct 2024
6 use cases for big data in manufacturing
Manufacturing big data use cases are demand forecasting, supply chain optimization, quality control, production line improvement, customer data analysis and pricing optimization. Continue Reading
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Tip
17 Oct 2024
Learn top types of tech for collecting manufacturing data
Collecting manufacturing data via IoT sensors, RFID tags or AI can point to bottlenecks, potential cost reductions and more. Learn about the top 6 data collection technologies. Continue Reading
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News
16 Oct 2024
IFS ups its industrial AI, sustainability capabilities
IFS Cloud 24R2 includes new industrial AI capabilities and a sustainability module. Analysts like the company's practical approach to AI, but customers need questions answered. Continue Reading
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Feature
07 Oct 2024
AI use cases in manufacturing
Initially slow to adopt digital transformation, manufacturers are recognizing the power of AI technologies as they seek ways to cut costs, boost productivity and improve products. Continue Reading
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Feature
03 Oct 2024
How digital twins can help support sustainability
Digital twin technology shows promise as a sustainability tool-- but it's no panacea. Continue Reading
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Definition
20 Sep 2024
What is PDCA (Plan, Do, Check, Act)?
PDCA (Plan, Do, Check, Act, sometimes seen as Plan, Do, Check, Adjust) is a repetitive four-stage model for continuous improvement in business process management. Continue Reading
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News
19 Sep 2024
Plex adds connected worker capabilities to MES
Connected worker capabilities are now part of the Plex smart manufacturing platform, designed for manufacturers to address worker shortages and improve safety and productivity. Continue Reading
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Definition
16 Sep 2024
What is business sustainability?
Business sustainability, also known as corporate sustainability, is the management of environmental, social and financial concerns by a company to ensure responsible, ethical and ongoing success. Continue Reading
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Definition
16 Sep 2024
What is Blue Yonder (formerly JDA Software)?
Blue Yonder, formerly JDA Software, is a software and consultancy company that specializes in selling supply chain management products and services to businesses. Continue Reading
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News
12 Sep 2024
AI and sustainability on tap for Oracle Cloud applications
Oracle unveils new capabilities for AI use cases, smart manufacturing and sustainability for Oracle Cloud SCM applications at Oracle CloudWorld this week. Continue Reading
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Tip
04 Sep 2024
8 reverse logistics KPIs that can help you measure success
Supply chain leaders should consider using several reverse logistics KPIs to measure their company's performance. Learn how these metrics can improve customer satisfaction. Continue Reading
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Definition
28 Aug 2024
What is demand shaping?
Demand shaping is an operational supply chain management (SCM) strategy where a company uses tactics such as price incentives, cost modifications and product substitutions to entice customers to purchase specific items. Continue Reading
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Tip
22 Aug 2024
Importance of data analytics in manufacturing and use cases
Data analytics can help manufacturing leaders make more informed decisions when planning for the industry's future. Learn about analytics' importance. Continue Reading
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Definition
21 Aug 2024
What is Open Platform Communications (OPC)?
Open Platform Communications (OPC) is an interoperability standard for secure data exchange in industrial automation and other areas. Continue Reading
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Definition
16 Aug 2024
What is machine learning? Guide, definition and examples
Machine learning is a branch of AI focused on building computer systems that learn from data. Continue Reading
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News
15 Aug 2024
As AI evolves, manufacturing will face an old data problem
New capabilities in AI technology hold promise for manufacturers, but companies should proceed carefully until issues such as data quality are resolved. Continue Reading
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Video
14 Aug 2024
An explanation of Industry 4.0 use cases
Industry 4.0 can be used across a number of industries, including retail, food service and cybersecurity. Continue Reading
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Video
14 Aug 2024
An introduction to Industry 4.0
Here are the basics of Industry 4.0 -- the fourth industrial revolution -- featuring AI, IoT and cloud technologies. Continue Reading
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Definition
05 Aug 2024
What is greenwashing?
Greenwashing refers to the act of making false or misleading claims about the positive environmental impact that a company, product or service has on the environment. Continue Reading
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Definition
01 Aug 2024
What is the bullwhip effect?
The bullwhip effect is a supply chain phenomenon describing how small fluctuations in demand at the retail level can cause progressively larger fluctuations in demand at the wholesale, distributor, manufacturer and raw material supplier levels. Continue Reading
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Tip
30 Jul 2024
8 top inventory management software products
Inventory management software can help companies manage their supply chain in a turbulent world, but using the right product is crucial. Learn more about which software to choose. Continue Reading
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Feature
29 Jul 2024
Manufacturing ERP vendors on a shopping spree
Looking to strengthen their platforms, midmarket ERP vendors have recently snapped up smaller tech companies that add industry-specific functionality and advanced technologies. Continue Reading
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Definition
26 Jul 2024
What is electronic data processing (EDP)?
Electronic data processing (EDP) refers to the gathering of data using electronic devices, such as computers, servers and internet of things (IoT) technologies. Continue Reading
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Definition
24 Jul 2024
What is inventory management?
Inventory management is the component of supply chain management that tracks and supervises noncapitalized assets -- or inventory -- and stock items. Continue Reading
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Definition
23 Jul 2024
What is computer-aided software engineering (CASE)?
Computer-aided software engineering (CASE) describes a broad set of labor-saving tools and methods used in software development and business process modeling. Continue Reading
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Feature
16 Jul 2024
Sustainability ranks low on list of supply chain priorities
Organizations are placing less importance on sustainability efforts in the supply chain, as they try to balance short-term business results with long-term sustainability goals. Continue Reading
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Definition
16 Jul 2024
remote terminal unit (RTU)
A remote terminal unit (RTU) is a microprocessor-based electronic device used in an industrial control system (ICS) to connect hardware to a distributed control system (DCS) or supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) system. Continue Reading
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Feature
10 Jul 2024
Companies reassess generative AI in supply chain tech
GenAI and other tech is being used to tackle supply chain challenges such as high costs and disruption, but organizations are often slowing GenAI projects for more complex uses. Continue Reading
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Feature
08 Jul 2024
Guide to supply chain management
Wars and pandemics offer stark evidence of how global supply chains can break apart. Effective supply chain management can restore order -- and maintain it in normal times. Continue Reading
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Feature
03 Jul 2024
Benefits, use cases for blockchain in the supply chain
Blockchain's ability to record each supply chain link can help companies improve various aspects of operations, but uses of the technology brings challenges as well. Learn more. Continue Reading
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Feature
02 Jul 2024
7 of the top order management software products
Order management software can help companies meet consumers' needs faster and more efficiently. Learn about some of the top order management software on the market. Continue Reading
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Report
28 Jun 2024
8 of the top supply chain management career paths
Learn the most popular career paths in supply chain management, including logistics manager and supply chain manager, and the education required to secure those roles. Continue Reading
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Feature
27 Jun 2024
7 supply chain resilience strategies to use now
Weather events, geopolitical unrest and other disruptions are occurring more frequently. These seven supply chain resilience techniques can help manage them. Continue Reading
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Feature
26 Jun 2024
6 steps toward more sustainable supply chain practices
In the quest toward greater supply chain sustainability, leaders must get strategic about operations and take the long view. Here's what to do. Continue Reading
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News
14 Jun 2024
Epicor acquires Kyklo, adding product info management to ERP
Epicor continues its buying spree with PIM vendor Kyklo, enabling manufacturers and distributors to gain visibility into what customers are buying and why. Continue Reading
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Tip
13 Jun 2024
5 cybersecurity risks and challenges in supply chain
Supply chains have a range of connection points -- and vulnerabilities. Learn which vulnerabilities hackers look for first and how leaders can fend them off. Continue Reading
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Tip
12 Jun 2024
6 top supply chain risks for companies to mitigate
As supplier relationships become increasingly complex and major disruptions continue, it pays to understand the top supply chain risks. Here are six and how to manage them. Continue Reading
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Definition
10 Jun 2024
G-code
G-code (also known as geometric code or RS-274) is the most prevalent programming language for computer numerical control (CNC) machines used in computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing (CAD/CAM). Continue Reading
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Feature
30 May 2024
9 advantages and disadvantages of digital twin technology
Digital twin technology can potentially improve manufacturing operations, but some factors could make it difficult to implement. Learn more advantages and disadvantages. Continue Reading
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News
17 May 2024
MuleSoft integration tackles EDI supply chain data issues
Salesforce integrates EDI data into its platform for users who deal with many suppliers -- or distributors -- with MuleSoft in an attempt to solve an age-old integration snafu. Continue Reading
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Definition
16 May 2024
Industry 4.0
Industry 4.0 refers to the fourth industrial revolution and the cyber-physical transformation of manufacturing. Continue Reading
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Tip
29 Apr 2024
6 ways to improve your reverse logistics
An efficient item returns process can help improve customer loyalty. Learn how to improve your reverse logistics strategy and foster long-term customer satisfaction. Continue Reading
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News
26 Apr 2024
Microsoft, SAP add more AI to manufacturing, supply chain
At the Hannover Messe industrial show, Microsoft debuted Fabric AI for OT and IT data, and the copilot template for factory operations; SAP unveiled AI capabilities for manufacturing. Continue Reading
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Tip
25 Apr 2024
How to create a simple supply chain map
A simple supply chain map can give insight into various areas, such as critical business challenges. Learn why manufacturing companies should use this essential tool. Continue Reading
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Feature
12 Apr 2024
5 use cases for edge computing in manufacturing
Edge computing's capabilities can help improve various aspects of manufacturing operations and save companies time and money. Learn some potential use cases. Continue Reading