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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Feature
28 Mar 2024
AI a top trend for supply chain, but experts urge caution
AI is being adopted for company supply chains, but organizations should guard against hype and assess the business value and feasibility of these applications. Continue Reading
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Tip
26 Mar 2024
4 AI use cases for quality control in manufacturing
Learn how the integration of AI and machine learning into manufacturing processes can help organizations meet quality control needs, such as defect detection and waste reduction. 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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Feature
08 Nov 2021
Guide to supply chain management
The pandemic showed what can happen when the unimaginable breaks apart global supply chains and disrupts life as we know it. Effective supply chain management can restore order. Continue Reading
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Feature
04 Nov 2021
Managing supply chain risk requires new priorities, tools
Understanding that cost may not be the top driver in supply chain risk management is critical in the new normal. Learn why and what technologies can help. Continue Reading
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News
03 Nov 2021
Infor adds MES to ERP with Lighthouse Systems acquisition
ERP vendor Infor acquired Lighthouse Systems, a provider of MES software that enables manufacturers to run operations 24/7. The deal makes sense, but integration won't be easy. 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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Feature
22 Oct 2021
5 key benefits of enterprise asset management software
Asset-intensive organizations benefit from enterprise asset management software because it helps them support their industrial infrastructure. Here's how EAM software makes that easier. 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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News
13 Sep 2021
ECI Software Solutions adds process ERP firm Deacom to roster
ECI Software Solutions expands its ERP product roster with the acquisition of Deacom, which produces ERP applications for process and batch manufacturers. 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
17 Aug 2021
Hidden issues complicate sustainability in IT manufacturing
Clare Hobby of TCO Development discusses how difficult it is to rate IT products' sustainability. But corporate buyers and consumers have the power to demand something different. Continue Reading
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Feature
13 Aug 2021
10 strategies for more sustainable last-mile delivery
Creating eco-friendly last-mile delivery strategies is an important business and societal challenge. Here are some options supply chain leaders can explore. Continue Reading
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Feature
02 Aug 2021
ERP goes green, ahead of customer sustainability initiatives
As sustainability becomes a more key topic for businesses, enterprise applications vendors are touting programs to support efforts like carbon reduction and the circular economy. 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
13 Jul 2021
The environmental challenges of last-mile delivery
Current last-mile delivery practices are contributing to climate change, and companies need to address these ill effects. Understand how to start taking action. Continue Reading
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News
12 Jul 2021
Infor spins off EAM business to Hexagon but retains a stake
Rather than making the investments, Infor decided that the best way to advance its Infor EAM platform was to sell it, a move one analyst described as 'shortsighted.' Continue Reading
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News
16 Jun 2021
Infor CloudSuite ERP zeros in on industry specificity
In this Q&A, Infor CEO Kevin Samuelson and CTO Soma Somasundaram discuss the company's approach to cloud ERP, which focuses on multi-tenancy and deep industry specificity. Continue Reading
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Podcast
14 Jun 2021
The SAP Business Network effect: Putting it all together
At Sapphire Now 2021, SAP took pains to plot a way forward after COVID-19, mapping out a future of improved sustainability for itself, its customers and their global partners. Continue Reading
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Feature
11 Jun 2021
How 4 companies are improving last-mile delivery sustainability
Companies such as L'Occitane en Provence and Walmart are trying out different strategies to improve their last-mile delivery sustainability. Here's how they're doing it. 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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Feature
17 May 2021
ERP plays vital role in sustainability trend
In this Q&A, IFS CEO Darren Roos discusses how enterprise systems like ERP can enable companies to develop and manage more effective sustainability initiatives. Continue Reading
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Definition
13 May 2021
Kaizen (continuous improvement)
Kaizen is an approach to creating continuous improvement based on the idea that small, ongoing positive changes can reap significant improvements. Continue Reading
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Feature
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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Definition
30 Apr 2021
supply chain security
Supply chain security is the part of supply chain management that focuses on the risk management of external suppliers, vendors, logistics and transportation. 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
31 Mar 2021
Circular economy model enables sustainability and resilience
In this Q&A, IFS' Colin Elkins discusses the circular economy and how it can improve sustainability, enable business models like servitization and become a competitive advantage. Continue Reading
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Feature
29 Mar 2021
10 best practices for managing strategic supplier partnerships
Managing strategic supplier partnerships is essential for good supply chain management. Learn which practices can help strengthen them. 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
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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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
8 benefits of a warehouse management system
A warehouse management system has the potential to save your company money and help improve warehouse efficiency. Learn how a WMS can benefit your company. 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
Manufacturing outlook for 2021 focuses on resilience
As midmarket manufacturers focus on recovery from the pandemic, many will take advantage of the opportunity to accelerate Industry 4.0 projects, according to BDO USA. 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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Definition
11 Feb 2021
inventory management
Inventory management is the supervision of noncapitalized assets -- or inventory -- and stock items. 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
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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Feature
05 Feb 2021
Top 5 warehouse technology trends for 2021
Effective warehouse management has become even more critical. Learn which technologies are most important to creating efficiency and gaining a competitive edge. 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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Feature
13 Jan 2021
IFS Field Service Management software: Overview, pros, cons
IFS FSM software is meant to manage field staff and assets. Learn about its advantages and disadvantages and whether your company should put it on a vendor shortlist. 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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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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News
05 Nov 2020
Clevest acquisition bolsters IFS' field service management
IFS strengthened its field service portfolio with the acquisition of Clevest, a firm that provides field service management capabilities specific to the utilities industry. Continue Reading
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Feature
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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Feature
26 Oct 2020
Crafts Technology manages COVID-19 changes with ECI JobBoss
Crafts Technology, a medium-sized manufacturer that performs small-volume jobs, is using ECI JobBoss ERP software to manage workplace changes from the COVID-19 pandemic. 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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Definition
21 Oct 2020
demand planning
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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Tip
09 Oct 2020
EAM vs. CMMS: What are the differences?
When it comes to EAM vs. CMMS, making the right choice comes down to understanding what each software type does. Here's an overview of each to help you decide. Continue Reading
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Feature
02 Oct 2020
Digital transformation requires upskilling and reskilling
Manufacturers undergoing digital transformation must address workers' skills gaps, but new technology shouldn't be imposed from above without early input and buy-in from workers. Continue Reading
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Feature
18 Sep 2020
5 supply chain cybersecurity risks and best practices
Threats to supply chain security have increased in the wake of COVID-19. Learn what they are and how you can defend your organization and prevent disruption and worse. Continue Reading
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Feature
09 Sep 2020
RPA and AI strengthen weak links in supply chain workflows
Instead of an all-or-nothing approach to supply chain automation, RPA is most effective when targeted at subprocesses to improve high-volume, repetitive, error-prone tasks. 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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Infographic
21 Aug 2020
15 examples of supply chain disruptions throughout history
The COVID-19 pandemic has caused disruptions across the global supply chain. Here's a look at other disruptions that underscore why boosting resiliency has always been important. Continue Reading
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Feature
14 Aug 2020
7 real-life blockchain in the supply chain use cases and examples
Leading-edge companies are trying to fight supply chain network complexity with blockchain. Here's a look at seven use cases that demonstrate how well that's working. Continue Reading
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Feature
13 Aug 2020
GE Digital's transformation rocky but ongoing
In this Q&A, GE Digital CEO Patrick Byrne discusses how the company is back in the GE fold, GE's digital transformation lessons, and how the COVID-19 crisis affects manufacturers. Continue Reading
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Feature
10 Aug 2020
Exploring COVID-19 food supply chain disruptions
The food sector has been hard hit by COVID-19. Learn what some of those issues have been, how some companies have escaped the worst of it and what lessons are most important. Continue Reading
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News
20 Jul 2020
SAP, Siemens partner to advance digital manufacturing
A new deal between SAP and Siemens combines SAP ERP systems with Siemens Teamcenter PLM platform, enabling companies to develop an end-to-end digital thread for manufacturing. Continue Reading
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Feature
09 Jul 2020
Discrete vs. process manufacturing: Choosing ERP
Process and discrete manufacturers use different processes to create products. Here's how the two differ and how these affect ERP and other technology selections. Continue Reading
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Feature
17 Jun 2020
GE Digital CTO on data, AI role in digital twin applications
Colin Parris, founder of GE's digital twin effort, lays out the reasons data management can make or break an application and why pairing digital twins with AI makes each one better. 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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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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Feature
22 May 2020
Machine health systems play critical role in age of disruption
As the COVID-19 crisis disrupts industries, manufacturers can keep lines running by using machine health monitoring systems to manage equipment and diagnose problems remotely. 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
6 ways to address COVID-19 food supply chain disruptions
The food supply chain may be broken, but there are initial steps companies must take in the near term. Learn how to bring order to the chaos COVID-19 has brought. 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
17 Apr 2020
Supply chain transparency: Technology, partnership and progress
Compliance is mostly voluntary for suppliers, and brand owners don't have to disclose everything. Data collection is mostly manual. But cloud links help, and IoT holds promise. 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
02 Apr 2020
COVID-19 crisis opens possibilities for 3D printing industry
As the coronavirus outbreak disrupts supply chains, manufacturers may increasingly turn to 3D printing to move beyond prototyping and into producing quality parts. 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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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
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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News
05 Mar 2020
Manufacturing outlook hopeful despite recession fears
A new survey of midmarket manufacturing CFOs shows that most anticipate increases in revenue and profitability in 2020, in the face of an expected economic slowdown. 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
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
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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Feature
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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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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Feature
13 Dec 2019
RPA in manufacturing increases efficiency, reduces costs
In this Q&A, Shibaji Das of UiPath discusses why manufacturers should implement RPA to improve efficiency, help with ERP system upgrades, increase ROI and reduce costs. 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