Supply chain planning and execution

Supply chain planning aims to predict future requirements, while supply chain execution -- areas such as order fulfilment, procurement, warehousing and transporting -- seeks to deliver product where it needs to go and in the right amount. Balancing supply and demand with the right supply chain management strategy and software is no easy feat. This resource provides articles, case studies, best practices and expert advice on achieving a competitive edge with supply chain planning systems and supply chain execution systems in a business landscape filled with risk and disruption.

Top Stories

Tip 21 Jan 2022
Digital twinning use cases strengthen with AR, VR

More business leaders are realizing that digital twinning plus augmented reality and virtual reality helps them advance their digital transformation efforts. Take a look at how. Continue Reading
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

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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Tip 25 Feb 2021

3 post-SolarWinds supply chain security best practices

Following the devastating SolarWinds breach, IT leaders should renew their focus on third-party risk management. Start by implementing supply chain security best practices. Continue Reading
Tip 25 Feb 2021

How to manage third-party risk in the supply chain

From third-party risk assessments to multifactor authentication, follow these steps to ensure suppliers don't end up being your enterprise cybersecurity strategy's weakest link. Continue Reading
Tip 24 Feb 2021

How to prevent supply chain attacks: Tips for suppliers

Every company, large and small, must assume it is a target in the supply chain. Suppliers should follow these best practices to keep themselves and their customers protected. Continue Reading
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Tip 24 Sep 2020

Cybersecurity team structure stronger with 3 new roles

Having the right cybersecurity team in place can help reduce how long it takes to control threats. Consider adding cloud security, third-party risk and digital ethics specialists. Continue Reading
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
Feature 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
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
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
Feature 27 Aug 2020

Promote business continuity with IoT supply chain management

With analytical insights into supply chain management from IoT technology, organizations can better adapt to changing business conditions. Continue Reading
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Feature 06 May 2020

How IT leaders in retail can tap into blockchain's potential

By creating a solid data foundation based on standards, data quality checks and collaboration, blockchain for retail use cases could eventually usher in the user experience that customers want. Continue Reading
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Feature 27 Nov 2019

Top 7 manufacturing challenges for 2020

Growing supply chain complexity, emerging next-gen technologies and other compelling forces will continue to challenge the manufacturing sector. Here's a look at what's ahead for 2020. Continue Reading
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
Feature 01 Nov 2019

Financial tools for business breathe life into transaction data

No longer limited to simply crunching numbers, today's financial technologies can transform customer transaction data into improved operations, product development, CXs and ROIs. Continue Reading
News 23 Oct 2019

Rent the Runway CEO discusses IT challenges, CX strategy

Rent the Runway CEO Jennifer Hyman shares the company's CX strategy, describes its customer data collection and use, and addresses recent IT upgrade challenges. Continue Reading
Feature 10 Oct 2019

AI helps supply chain analytics make better predictions

IoT sensors carry more data than ever into SCM platforms, making analytics simultaneously more complicated and effective. Machine learning is the indispensable helper. Continue Reading
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
Feature 10 Oct 2019

Best practices when analyzing order management system features

It's important to lay the groundwork before purchasing and implementing an order management system. Supply chain users and experts examine key factors in making the right decision. Continue Reading
Feature 10 Oct 2019

Order management systems take on multichannel, multipurpose role

As the focal point for customer orders and activities, data collected by order management systems can help companies determine behavior patterns and buying habits and improve CX. Continue Reading
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
Feature 13 Sep 2019

4 ways to use blockchain in the supply chain

As blockchain technology enters its 11th year, its use in the supply chain is burgeoning. Here are some of the areas that are garnering the most interest. Continue Reading
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
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
Feature 16 Aug 2019

7 steps to implementing blockchain in the supply chain

If your organization believes blockchain will bring greater visibility to the supply chain, first understand the critical steps needed to enable a successful implementation. Continue Reading
Feature 14 Aug 2019

5 potential benefits of blockchain in supply chain logistics

Blockchain is poised to disrupt a number of industries -- including logistics. Here's how the technology might help get products into the hands of customers more efficiently. Continue Reading
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
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
Guide 14 May 2019

The essential guide to supply chain management best practices

In a volatile landscape, where customer expectations and supply chain complexity are growing by the day, you can't afford to bring anything but your A-game. This guide shows you how. Continue Reading
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
Feature 24 Apr 2019

Verizon works to integrate its supply chain management system

Verizon chief procurement officer John Vazquez explains why the company is integrating several SAP systems to help manage more than $80 billion in annual spend. Continue Reading