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
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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
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Feature
23 Dec 2021
Supply chain disruption will persist in 2022, but tech may help
The supply chain problems of the last two years will persist into 2022, but companies can use the opportunity to redesign processes and update technology to solve long-term issues. Continue Reading
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Feature
14 Dec 2021
How warehouse automation robotics transformed the supply chain
To maximize efficiency in warehouses and ameliorate supply chain issues, companies are turning to automation technology, leading them to embrace warehouse automation robotics. Continue Reading
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News
12 Nov 2021
White House unveils supply chain dashboard, but who is it for?
A new supply chain dashboard from the White House promises to provide valuable data on supply chain disruption, but it may not be adequate to resolve the complex issues. Continue Reading
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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
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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Feature
01 Nov 2021
Supply chain disruption to affect holidays, but analytics can help
Real-time analytics can be used in demand forecasting and flexibility for long-term supply chain issues but won't provide an easy path out of the current disruption. Continue Reading
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Feature
27 Oct 2021
How procurement's little-known importance helps supply chain
The procurement department's importance is likely little-known within their own company. But procurement can contribute more than cost analysis to the supply chain. Continue Reading
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News
11 Oct 2021
More urgency needed for supply chain security during holidays
In this Q&A, Kyle Rice, CTO at SAP NS2, explains the delicacy of increasingly complex supply chains and why IT needs to be proactive in finding their weakest links. Continue Reading
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News
30 Sep 2021
B2B network broadens partnership potential but requires trust
B2B networks increasingly offer smaller companies opportunities to collaborate and conduct business with multiple parties, but the networks have to be easy to use and trusted. Continue Reading
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Feature
27 Aug 2021
5 skills supply chain professionals need
As with any job, there are various skills supply chain professionals need to succeed in their chosen field. Here are the five each leader must possess. Continue Reading
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Feature
19 Aug 2021
What's next for the supply chain? An expert's take
'Supply Chain Management Best Practices' author David Blanchard discusses pandemic lessons, how the SCOR model can help and why sustainability is so complex. Continue Reading
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Feature
14 Jul 2021
Supply chain AI adoption happening too fast
AI's future in the supply chain seems assured as the pandemic accelerates AI adoption in various industries. Here's why some business leaders think it's happening too fast. Continue Reading
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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
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
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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News
03 May 2021
Celonis process mining aids Hager's S/4HANA journey
A successful SAP S/4HANA migration depends on companies fully understanding business processes. Here's how the Hager Group uses Celonis process mining to analyze and optimize processes. Continue Reading
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Feature
15 Apr 2021
Top 8 warehouse management systems to research
Efficient warehouses are key to customer satisfaction. Learn about some of the top warehouse management systems, including some of their benefits and drawbacks. Continue Reading
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Feature
14 Apr 2021
Overview of 4 types of warehouse management systems
Modern companies need to create efficient warehouses, and understanding which type of warehouse system to choose is key to that. Here's a look at four types and how they can help. Continue Reading
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News
09 Apr 2021
Supply chain disruptions force companies to rethink strategy
Supply chain disruptions from COVID-19 and other longstanding issues cost businesses trillions in revenue, leading to shifts in supply chain strategy, a new report said. Continue Reading
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Feature
05 Apr 2021
Top challenges of supplier relationship management
Supplier relationship management challenges are even more likely to occur during challenging times. Here are a few problems your company might encounter and how to solve them. Continue Reading
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Feature
05 Apr 2021
Biden supply chain EO makes resilience a priority
Supply chain experts weigh in on the Biden administration's push to help address vulnerabilities like parts shortages that have slowed production and put national security at risk. Continue Reading
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Feature
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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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
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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
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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
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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
12 Feb 2021
Digitizing the supply chain requires standards to succeed
In this Q&A, Vector's Brian Belcher discusses why interest in digitizing the supply chain has soared recently and why standards are needed for wider use of digital technologies. Continue Reading
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Feature
10 Feb 2021
Kinaxis fuels Technicolor's supply chain digital transformation
Technicolor Connected Home digitally transformed its manual supply chain operations with the Kinaxis supply chain platform, resulting in improved forecasting ability. Continue Reading
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Feature
05 Feb 2021
Vaccine supply chain needs Starbucks -- not stadium -- model
In this Q&A, Sylvie Thompson makes the case for small, localized distribution at places like Starbucks for COVID-19 vaccine distribution. Continue Reading
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Tip
03 Feb 2021
5 supply chain management tips for 2021
Understanding recent forecasts and events -- such as difficulties in the COVID-19 vaccine supply chain -- can help you create more effective supply chain management in 2021. Continue Reading
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Feature
29 Jan 2021
8 key supplier relationship management strategies
Treating suppliers like partners and planning for disruption are two components of a successful supplier relationship management strategy. Here's what to keep in mind. Continue Reading
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Feature
25 Jan 2021
Supply chain trends for 2021 include reshoring, digitization
The diversifying of manufacturing, including reshoring to the U.S. and the adoption of new technologies, will be top supply chain trends in 2021, according to industry experts. Continue Reading
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Feature
22 Jan 2021
9 supplier relationship management benefits COVID-19 emphasized
The benefits of effective supplier management include less price volatility for businesses and the possibility of future collaboration. Learn about others and why they matter. Continue Reading
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News
23 Dec 2020
Security measures critical for COVID-19 vaccine distribution
The COVID-19 vaccine supply chain is already under attack, which comes as no surprise to experts. The biggest potential threats, however, are still to come. Continue Reading
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News
21 Dec 2020
Supply chain faces greatest challenge with COVID-19 vaccine
Developing a COVID-19 vaccine was only the first step in beating the pandemic. Now the supply chain must manage the challenges and complexities of getting those vaccines delivered. Continue Reading
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News
20 Nov 2020
At Signavio World, center stage belongs to customer excellence
Signavio brings customer experience data into its process management platform with the Signavio Business Transformation Suite Customer Excellence Edition. Continue Reading
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Feature
10 Nov 2020
Bose builds supply chain resilience program that pays off
An earthquake and floods in 2011 disrupted the Bose supply chain but better prepared the company for the risks and disruptions brought on by COVID-19. Continue Reading
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Feature
06 Nov 2020
Early days for digital twins in the supply chain
A digital twin that solves every supply chain problem may not yet be a reality. Learn why and which types of projects are realistic for today. Continue Reading
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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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News
21 Oct 2020
Partnerships add more supply chain visibility to SAP LBN
New SAP Logistics Business Network partnerships provide users with key logistics data on shipment location and estimated arrival times for road, freight and ocean shipments. Continue Reading
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News
19 Oct 2020
Celonis expands to action with Execution Management System
Celonis released the Execution Management System, which enables companies to automate actions in operational processes, improving business capacity and process efficiency. Continue Reading
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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
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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
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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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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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
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Feature
21 Aug 2020
AI, robotics help businesses pivot supply chain during COVID-19
Big enterprises such as Wayfair, UPS, Unilever and Siemens move to automate more of their supply chains with AI as the coronavirus pandemic disrupts business operations. Continue Reading
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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
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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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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Feature
10 Jun 2020
7 use cases for RPA in supply chain and logistics
Robotic process automation can help companies automate supply chain and logistics workflows. Here's a look at seven areas where RPA shows the most promise. Continue Reading
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News
29 May 2020
SAP, InstaFreight partner to reduce freight costs, complexity
The SAP Logistics Business Network integration with InstaFreight is aimed at reducing the cost and complexity of finding carriers and shipping goods throughout Europe. Continue Reading
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Feature
29 May 2020
7 techniques to build supply chain resilience
In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, business and supply chain leaders have realized how important supply chain resiliency is. Here are seven ways to boost it. Continue Reading
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Tip
19 May 2020
Supply chain recovery post-COVID-19: Risk, disruption and tech
The coronavirus pandemic exposed the fragility of global supply chains and leaders must turn their attention to boosting resiliency. Here's how to start. Continue Reading
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Feature
07 May 2020
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
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
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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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Tip
02 Apr 2020
Essentials of EDI in supply chain management
Electronic data interchange (EDI) applies to many different business aspects. Learn three ways EDI has streamlined supply chain management. Continue Reading
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Report
31 Mar 2020
Top 10 Careers in Supply Chain Management
Each step of the supply chain -- from procuring raw materials to shipping products to end customers – offers a variety of career opportunities. Here's a look at some of those careers. Continue Reading
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Feature
25 Mar 2020
7 supply chain management best practices in a COVID-19 world
Amid global disruptions due to coronavirus, businesses need to redo supply chain best practices immediately. Here are seven ways to get started down the right path. Continue Reading
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Answer
20 Mar 2020
What you need to know about fourth-party logistics
Fourth-party logistics build on the benefits third-party logistics offers. Learn more about how this services model can help create more efficient logistics. Continue Reading
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Feature
18 Mar 2020
Coronavirus disruption frays Amazon supply chain
Even as orders increase, disruption from the new coronavirus outbreak could have big consequences for smaller, third-party sellers on Amazon, as they will be punished for stock outages. Continue Reading
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Feature
17 Mar 2020
COVID-19 outbreak in China slows global supply chain
The COVID-19 outbreak started in China, where a large percentage of major enterprises have factories. Here's what business leaders should learn from the resulting slowdown. Continue Reading
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Feature
16 Mar 2020
How to prevent a coronavirus panic buying bullwhip effect
Widespread coronavirus panic buying is likely to cause a bullwhip effect in some areas -- such as toilet paper. Here's how suppliers can work to minimize the negative supply chain effects. Continue Reading
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Feature
11 Mar 2020
Cognitive automation helps processes run on their own
Merck Healthcare has implemented cognitive automation technology from Aera Technology to drive a digital transformation of its supply chain operations. Continue Reading
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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
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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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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News
16 Dec 2019
Amazon supply chain model disrupts entire industry
Amazon has conditioned consumers to get goods as quickly as possible, which has affected the global supply chain industry from top to bottom, including inventory management and logistics. Continue Reading
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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
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News
06 Nov 2019
With Scout, Workday acquisition strategy takes shape
Workday's planned acquisition of Scout RFP, a sourcing and procurement platform, says one thing to analysts: It is pushing to become a full-service ERP vendor. Continue Reading
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Feature
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
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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
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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
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Feature
10 Oct 2019
Digital supply networks improve visibility and collaboration
Digital supply networks offer better visibility and collaboration than traditional supply chains. Find out what they are and whether they might help your company. Continue Reading
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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
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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
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News
18 Sep 2019
Sigfox network provides cheap, efficient connectivity for IoT
IoT applications for manufacturing and supply chain don't require 5G networks to send small packets of data. Sigfox believes they're better suited for a 0G network. Continue Reading
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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
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Tutorial
10 Sep 2019
Introduction to supply chain management software of 2020
Discover the functions of supply chain management software and learn how SCM software helps companies manage the complex demands of today's customers. Continue Reading
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Feature
29 Aug 2019
Supply chain digital transformation demands new skills
Madhav Durbha's take on the evolving supply chain landscape includes a warning: Organizations will need to address the growing skills gap it is creating. Continue Reading
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Feature
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
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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
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Feature
05 Aug 2019
TraceLink Network delivers digital supply chain visibility
Drug manufacturers can collaborate with customers, suppliers and contract manufacturers on the TraceLink Network, and build applications on the new TraceLink Digital Network Platform. Continue Reading
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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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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
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Quiz
07 May 2019
Test your knowledge of supply chain management basics and key terms
To gain a better understanding of supply chain management, take this 13-question quiz and ensure you have a firm grasp of the key terms and processes it encompasses. Continue Reading
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Feature
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