Supply Chain Management Review - Resource Center

Demand Planning Maturity Model: Strategies for Demand-Driven Forecasting and Planning

Tue, 27 Oct 2009 17:24:36 GMT

In today's unstable economy, many organizations are finding out that they have inadequate processes to handle demand planning, and traditional methods of predicting demand aren't efficient in a fluctuating market. The paper makes specific recommendations for organizations striving to move up the demand forecasting maturity curve by providing them an assessment framework to evaluate their current stage, and highlighting the characteristics common to best-class companies.

Special Report: Tips to Rapidly Implement and Generate ROI From a WMS

Thu, 15 Oct 2009 20:20:25 GMT

Are you about to embark on a warehouse management system (WMS) implementation? This special report provides four tips to help ensure your implementation moves along at a rapid pace toward a successful go-live.

Complimentary Report: Dirty Little Secrets of the WMS Industry

Thu, 15 Oct 2009 20:17:27 GMT

Secrets. They’re everywhere. Even in the warehouse management system (WMS) industry. From service-oriented architectures to upgrade capabilities there’s a lot of spin surrounding these applications. It’s up to you to separate fact from fiction.

Inside AT&T: Mobile Resource Management Solution

Tue, 22 Sep 2009 15:10:44 GMT

Outstanding customer service can help companies differentiate themselves in a crowded marketplace. But delivering consistently high customer service levels can be costly for large organizations. AT&T Field Operations deployed a mobile resource management solution to give managers better insight into daily operations by monitoring staff, vehicles and other company assets. Deploying the mobility solution resulted in a significant reduction in fuel, travel and labor costs, and an increase in productivity, generating about $8.4 million in annual savings just from a single deployment.

Driving Efficiencies with Real-Time Wireless Data

Tue, 22 Sep 2009 15:10:44 GMT

Today’s wide area wireless networks can give transportation companies two powerful tools: an “always-on” data connection at ever increasing speeds and a way to quickly access critical information about every aspect of your fleet. Together, these tools help automate and streamline key transportation and logistics business processes, making transportation companies more efficient and more responsive.

2009 Secondary Packaging Outsourcing Report

Fri, 11 Sep 2009 14:23:46 GMT

Increased flexibility and reduced costs are two top reasons why manufacturers are outsourcing their secondary packaging services, according to the 2009 Secondary Packaging Outsourcing Report. Based on an online survey of contract packaging users, the whitepaper explores these benefits as well as common practices and emerging trends in the outsourcing of secondary packaging.

Quick Reference Guide to Improving Inventory Accuracy for Perfect Order

Wed, 30 Sep 2009 19:34:03 GMT

Keeping your costs low and your customer satisfaction high is crucial to maintaining a healthy bottom line. And the key to reaching these goals is fulfilling orders accurately. Learn how you can leverage mobile solutions to help reduce errors, speed picking processes, improve demand visibility and keep your customers happy with perfect orders that are delivered on time and in full.

Synchronizing the Distribution Supply Chain with Mobility

Wed, 30 Sep 2009 19:34:03 GMT

With growing customer demands and shrinking profit margins, there’s simply no room for a sluggish supply chain. That’s where mobile and wireless technologies are making a difference. By putting wireless computers into the hands of your workforce, you eliminate time-consuming and error-prone paper processes. This increases accuracy, raises productivity, and improves collaboration up and down the supply chain.

Quick Reference Guide to Improving Fleet Management using GPS

Wed, 30 Sep 2009 19:34:03 GMT

Faced with rising fleet operation costs and increasing management pressures, more industry leaders are turning to fleet management systems with GPS to help control costs and increase productivity. In fact, on average, field mobility workers recover 54.2 minutes per day by leveraging the real-time access and visibility that GPS-enabled mobile solutions provide. Use this FREE guide to learn how you can improve scheduling, plan more efficient routes, improve response, enhance customer service and more.

Too Many Moving Parts? Increase the Visibility of Your Logistics Operations

Tue, 29 Sep 2009 16:28:53 GMT

Most transportation and logistics systems lack up-to-date information. This means that managers often cannot make necessary adjustments. Your current systems may know what should be happening, but not what actually is happening. With demanding customers, the pressure to reduce costs, and the need to be more energy/environmentally responsible, you need the ability to respond to changing conditions – as they are changing. Technology is now available to help you do just that. With complex event processing (CEP), you now have the tools to monitor what is happening as it happens, analyze that information - and act quickly enough to make needed adjustments.

Smooth Sailing in Maritime Logistics Increase the performance and visibility of your operations

Tue, 29 Sep 2009 16:28:53 GMT

Maritime Logistics is a critical supply chain component and your position in the chain should be seen as the strongest link. View this Webinar to learn first hand how the shipping industry is achieving significant cost savings by using the Progress Apama Complex Event Processing (CEP) Platform to automate the monitoring and analysis of shipping information in real-time.

(Complex) Event Processing, a White Paper by Bloor Research

Tue, 29 Sep 2009 16:28:53 GMT

To understand complex event processing (CEP), you must first get a clear understanding of just what “complex event” means within a business context. Philip Howard, research director of Bloor Research, explores what events are, why they are important to your business, and what the options are for processing and managing these events. Find out why CEP is increasingly recognized as a crucial capability. CEP enables you to proactively respond to events to minimize risk, predict events to capitalize on opportunities and analyze events to improve future performance. And it makes it possible to do all that now rather than next week, when it may be too late.

Five Building Blocks for Successful Supplier Risk Management

Tue, 03 Nov 2009 19:01:18 GMT

In the current economic environment, the need for managing supplier risk is becoming increasingly important for supplier management executives. As weekly headlines spotlight the importance of monitoring supplier risk, supply chain executives need to be asking themselves, What would happen if 20% of our supply base goes bankrupt in the next 60 days?

Driving Corporate Performance with Predictive Maintenance Solutions

Tue, 27 Oct 2009 17:24:36 GMT

Unexpectedly having to shut down production can quickly translate into millions on a company’s P&L statement. So traditional reactive approaches to maintenance are no longer enough today. Executives are turning to predictive maintenance (PM) solutions to help prevent equipment failures and avoid the costs of unplanned downtime. This paper explores the business case for investing in predictive maintenance solutions – and examines how these solutions work to lower maintenance costs and minimize disruptions across the enterprise. Find out more about what is required to get started with PM today.

Six Best Practices to Improve Compliance with a Restricted Party Screening Solution

Tue, 19 May 2009 15:58:11 GMT

Many companies have elected to embrace technology and acquire a solution to help them manage restricted party screening. Given the sheer volume of restricted party entities coupled with the fast paced logistics process most companies have, screening your customer base manually is not only inefficient, but in many cases impossible. The solution itself can vary greatly depending on the requirements you have, as well as the vendor you choose. In this white paper, we look at some critical criteria to look for when searching for an optimal RPS solution. This white paper is organized by best practice area and is written to provide the reader with a better understanding of how to select and get the fastest return from your screening investment.

Are All Products Created Equal? Utilizing Multiple Forecasting Methods to Increase Forecast Accuracy

Tue, 19 May 2009 15:58:11 GMT

To cost-effectively respond to future demand and increase forecast accuracy, companies must use the most appropriate forecasting model and methods that best serve the unique dynamics of their business at a specific moment in time. This white paper from Logility highlights seven forecasting models and outlines how each is best suited to the specific forecasting requirements of varying supply chain scenarios.

The Role of S&OP in a Depressed Economy

Tue, 19 May 2009 15:58:11 GMT

Demand is weak and getting weaker. It’s harder and harder to borrow money to finance day-to-day operations. People are being let go. Those who remain have more and more to do. Everyone is scrambling. Here’s why S&OP processes are more important in this environment than ever before and how they can help your business weather the storm.

Improve Truck Freight Carrier Productivity and Cost-Effectiveness with Mobility Technology

Tue, 19 May 2009 15:58:11 GMT

In today's tough business conditions, over-the-road freight carriers are looking for ways to increase productivity, decrease operating expenses, and retain customers. Your customers demand supply chain management solutions that offer reverse logistics and forward/backward traceability. Learn how mobility-enabled operations can improve freight trucking efficiency, reduce operating expenses, and boost customer satisfaction by reading this paper

The Cost Cutting Conundrum

Tue, 19 May 2009 15:58:11 GMT

How will you respond to declining revenues and increasing costs? As company revenues sink faster than the Dow and costs increase faster than the price of gas, procurement managers must use surgeon-like precision to eliminate unnecessary spend to limit losses. Long-term business survival will be dependent on procurement's ability to efficiently manage the procure-to-pay process, identify non-mission critical expenses and make cuts where necessary to reduce waste and promote smarter spending.

THE SMARTER SUPPLY CHAIN OF THE FUTURE - Global Chief Supply Chain Officer Study

Tue, 19 May 2009 15:58:11 GMT

The world is more volatile. Supply Chains are more interdependent, and globalization of markets, supply, and operations continues. Further complicating matters is the lessening visibility of the supply chain and the inherent lack of willingness to share information, and collaboratively make decisions. Pressures continue to juggle the myriad of performance elements while bringing the right products and services to customers. How are Supply Chain Executives dealing with these challenges and how do they see the Supply Chain of Future? What are the opportunities for greater coordination, integration and intelligence? How are they coping with supply chain risk? What is the Supply Chain executive’s role in this volatile environment? IBM asked 400 Senior Supply Chain professionals worldwide what they thought. Some of the answers might surprise you.

Mexico's Maquiladoras -Climbing the Ladder of Success

Tue, 19 May 2009 15:58:11 GMT

As changes to the global marketplace have threatened its position as a leading low-cost manufacturer, Mexico has re-positioned itself for continued economic growth and prosperity. In this free white paper, learn how the country's manufacturers have neutralized China's threat to its export markets by moving up the valued-added ladder. New high-valued industries are thriving, and innovative tax reforms are funding major infrastructure projects and education programs. Download now to learn more.

The Supply Chain: Your Recession Survival Kit?

Tue, 19 May 2009 15:58:11 GMT

2008 painted a gloomy economic picture for many companies. And 2009 doesn't promise to be a lot brighter. But that doesn't mean that your company can't improve its performance for better bottom-line results. The key is how you manage your supply chain-and the key to managing your supply chain is how you execute critical planning activities like Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP), demand management, and network optimization. Our panel of experts will give practical advice on how to execute in these areas to gain competitive advantage.

Midmarket ERP Solutions Comparison Guide

Tue, 12 May 2009 19:24:35 GMT

With this free ERP Comparison Guide, you are ready to make a fully informed, quick purchasing decision that will contribute to your success growth in 2009 and beyond 11 leading ERP vendors across 119 features

Manufacturing & SCM (Supply Chain Management
HCM (Human Capital Management)
Financials and sales order management

Plus many more industry-specific features

Actionable Supply Chain Intelligence: Leveraging the Services Hub

Tue, 30 Jun 2009 17:50:10 GMT

There is no question that supply chain visibility is a requirement for any company competing in today's global marketplace. After all, you've got to be able to see something if you want to manage it, especially if that something is as vital to your business as your supply chain, right? Download this white paper to learn more.

Enterprise Resource Planning Buyers Guide

Tue, 12 May 2009 19:24:35 GMT

This FREE in-depth guide gives you step-by-step information to walk you through what you need to know when considering buying or upgrading to an ERP solution for your company.

10 Secrets to Recession-Proof Your Business

Tue, 19 May 2009 15:58:11 GMT

When the economic outlook is good, most executives focus on growing sales. It's only natural. But when the economy slows and times get tough, the focus inevitably shifts. Most executives turn inward to reassess business operations, as they face hard choices on how to manage the company.

As businesses struggle to survive a downturn, leaders generally behave in one of three ways:

"the ostrich" - preserve the status quo, and just hope for the best
"the bull in the china shop" - blindly cut expenses across the board
"the fox" - use the downturn to make your business more effective so when growth returns you'll be in a stronger competitive position

We encourage leaders to behave "like a fox". Instead of viewing a recession through fearful eyes, use it as a means to pounce on emerging trends - and to get lean, mean, and in position to crush your competition as economic conditions improve. Read this white paper to discover ten strategies smart companies deploy to recession-proof their business.

Save 10-12% Minimum on Your Freight Bill -- Risk Free!

Tue, 19 May 2009 15:58:11 GMT

Our Procurement Customers average annual freight bill savings of 12% (with a record savings of 32% -- see cases below). In the depths of a recession, you are looking for ways to reduce costs -- Transportation Procurement is a prime opportunity. You can join our customers in achieving outstanding levels of savings through Procurement Best Practices. We have made conducting a Procurement Event easy, using an effortless and risk-free methodology that produces significant results in a rapid timeframe.

Critical Issues And Initiatives Facing Supply Chain Professionals

Tue, 19 May 2009 15:58:11 GMT

In September 2008, Supply Chain Management Review surveyed supply chain executives on behalf of Sourcing Interests Group (SIG), an association of outsourcing and strategic sourcing professionals, to learn more about issues, challenges and future trends in supply chain operations. (A detailed methodology appears at the end of this brief).

A summary of findings show that: Managing expenses and dealing with the high prices for goods and services, procuring quality materials, and transportation efficiencies and costs are the leading issues many supply chain organizations currently face. Supply chains are meeting these challenges by developing tighter supplier alliances, adopting and implementing technology solutions, and evaluating sourcing strategies.

The number of skilled professionals is a major concern among supply chain executives. Qualified senior managers, executives and staff in the areas of procurement, supply chain logistics, materials handling and IT are in demand but in short supply.

Five Best Practices to Reduce International Freight Costs

Tue, 19 May 2009 15:58:11 GMT

The drive to capture the business benefits of low cost country sourcing has far out-paced the processes and systems needed to efficiently manage the global supply chain. Most importers do not have a formal solution to manage international transportation yet technology holds the key to containing escalating international transportation costs. Through automation Global Logistics Managers can implement five key improvement strategies to help to better manage and reduce international freight spend. Download this new White Paper to discover how your company can benefit from contract automation to meet, even exceed your aggressive budget commitments.

Avoiding the 10 Most Common Mistakes in Selecting and Implementing e-Procurement Solutions

Tue, 19 May 2009 15:58:11 GMT

The benefits of e-procurement software have been well documented. In the 20 years since these solutions first appeared on the market, studies have repeatedly shown that e-procurement systems not only yield a high return on investment, they also reinforce good corporate governance.

A new generation of solutions has led to a surge in demand for e-procurement software, particularly among small and medium-sized companies that were previously priced out of the market. These solutions, built using Web 2.0 technologies, have eliminated much of the complexity of traditional e-procurement solutions. They are much easier to use and require less training. Some of these new solutions are offered on demand, which has enabled companies to deploy their purchasing systems in a fraction of time, and maintain them at a fraction of the cost of traditional solutions.

Unfortunately, while e-procurement technologies have improved dramatically in recent years, companies' implementation practices have not. According to a 2005 KPMG study, 49% of participants experienced at least one project failure within the most recent 12 months and a recent Gartner Group study suggests that three-quarters of new IT projects will fail due to fundamental flaws in project planning.

In this whitepaper, we identify the top ten most common mistakes companies make over and over again in selecting and implementing e-procurement software and provide you with best practices on how not to make these same mistakes.