The Lean Thinker

JULY 2, 2024

Nor did they talk about executive bonuses or using excess cash for stock buybacks to raise the price of outstanding stock rather than investing that money into developing new aircraft; improving existing products or processes; or distributing that profit as dividends to the shareholders. I hired into Boeing in July of 1989.

Supply Chain Design Software 397

Supply Chain Design Software Price Reduction Supply Chain Planning Software Optimization Software 397

Logistics Viewpoints

DECEMBER 2, 2024

This starts with the initial discussion about what kind of products are available and how the product will be configured. An iGPU (integrated graphic processing unit) is a current example. The sales team can go have those conversations, with real-time lead times and even the factory the product will ship from, with customers.

Supply Chain Planning Software 112

Supply Chain Planning Software Supply Chain Software Scenario Planning Supply Chains 112

Logistics Viewpoints

APRIL 2, 2025

Companies that previously prioritized cost-cutting and centralized sourcing quickly found themselves exposed to serious production and distribution risks. In response, many organizations have shifted toward decentralized and regionalized supply chain models, distributing production and sourcing across multiple regions.

Supply Chain Planning Software 62

Supply Chain Planning Software Supply Chain Design Software Supply Chain Software Modeling Software 62

WorkWave

JANUARY 21, 2025

Made in America Tax Implications A proposed 15% tax rate for American-made products, coupled with tariffs on imported goods, could increase production costs. For example, if an employee works 40 hours at regular pay plus 10 hours of overtime, they will not pay federal income tax on those overtime hours.

Cost Reduction 110

Cost Reduction Price Reduction Expense Reduction Material Savings 110

3PL Links

NOVEMBER 26, 2024

And how does technology change the way products are shipped? These can be critical problems for companies looking to increase productivity and reduce expenses in logistics operations. This way, you always know exactly what is available, avoiding problems such as selling products that are out of stock.

Supply Chain Software 62

Supply Chain Software Logistics Network Optimization Software Optimization Software Supply Chain Planning Software 62

Logistics Viewpoints

MARCH 6, 2025

Unlike indirect spending (think printer ink or coffee machines), disruptions here dont just dent your budget; they stall production lines and compromise your ability to recognize revenue Manage direct materials right, though, and the payoffs huge. For example, U.S.-based

Price Reduction 83

Price Reduction Material Savings Cost Reduction Waste Reduction 83

Logistics Viewpoints

JANUARY 30, 2025

For instance, fixed slotting strategies assign products to specific locations based on historical data rather than dynamic needs, and hardcoded rules assign specific tasks to workers based on static roles or zones, rather than dynamically allocating tasks based on workload or real-time conditions.

Optimization Software 88

Optimization Software Resource Reduction Automation Logistics Network Optimization Software 88

Logistics Viewpoints

NOVEMBER 15, 2023

I attended because of Rockwell Automation’s recently expanded presence in production logistics due to its acquisition of OTTO Motors. First is safety without compromising productivity. At the vehicle level, OTTO created an attachment interface that is designed for tools that move materials on and off the AMRs automatically.

Logistics Network Optimization Software 126

Logistics Network Optimization Software Production Logistics Automation 126

SYSPRO Smarter ERP

JANUARY 13, 2025

The food and beverage industry is a dynamic, ever-evolving sector in which manufacturers are continuously seeking ways to optimize production and reduce costs in the face of shifting consumer demand and preferences. Optimizing production is essential to addressing these challenges.

Optimization Software 52

Optimization Software Manufacturing Procurement Supply Chain Planning Software Modeling Software 52

Logistics Viewpoints

OCTOBER 24, 2024

5000 developers are working on product enhancements and extensions to the SAP spend management suite. With that level of investment, one would expect an aggressive product buildout. At SAP Spend Connect Live, held October 14-16 in Las Vegas, SAP did make several significant product announcements. It is a brilliant tool.”

SAP 116

SAP Procurement Solutions Manufacturing Procurement Procurement Analytics 116

Logistics Viewpoints

MAY 22, 2023

Do we have a demand forecasting tool in place and, if so, how good is that forecast? For example, we can have “Texas Small Volume” customers and “Florida Peak Season” customers, or “East Coast High Margin” customers and “Carolinas High Priority” customers. Can every customer get products from every warehouse?

Supply Chain Design Software 107

Supply Chain Design Software Supply Chain Design Supply Chain Software Modeling Software 107

Logistics Viewpoints

OCTOBER 17, 2024

Suppliers are now crucial strategic partners that support product innovation, efficient supply chains, and overall competitiveness. When companies collaborate closely with suppliers, they can co-develop new products and improve existing processes, leading to competitive advantages in terms of product differentiation.

Supply Chain Planning Software 117

Supply Chain Planning Software Manufacturing Procurement Supply Chain Design Software Optimal Sourcing 117

3PL Links

NOVEMBER 12, 2024

JIT inventory management minimizes holding costs by scheduling orders as close as possible to production or sales needs. Example: Retail giant Zara uses real-time data from its stores to adjust inventory dynamically. Example: Amazon’s fulfillment centers are famous for using robotics to streamline order processing and packing.

Cost Reduction 62

Cost Reduction Material Savings Supply Chain Software Supply Chain Planning Software 62

The Logistics of Logistics

FEBRUARY 11, 2022

So, as an example, the IMS tracks and reports that there are 30 widgets in Warehouse A, 25 in Warehouse B, 48 in Manufacturing Plant A, and so on. An example would be scanning a pallet ID and location barcode to confirm that the pallet with the ID of 123 has been putaway location 456, for example.

Inventory 273

Inventory Optimal Sourcing Optimization Software Manufacturing Procurement 273

SYSPRO Smarter ERP

JUNE 9, 2022

How much does it cost us to manufacture this product? Here’s an example. Let’s say that you want to know what the revenue for a specific product is in the Pacific Northwest region. Let’s say that you want to know what the revenue for a specific product is in the Pacific Northwest region.

Supply Chain Planning Software 98

Supply Chain Planning Software Supply Chain Design Software Modeling Software Supply Chain Software 98

SYSPRO Smarter ERP

SEPTEMBER 17, 2024

Discrete manufacturing ERP software provides an integrated solution with the tools to help discrete manufacturers plan, execute and control production. Discrete manufacturing is a mode of production of distinct individual products. Discrete manufacturing is a mode of production of distinct individual products.

Manufacturing Procurement 94

Manufacturing Procurement Optimization Software ERP Supply Chain Planning Software 94

The Lean Thinker

NOVEMBER 30, 2023

Let me profile a company – I have an actual company in mind, but this one is only a concrete example. For example, are there metrics or line management expectations that run counter to moving continuously toward 1:1 production at takt? This company has been engaged with continuous improvement since at least 1998.

Tools 221

Tools Events Definition Examples 221

The Lean Thinker

AUGUST 31, 2022

Kaizen events (or whatever we want to call the traditional week-long activity): Can be a useful tool when used in the context of an overall plan. 1 There are times when any specific tool is appropriate, and there are no universal tools. Kaizen tools included. Every tool, technique, etc.

Events 44

Events Modeling Software Workshop Buyer Training 44

Logistics Bureau

DECEMBER 19, 2022

If you browse through the Logistics Bureau blog, you’ll find at least two or three articles—and about the same number of videos—that cover warehouse product slotting. So here it is—your ultimate guide to warehouse product slotting. What is Product Slotting. As this is an “ultimate” guide, we’ll start with the basics.

Production 98

Production Inventory Reduction Cost Reduction Resource Reduction 98

WorkWave

JANUARY 20, 2025

Artificial intelligence (AI) and business intelligence (BI) tools are transforming how these businesses track, analyze and act on data. WorkWave is at the forefront of developing Analytics & AI tools to help our customers streamline operations, reduce their spend and overcome common yet difficult hurdles in their businesses.

Optimization Software 64

Optimization Software Security Data Industry 64

3PL Links

NOVEMBER 5, 2024

For example, a mid-sized e-commerce company that partnered with a 3PL was able to reduce its shipping costs by 25% thanks to the provider’s bulk shipping agreements. This strategic redirection can lead to improved overall productivity and a stronger competitive edge.

Outsourcing 62

Outsourcing Cost Reduction Expense Reduction Inventory Reduction 62

Dedola Global Logistics

NOVEMBER 1, 2024

During Hurricane Helene, for instance, the disruption of critical component imports led to production halts across multiple sectors, affecting not just U.S. Real-Time Tracking and Visibility : DGL offers state-of-the-art tracking tools that give you real-time visibility into the status of your shipments.

Supply Chain Planning Software 81

Supply Chain Planning Software Supply Chain Software Supply Chains Cost Reduction 81

Logistics Bureau

JANUARY 20, 2025

Supply chain automation refers to the tools and technologies we can use to make manual tasks automated, reducing the need for human workers. We’re looking at a complete transformation of how your business moves products from point A to point B. What are some examples of Supply Chain Automation?

Supply Chain Software 75

Supply Chain Software Supply Chain Design Software Supply Chain Design Supply Chains 75

The Lean Thinker

DECEMBER 9, 2022

When “trams” (coal carts) were in short supply, for example, the “trammers” would horde carts to optimize their team’s performance at the expense of other teams being limited by the number of carts available. Productivity plummeted. This all changed shortly after WWII. The Long Wall Method.

Modeling Software 259

Modeling Software Optimization Software Expense Reduction Resource Reduction 259

SYSPRO Smarter ERP

FEBRUARY 24, 2025

The real benefit of implementing an ERP system lies in integrating core business functions such as finance, inventory management, production and sales into a single, unifying platform that provides a business-wide view using centralized data. An ERP system for manufacturing goes further than automating processes and workflows.

ERP 94

ERP Resource Reduction Cost Reduction Inventory Reduction 94

Logistics Viewpoints

MARCH 24, 2025

Before a potential customer buys an autonomous mobile robot solution, Locus Robotics often uses different types of simulation to determine the type of robots needed and the number needed to optimize productivity at a warehouse. AMRs are employed in warehouses to increase productivity and employee satisfaction. Most companies dont.

Modeling Software 60

Modeling Software Optimization Software Optimization Modeling Logistics Network Optimization Software 60

TransAudit

FEBRUARY 13, 2025

Use tools to automate root cause analysis and reduce dependency on manual reporting. Standardization: Streamline product specifications to reduce complexity. The war for talent has always been prevalent, said Dritz, emphasizing the importance of aligning skilled teams with the right tools.

Supply Chain Software 59

Supply Chain Software Supply Chain Planning Software Supply Chains Inventory Reduction 59

The Lean Thinker

OCTOBER 13, 2020

The fundamentals are based on the “Rules-in-Use” from Decoding the DNA of the Toyota Production System , a landmark HBR article by Steve Spear and H. The path for every product is simple and direct. The path a product follows deviates from the route specified. It is the direction that matters, not the reminders.

Waste Reduction 397

Waste Reduction Buyer Training Document Production 397

Logistics Bureau

DECEMBER 31, 2024

A 3PL (Third-Party Logistics provider) is a company that takes care of your logistics operations – everything from warehousing your products to getting them where they need to go. Robinson are great examples of major 3PLs that have transformed the industry. That’s exactly where 3PLs shine.

3PL 75

3PL Supply Chain Software Logistics Network Optimization Software Inventory 75

WorkWave

MARCH 5, 2025

Industry Examples of Breaking Data Silos Cleaning Industry A university case study revealed that a cleaning service provider struggled with inconsistent scheduling and supply tracking across multiple locations. Security Industry A notable example in the security industry is the case of a leading provider of security services in North America.

Optimal Sourcing 85

Optimal Sourcing Waste Reduction Resource Reduction Sourcing Strategies 85

The Lean Thinker

JULY 11, 2024

If production fell behind, they extended lead times in the system (which is the worst thing you can do in this case). ” (Which actually weren’t that complex at all – everyone seems to think their production portfolio is more complicated than everyone else’s.) A new ERP system is a prime example.

MRP 195

MRP ERP Course Resource Reduction 195

Logistics Bureau

OCTOBER 10, 2024

Product slotting is one of the few cost saving ideas that you can implement in your current facility whilst making no changes to infrastructure (although there may be further benefits to do that). Product slotting is a warehouse term that involves placing products in optimal locations within a warehouse to enhance operational efficiency.

Production 74

Production Inventory Reduction Cost Reduction Expense Reduction 74

Logistics Bureau

DECEMBER 6, 2024

In order to meet some requirements, for example, of customers or corporations, the resources managed in logistics can include tangible items such as food, materials, equipment, liquids and stuff as well as abstract items such as information, particles and energy.

Manufacturing Procurement 75

Manufacturing Procurement Logistics Network Optimization Software Supply Chain Planning Software Sourcing Strategies 75

3PL Links

JANUARY 8, 2025

A fleet management system is a fundamental tool in the planning and operational control of the logistics sector. This specialized platform helps to optimize the management of inputs and increase productivity and the accuracy of deliveries through routing functionalities.

Optimal Sourcing 62

Optimal Sourcing Cost Reduction Resource Reduction Expense Reduction 62

AIMMS

JULY 13, 2020

Integrated Business Planning (IBP), as defined by its creators at Oliver Wight , is “the business planning process that extends the principles of S&OP throughout the end-to-end supply chain, product, service and customer portfolios, customer demand and strategic planning, to deliver one seamless management process.”

Scenario Planning 160

Scenario Planning Supply Chain Planning Software Resource Reduction Sourcing Strategies 160

Ship Monk

MARCH 11, 2024

We spend a lot of time researching products before we buy, but in the end we may still feel uncertain. And when we feel uncertain, humans tend to look for examples of what others in our situation have done. We’ll give you some examples of social proof, and we’ll even rank them in terms of trustworthiness. What is Social Proof?

eCommerce 105

eCommerce Logistics Network Optimization Software Case Study Procurement Solutions 105