Inventory, Distribution & Replenishment Planning Archives

Inventory, distribution, and replenishment planning are essential to balancing inventory investment with superior customer service, predictable revenue fulfillment, and profitable growth. Explore insights on inventory optimization, distribution requirements planning, replenishment strategies, multi-echelon inventory, and SIOP (Sales Inventory Operations Planning). Learn how leading manufacturers and distributors leverage Supply Chain Planning, data, technology, and integrated planning processes to improve product availability, strengthen Risk & Resilience, optimize working capital, and support long-term business success.

VMI Case Study to Drive Win-Win Customer & Supplier Results
Gallery
VMI Case Study to Drive Win-Win Customer & Supplier Results

Supply Chain Planning, Inventory, Distribution & Replenishment Planning

VMI Case Study to Drive Win-Win Customer & Supplier Results

Taking your supplier / customer relationships to the next level of partnership is integral to supporting profitable growth with exceptional customer service and cash flow (ie. inventory turns) levels. Vendor managed inventory (VMI) can be integral to maximizing revenue/ service, profitability, and working capital.

Lisa Anderson2026-06-27T14:05:22-07:00October 22, 2025|Categories: Supply Chain Planning, Inventory, Distribution & Replenishment Planning|Tags: Best of, Case study, Customer service, Data & Analytics, Demand planning, DRP, ERP, Inventory optimization, Inventory reduction, Medical products, Predictability, Profitability, Replenishment, Revenue growth, S&OP, SIOP, Supply chain planning, VMI, Working capital|

When is a Supply Chain ‘Trade Off’ NOT a Trade Off?
Gallery
When is a Supply Chain ‘Trade Off’ NOT a Trade Off?

In The News, Supply Chain Planning, Inventory, Distribution & Replenishment Planning

When is a Supply Chain ‘Trade Off’ NOT a Trade Off?

Increasing inventory levels is seen as a trade-off with service and efficiency levels; we find that a win-win-win is achievable. The key: Have the right inventory in the right place at the right time and gain a predictive view of demand to optimise your schedules to reduce inventory while increasing service and efficiency.

Lisa Anderson2026-06-21T22:40:12-07:00August 6, 2025|Categories: In The News, Supply Chain Planning, Inventory, Distribution & Replenishment Planning|Tags: Customer service, Demand planning, Inventory optimization, Inventory reduction, Predictability, Profitability, Replenishment, S&OP, SIOP, Supply chain planning, Working capital|

4 Keys to VMI Success
Gallery
4 Keys to VMI Success

Supply Chain Planning, Inventory, Distribution & Replenishment Planning

4 Keys to VMI Success

VMI (vendor managed inventory) is the process where the supplier manages the customer's inventory so that the customer has the "right" item in the "right" place at the "right" time to ensure high service levels, efficient and productive operations, and the least amount of inventory tied up unnecessarily. The best VMI programs ensure that the end-to-end supply chain gains with both the supplier and the customer achieving improved results or benefits.

Lisa Anderson2026-06-20T18:47:42-07:00April 28, 2025|Categories: Supply Chain Planning, Inventory, Distribution & Replenishment Planning|Tags: AI, APS, CRM, Customer service, Data & Analytics, Demand planning, ERP, Inventory optimization, Inventory reduction, Medical products, Predictability, Profitability, Replenishment, S&OP, SIOP, Supply chain planning, VMI, Working capital|

Inventory Optimization In Full Focus in the Turbulent Economy
Gallery
Inventory Optimization In Full Focus in the Turbulent Economy

Supply Chain Planning, Inventory, Distribution & Replenishment Planning

Inventory Optimization In Full Focus in the Turbulent Economy

If you follow the stock market, you might think the economy is strong. As consumers, we are frustrated with the price of everyday supplies such as food, gas, and housing.

Lisa Anderson2026-06-22T16:09:41-07:00August 1, 2024|Categories: Supply Chain Planning, Inventory, Distribution & Replenishment Planning|Tags: APS, Best of, Customer service, ERP, Inventory optimization, Inventory reduction, MRP, Predictability, Profitability, Replenishment, S&OP, SIOP, Supply chain disruptions, Supply chain planning, Working capital|

Inventory Management: Go Back to the Basics for Success During Volatility
Gallery
Inventory Management: Go Back to the Basics for Success During Volatility

Supply Chain Planning, Inventory, Distribution & Replenishment Planning

Inventory Management: Go Back to the Basics for Success During Volatility

Volatility has become the new normal in supply chains, making effective inventory management more critical than ever. From shifting customer demand and supplier disruptions to inflationary pressures and geopolitical uncertainty, manufacturers and distributors are being challenged to balance service, cost, and working capital simultaneously. Although many companies are investing [...]

Lisa Anderson2026-06-20T19:04:22-07:00March 7, 2023|Categories: Supply Chain Planning, Inventory, Distribution & Replenishment Planning|Tags: Customer service, ERP, Inventory accuracy, Inventory optimization, Inventory reduction, Profitability, Resiliency, Risk Management, S&OP, SIOP, Supply chain disruptions, Supply chain planning, Working capital|

Supply Chain Dive: Did the Pandemic Really Kill Just-in-Time? Experts Weigh In
Gallery
Supply Chain Dive: Did the Pandemic Really Kill Just-in-Time? Experts Weigh In

In The News, Supply Chain Planning, Inventory, Distribution & Replenishment Planning

Supply Chain Dive: Did the Pandemic Really Kill Just-in-Time? Experts Weigh In

Is just-in-time dead? Lisa Anderson shares why the future of inventory management isn't about choosing between just-in-time and just-in-case, but building resilient, flexible supply chain strategies that balance risk, service, inventory investment, and profitability.

Lisa Anderson2026-07-10T22:59:06-07:00November 29, 2022|Categories: In The News, Supply Chain Planning, Inventory, Distribution & Replenishment Planning|Tags: Inventory optimization, Predictability, Profitability, Resiliency, Risk Management, Strategic sourcing, Supply chain disruptions, Supply chain planning, Supply chain visibility, Supply continuity, Working capital|

LMA Consulting Sees Supply Chains Reshaping to Balance Inventory
Gallery
LMA Consulting Sees Supply Chains Reshaping to Balance Inventory

Supply Chain Planning, Press Releases, Inventory, Distribution & Replenishment Planning

LMA Consulting Sees Supply Chains Reshaping to Balance Inventory

Lisa Anderson's press release about the reshaping of supply chains was picked up by CSCMP. Rightsizing and balancing inventories is becoming essential to success especially with increasing interest rates.

Lisa Anderson2026-07-12T09:34:34-07:00November 15, 2022|Categories: Supply Chain Planning, Press Releases, Inventory, Distribution & Replenishment Planning|Tags: Capacity planning, Customer service, Demand planning, Inventory optimization, Inventory reduction, Predictability, Production & Materials Planning, Profitability, Supply chain disruptions, Working capital|

Lisa Anderson, Manufacturing & SIOP Expert Sees Supply Chains Reshaping to Balance Inventories
Gallery
Lisa Anderson, Manufacturing & SIOP Expert Sees Supply Chains Reshaping to Balance Inventories

Supply Chain Planning, Press Releases, Inventory, Distribution & Replenishment Planning

Lisa Anderson, Manufacturing & SIOP Expert Sees Supply Chains Reshaping to Balance Inventories

Lisa Anderson sees inventory tightening as supply chains grapple with demand fluctuation, supplier challenges, stagflation and volatility in the economy. LMA Consulting Group works with manufacturers and distributors on strategy and end-to-end supply chain transformation to maximize the customer experience and enable profitable, scalable, dramatic business growth.

Lisa Anderson2026-07-12T09:38:48-07:00November 11, 2022|Categories: Supply Chain Planning, Press Releases, Inventory, Distribution & Replenishment Planning|Tags: Capacity planning, Customer service, Demand planning, Inventory optimization, Predictability, Production & Materials Planning, Profitability, S&OP, SIOP, Supply chain planning, Working capital|

Right-size Inventory to Thrive During Inflationary & Recessionary Times
Gallery
Right-size Inventory to Thrive During Inflationary & Recessionary Times

Supply Chain Planning, Inventory, Distribution & Replenishment Planning

Right-size Inventory to Thrive During Inflationary & Recessionary Times

In a business environment marked by inflation, rising interest rates, and economic uncertainty, inventory decisions have never carried more weight. The challenge is no longer simply managing inventory—it is right-sizing it to align with demand, service expectations, and financial goals.

Lisa Anderson2026-06-29T09:12:58-07:00October 26, 2022|Categories: Supply Chain Planning, Inventory, Distribution & Replenishment Planning|Tags: Best of, Customer service, Data & Analytics, Demand planning, ERP, Inflation, Inventory optimization, Inventory reduction, On-Time Delivery, Predictability, Predictive analytics, Profitability, Replenishment, Resiliency, S&OP, SIOP, Supply chain planning, Working capital|

Gaining a Logistics Edge with Inventory Management
Gallery
Gaining a Logistics Edge with Inventory Management

In The News, Supply Chain Planning, Inventory, Distribution & Replenishment Planning

Gaining a Logistics Edge with Inventory Management

Logistics costs have been staggering. According to the 33rd Annual State of Logistics report produced by the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals by the global consulting firm Kearney and presented by Penske Logistics, U.S. business logistics costs rose by 22.4% last year.