ERP systems sit at the core of modern manufacturing—but most companies use only a fraction of their capability. In this Supply Chain Byte, Lisa Anderson gives examples of how optimizing the ERP system can strengthen the supply chain—capacity, staffing, planning & scheduling and on-time delivery.
Artificial intelligence is sweeping through every corner of the enterprise. The winners will be those who apply it with discipline, tying use cases to real bottlenecks, aligning Sales, Inventory & Operations Planning (SIOP) with data and keeping humans in control for judgment, safety and accountability.
The merger of Union Pacific & Norfolk Southern marks one of the biggest shifts in U.S. rail. In this Supply Chain Byte, Lisa Anderson explains how this deal could reshape freight movement, capacity and reliability across the country—and what it means for manufacturers and distributors relying on rail to keep supply chains running.
Robots aren’t just a futuristic concept—they’re already transforming how manufacturers and distributors stay competitive. In this Supply Chain Byte, Lisa Anderson uses the example of Amazon to explain how robotics are filling labor gaps, boosting productivity and enabling greater flexibility across supply chains.
Check out Lisa Anderson's new ebook, AI & Advanced Technologies in Manufacturing, how manufacturers and distributors can harness AI and advanced technologies to drive business performance, customer value, and bottom-line results.
A cargo spill can cause more than a mess — it can delay shipments, raise safety concerns and disrupt the supply chain. In this Supply Chain Byte, Lisa Anderson breaks down how to plan for the unexpected, coordinate with partners and adjust plans through SIOP to minimize disruption.
As companies navigate tariffs, geopolitical risks and high interest rates, there is an emphasis on reducing costs and inventory levels to free up cash and maintain profit levels while successfully serving customers’ ever-changing needs. The most successful companies are upgrading their planning processes and rolling out automation and advanced technologies.
In step change progress to depending on China (who has been unreliable in supplying critical minerals), a strategic partnership has been developed to replace this dependence for antibiotics. Not many companies can take over manufacturing of extended supply chains and scale up adequately. Thus, strategic partnerships can provide the resources and investments to scale and succeed.
Industrial automation is no longer optional—it’s the foundation for competitiveness and profitability. In this Supply Chain Byte, Lisa Anderson shares what manufacturers must consider when investing in automation to boost efficiency, improve responsiveness and stay ahead in a rapidly changing marketplace.
Distributors play a critical role in the supply chain in connecting manufacturers to customers with inventory, logistics, and fulfillment. As tariffs, geopolitical risks, and tax and regulatory changes take place, supply chains will evolve. Forward-thinking distributors are determining how to mitigate risks and take advantage of the opportunities that emerge with artificial intelligence and advanced technologies.
