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.
Generative AI won’t fix everything—and many projects miss the mark. In this quick Byte, Lisa Anderson explains why leaders should resist blanket rollouts, choose one well-scoped use case, and engage the people who do the work so AI boosts productivity instead of creating noise.
AI is transforming supply chains by handling data, analytics, and routine tasks faster than ever. But success still hinges on one distinctly human skill: critical thinking. In this Supply Chain Byte, Lisa Anderson explains why leaders must create environments where their teams can question assumptions, connect the dots, and make sound decisions that technology alone can’t deliver.
"SIOP" stands for Sales, Inventory, Operations Planning (SIOP). Depending on the industry or organization, you may also hear it referred to as “S&OP” or Sales and Operations Planning. Sometimes, it is even referred to as “IBP” or Integrated Business Planning. Typically, they mean the same thing. The most important words to emphasize are planning and alignment.
Artificial intelligence (AI) and advanced technologies are more than digital upgrades — they’re powering a manufacturing reinvention and changing the manufacturing floor. In this Supply Chain Byte, Lisa Anderson highlights Hadrian’s vertically integrated model as a glimpse into the future.
Supply chain visibility allows companies to track and access real-time data across every tier of the supply chain, from raw materials at your suppliers' supplier to delivery of finished goods to your end customer. Supply chain visibility has become of paramount importance to ensure customer satisfaction and to profitable growth.
The U.S. unveiled its first AI Action Plan with the "Winning the AI Race" All-In Summit. The AI Action Plan focuses on a few core elements to ensure the U.S. leads the world with artificial intelligence.
Encouraging strong teamwork paves the way for successful projects completion which contribute to company improvements and growth.
Artificial intelligence is not only integral to manufacturing, distribution, mining, and forging, but it will also power productivity and enhanced customer value across every company in the future. Thus, it is an imperative to pay attention to current uses of AI and to think strategically about AI applications to drive productivity, profitability and performance.
As companies experience slowing backlogs, high interest rates, and inflationary spikes in costs over the last few years, revving up sales and keeping margins intact has become of paramount importance.
