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.
"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.
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.
Israel and Iran had an escalating 12-day war with the U.S. getting involved by bombing Iran's main nuclear facility. Although a cease fire has been negotiated, tensions remain high in the Middle East.
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 Anderson shares her thoughts on the outlook for supply chains in 2025.
Every CFO seems to wonder why they spend millions on ERP upgrades yet critical decisions seem to boil down to spreadsheets.
Disruptions abound no matter the supply chain. Aerospace has been particularly hard hit. Boeing's issues have plagued them the entire year.
Download Lisa's mid-year special report, FutureScape: Crafting Tomorrow's Supply Chain Today.
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.
