Advanced Planning Systems (APS) are no longer optional - they are becoming critical to smarter, faster and more profitable supply chain decisions. In this Supply Chain Byte, Lisa Anderson explains why manufacturers should be looking closely at APS. Recent client situations highlighted three key needs: scenario planning, constraint-based planning and end-to-end visibility & predictive insights.
Supply chain transformations and upgrades require the improved use of ERP. There is no doubt about it - ERP is the backbone of supply chain performance. Clients come to us to improve performance (typically profitable growth, customer service, and cash flow), and the better utilization of ERP was a key part of 100% of these clients and was required to deliver bottom line results.
Manufacturing is starting to take flight. The resurgence will be powerful and fast. As a well-connected business executive and trusted advisor mentioned recently, when manufacturing takes off, you will not be able to keep up if you aren't already on top of it.
Industrial manufacturers are experiencing slumps across the board. The good news is that customers are not canceling orders; however, they are delaying BIG TIME.
The world faces economic headwinds. According to the Economist, Europe’s economy only grew at 4% this decade as compared with 8% of the United States and is struggling with a triple shock of the energy crisis, surging Chinese imports, and the threat of tariffs from the United States.
Clients typically set goals; however, goals without an understanding of where you stand is non-value added. Although it is common to set goals and expect employees to achieve them, it is far less common for clients to understand how they will get from the current state to the desired future state.
Although production and materials planning can be overlooked in its importance in most companies if going smoothly, it is cornerstone to success.
Production planning software is a manufacturing solution that helps you plan for and supervise essential workflows in the production process. Lisa Anderson gives her tips on what you should look for.
The best companies focus on production scheduling. Even though Production Schedulers aren't typically highly paid positions, the function will make or break your ability to serve customers, improve operational performance and accelerate cash flow. Thus, it should be a key priority if you want to achieve profitable growth.
Manufacturing has struggled to produce what customers want on-time without spending a fortune and tying up excess cash unnecessarily in the wrong, "just-in-case" inventory. It is a tough environment spiraling out of control with supply chain chaos.
