Artificial intelligence (AI) and digitization are fundamentally changing sustainability from a reporting exercise into an engineered outcome. AI and digital transformation can tie directly into how products are designed, how factories operate, and how supply chains are managed, not only creating customer and EBITDA value but also supporting sustainability and the triple bottom line.
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.
LMA Consulting Group partnered with two aerospace manufacturers to improve inventory performance, strengthen business processes, and increase enterprise value. Through inventory optimization, operational improvements, ERP assessments, and post-acquisition support, the companies improved cash flow, enhanced operational performance, strengthened compliance, and positioned themselves for long-term success.
LMA Consulting Group is celebrating 21 years of helping manufacturers and distributors navigate changing supply chain demands, operational challenges and evolving technologies.
According to the Institute of Supply Management (ISM), manufacturing is gaining strong momentum with the fourth month in a row in expansionary territory. Exports are gaining as well with the trade deals. Smart manufacturers are preparing to scale profitably and better utilize AI-enabled systems and technologies.
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.
When inventory accuracy fell to 85% and confidence in cost accounting declined, the company partnered with LMA Consulting Group to assess and optimize its ERP system. By improving data integrity, redesigning processes, and enhancing system utilization, inventory accuracy increased to 99.8%, profitability visibility improved, and leadership gained the insights needed to make better business decisions.
Crime is no way to make a point, but many in the logistics field can understand the frustration. The Ontario warehouse arsonist was allegedly angry about pay. But that's not the way to demand a raise. Logistics companies have to be competitive with the rest of the country even though there are high costs and regulations in the state.
As volatility, uncertainty, complexity, and ambiguity (VUCA) increase, leaders who embrace what is possible will succeed. Instead of looking for roadblocks and considering them insurmountable, look for options, alternate paths, and creative solutions.
When a custom manufacturer questioned whether it needed a new ERP system, LMA Consulting Group conducted an assessment that revealed a better path forward. By improving Sage ERP utilization, strengthening business processes, enhancing quoting translation capabilities, and providing strategic advisory support, the company improved performance, avoided a costly ERP replacement, and positioned itself for a successful sale.
