Supply chain and manufacturing
Learn how technology can optimize your supply chain, logistics and manufacturing processes. Explore how the internet of things, AI and blockchain are bringing new efficiencies and how ERP software can help with supply chain operations and improve product delivery. Here you'll also find overviews on important supply chain management concepts.
Top Stories
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Feature
19 Dec 2024
Challenges for manufacturing's digital shift in 2025
Manufacturers will continue digital transformation initiatives in 2025, although some will struggle to make those moves pay off. Continue Reading
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Feature
05 Dec 2024
Supply chain wanes in 2025, but resilience remains key trend
The supply chain might be losing its seat at the executive table, but the work must continue to provide more resilience and agility. Continue Reading
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Feature
13 Jan 2021
IFS Field Service Management software: Overview, pros, cons
IFS FSM software is meant to manage field staff and assets. Learn about its advantages and disadvantages and whether your company should put it on a vendor shortlist. Continue Reading
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News
21 Dec 2020
Supply chain faces greatest challenge with COVID-19 vaccine
Developing a COVID-19 vaccine was only the first step in beating the pandemic. Now the supply chain must manage the challenges and complexities of getting those vaccines delivered. Continue Reading
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Feature
18 Dec 2020
4 supply chain finance benefits and why they matter now
Liquidity in the supply chain for buyers and suppliers is just one of the benefits supply chain finance can offer companies. Learn about some others. Continue Reading
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Feature
10 Nov 2020
Bose builds supply chain resilience program that pays off
An earthquake and floods in 2011 disrupted the Bose supply chain but better prepared the company for the risks and disruptions brought on by COVID-19. Continue Reading
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News
05 Nov 2020
Clevest acquisition bolsters IFS' field service management
IFS strengthened its field service portfolio with the acquisition of Clevest, a firm that provides field service management capabilities specific to the utilities industry. Continue Reading
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Feature
30 Oct 2020
The disruptive impact of COVID-19 on warehouse automation
The pandemic has had mixed effects on warehouse automation. Learn why this has been the case and what warehouse leaders say are important takeaways. Continue Reading
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Feature
26 Oct 2020
Crafts Technology manages COVID-19 changes with ECI JobBoss
Crafts Technology, a medium-sized manufacturer that performs small-volume jobs, is using ECI JobBoss ERP software to manage workplace changes from the COVID-19 pandemic. Continue Reading
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News
21 Oct 2020
Partnerships add more supply chain visibility to SAP LBN
New SAP Logistics Business Network partnerships provide users with key logistics data on shipment location and estimated arrival times for road, freight and ocean shipments. Continue Reading
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Definition
21 Oct 2020
demand planning
Demand planning is the process of forecasting the demand for a product or service so it can be produced and delivered more efficiently and to the satisfaction of customers. Continue Reading
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Tip
09 Oct 2020
EAM vs. CMMS: What are the differences?
When it comes to EAM vs. CMMS, making the right choice comes down to understanding what each software type does. Here's an overview of each to help you decide. Continue Reading
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Feature
02 Oct 2020
Digital transformation requires upskilling and reskilling
Manufacturers undergoing digital transformation must address workers' skills gaps, but new technology shouldn't be imposed from above without early input and buy-in from workers. Continue Reading
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Feature
09 Sep 2020
RPA and AI strengthen weak links in supply chain workflows
Instead of an all-or-nothing approach to supply chain automation, RPA is most effective when targeted at subprocesses to improve high-volume, repetitive, error-prone tasks. Continue Reading
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Feature
08 Sep 2020
Supply chain-customer service partnership is vital
A company's success depends on a supply chain that can meet customers' expectations. To do that well, supply chain leaders must partner with their customer service counterparts. Continue Reading
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Infographic
21 Aug 2020
15 examples of supply chain disruptions throughout history
The COVID-19 pandemic has caused disruptions across the global supply chain. Here's a look at other disruptions that underscore why boosting resiliency has always been important. Continue Reading
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Feature
14 Aug 2020
7 real-life blockchain in the supply chain use cases and examples
Leading-edge companies are trying to fight supply chain network complexity with blockchain. Here's a look at seven use cases that demonstrate how well that's working. Continue Reading
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Feature
13 Aug 2020
GE Digital's transformation rocky but ongoing
In this Q&A, GE Digital CEO Patrick Byrne discusses how the company is back in the GE fold, GE's digital transformation lessons, and how the COVID-19 crisis affects manufacturers. Continue Reading
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Feature
10 Aug 2020
Exploring COVID-19 food supply chain disruptions
The food sector has been hard hit by COVID-19. Learn what some of those issues have been, how some companies have escaped the worst of it and what lessons are most important. Continue Reading
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News
20 Jul 2020
SAP, Siemens partner to advance digital manufacturing
A new deal between SAP and Siemens combines SAP ERP systems with Siemens Teamcenter PLM platform, enabling companies to develop an end-to-end digital thread for manufacturing. Continue Reading
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Feature
09 Jul 2020
Discrete vs. process manufacturing: Choosing ERP
Process and discrete manufacturers use different processes to create products. Here's how the two differ and how these affect ERP and other technology selections. Continue Reading
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Feature
17 Jun 2020
GE Digital CTO on data, AI role in digital twin applications
Colin Parris, founder of GE's digital twin effort, lays out the reasons data management can make or break an application and why pairing digital twins with AI makes each one better. Continue Reading
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Feature
15 Jun 2020
Lessons from COVID-19: 4 inventory management strategies
COVID-19 highlighted a number of problems with current approaches to inventory management. Here are four strategies that leaders can use to correct those inefficiencies. Continue Reading
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Feature
10 Jun 2020
7 use cases for RPA in supply chain and logistics
Robotic process automation can help companies automate supply chain and logistics workflows. Here's a look at seven areas where RPA shows the most promise. Continue Reading
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Feature
22 May 2020
Machine health systems play critical role in age of disruption
As the COVID-19 crisis disrupts industries, manufacturers can keep lines running by using machine health monitoring systems to manage equipment and diagnose problems remotely. Continue Reading
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Tip
19 May 2020
Supply chain recovery post-COVID-19: Risk, disruption and tech
The coronavirus pandemic exposed the fragility of global supply chains and leaders must turn their attention to boosting resiliency. Here's how to start. Continue Reading
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Feature
17 Apr 2020
Supply chain applications help ease COVID-19 crisis
Supply chain applications from SAP Ariba, SourceDay and Kinaxis are helping companies find critical PPE, maintain manufacturing lines and plan for supply chain risk assessment. Continue Reading
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Feature
10 Apr 2020
ERP security issues with working remotely during COVID-19 outbreak
Keeping the organization's enterprise systems safe is everyone's job -- from top leadership on down. Now that the coronavirus has millions homebound, that's never been more important. Continue Reading
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Feature
02 Apr 2020
COVID-19 crisis opens possibilities for 3D printing industry
As the coronavirus outbreak disrupts supply chains, manufacturers may increasingly turn to 3D printing to move beyond prototyping and into producing quality parts. Continue Reading
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Tip
02 Apr 2020
Essentials of EDI in supply chain management
Electronic data interchange (EDI) applies to many different business aspects. Learn three ways EDI has streamlined supply chain management. Continue Reading
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Feature
25 Mar 2020
7 supply chain management best practices in a COVID-19 world
Amid global disruptions due to coronavirus, businesses need to redo supply chain best practices immediately. Here are seven ways to get started down the right path. Continue Reading
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Answer
20 Mar 2020
What you need to know about fourth-party logistics
Fourth-party logistics build on the benefits third-party logistics offers. Learn more about how this services model can help create more efficient logistics. Continue Reading
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Feature
17 Mar 2020
COVID-19 outbreak in China slows global supply chain
The COVID-19 outbreak started in China, where a large percentage of major enterprises have factories. Here's what business leaders should learn from the resulting slowdown. Continue Reading
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Feature
16 Mar 2020
How to prevent a coronavirus panic buying bullwhip effect
Widespread coronavirus panic buying is likely to cause a bullwhip effect in some areas -- such as toilet paper. Here's how suppliers can work to minimize the negative supply chain effects. Continue Reading
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News
05 Mar 2020
Manufacturing outlook hopeful despite recession fears
A new survey of midmarket manufacturing CFOs shows that most anticipate increases in revenue and profitability in 2020, in the face of an expected economic slowdown. Continue Reading
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Feature
28 Feb 2020
3 case studies on reducing supply chain complexity
Understanding which technologies can best simplify supply chain management is key to success in today's economy. Here's how three companies have tackled this issue. Continue Reading
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Feature
24 Feb 2020
Coronavirus outbreak puts focus on supply chain risk
Global supply chains have been disrupted by the coronavirus outbreak, and companies need to diversify suppliers and rethink strategies like lean and just-in-time manufacturing. Continue Reading
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Tip
07 Feb 2020
6 supply chain management tips
A poorly maintained supply chain can spell disaster for your business. Here are six supply chain management tips to ensure success and mitigate risk. Continue Reading
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Feature
24 Jan 2020
Last-mile delivery challenges in the age of omnichannel
The last-mile delivery problem is getting more difficult as customers demand lightning-speed product fulfillment. Here's hope. Continue Reading
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Feature
17 Jan 2020
Top 5 inventory management techniques
Great inventory management techniques are critical as supply chain complexity grows. Here's a look at the top techniques to help your company succeed. Continue Reading
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Answer
08 Jan 2020
What are the top ways to improve warehouse efficiency?
Today's warehouses have different issues than the warehouses of yesteryear, so it's critical to understand the role technology serves. Here's a look. Continue Reading
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Feature
20 Dec 2019
How to reduce the bullwhip effect: Supply chain partners, data key
Understanding the causes of the bullwhip effect is critical to preventing it. Here's a look at why it happens and ways to close the gap between supply and demand. Continue Reading
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Feature
18 Dec 2019
How food traceability software boosts supply chain visibility
Food recalls have increased and more consumers want to know the supply chain journey of their food. Here's a look at how technology can help. Continue Reading
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Feature
16 Dec 2019
How to tackle a supply chain transformation
Today's business and supply chain leaders understand they need to transform the supply chain. Here's a look at the tools and strategies they'll need to create success. Continue Reading
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Feature
13 Dec 2019
RPA in manufacturing increases efficiency, reduces costs
In this Q&A, Shibaji Das of UiPath discusses why manufacturers should implement RPA to improve efficiency, help with ERP system upgrades, increase ROI and reduce costs. Continue Reading
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Tip
21 Nov 2019
7 demand planning strategies to beat the competition
Today's supply chain management rests on refining your demand forecasting and creating partnerships. Here's a look at what that means. Continue Reading
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News
06 Nov 2019
With Scout, Workday acquisition strategy takes shape
Workday's planned acquisition of Scout RFP, a sourcing and procurement platform, says one thing to analysts: It is pushing to become a full-service ERP vendor. Continue Reading
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Feature
06 Nov 2019
10 ERP software choices for process manufacturing
Selecting ERP software for process manufacturing can be confusing, and different industries have different requirements. Learn about some of the leading choices for process manufacturing. Continue Reading
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Tip
18 Oct 2019
How to improve the manufacturing process: 6 keys to tech success
AI, analytics, IoT and modern apps can serve important roles in today's manufacturing companies. Learn six steps that put these technologies to good use. Continue Reading
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Feature
10 Oct 2019
AI helps supply chain analytics make better predictions
IoT sensors carry more data than ever into SCM platforms, making analytics simultaneously more complicated and effective. Machine learning is the indispensable helper. Continue Reading
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Feature
10 Oct 2019
Digital supply networks improve visibility and collaboration
Digital supply networks offer better visibility and collaboration than traditional supply chains. Find out what they are and whether they might help your company. Continue Reading
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Feature
10 Oct 2019
Best practices when analyzing order management system features
It's important to lay the groundwork before purchasing and implementing an order management system. Supply chain users and experts examine key factors in making the right decision. Continue Reading
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News
09 Oct 2019
IFS acquires Astea in bid for FSM market consolidation
The acquisition not only opens IFS up to a broader customer base, but also consolidates the field service management market during a time of growth and increased competition. Continue Reading
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Quiz
27 Sep 2019
Test your grasp of process manufacturing concepts
Process manufacturing is used to create and supply items around the world. Test your knowledge about which kinds of products and how they are made. Continue Reading
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News
18 Sep 2019
Sigfox network provides cheap, efficient connectivity for IoT
IoT applications for manufacturing and supply chain don't require 5G networks to send small packets of data. Sigfox believes they're better suited for a 0G network. Continue Reading
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Feature
13 Sep 2019
4 ways to use blockchain in the supply chain
As blockchain technology enters its 11th year, its use in the supply chain is burgeoning. Here are some of the areas that are garnering the most interest. Continue Reading
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Tutorial
10 Sep 2019
Introduction to supply chain management software of 2020
Discover the functions of supply chain management software and learn how SCM software helps companies manage the complex demands of today's customers. Continue Reading
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Feature
16 Aug 2019
7 steps to implementing blockchain in the supply chain
If your organization believes blockchain will bring greater visibility to the supply chain, first understand the critical steps needed to enable a successful implementation. Continue Reading
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Feature
05 Aug 2019
TraceLink Network delivers digital supply chain visibility
Drug manufacturers can collaborate with customers, suppliers and contract manufacturers on the TraceLink Network, and build applications on the new TraceLink Digital Network Platform. Continue Reading
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Feature
25 Jul 2019
How blockchain energy consumption affects supply chains
Blockchain's use of energy is proving to be a problem in supply chains, but why? Experts are diving into the issue and providing insight on two key factors: computation and speed. Continue Reading
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Feature
19 Jul 2019
MRPeasy software helps growing cannabis business
Here's how cannabis products manufacturer Papa & Barkley uses cloud-based MRP software from MRPeasy to manage its production and inventory processes in a highly regulated industry. Continue Reading
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Feature
21 Jun 2019
Benefits and challenges of blockchain food supply chain growth
Using blockchain in the food supply chain may improve consumer safety, but experts say reluctance from suppliers and a lack of viable use cases are preventing widespread adoption. Continue Reading
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Feature
10 Jun 2019
Blockchain food supply chain growth depends on clean data
Traceability to ensure freshness, safety and compliance is an obvious benefit of blockchain in the food supply chain, but it won't happen without solving data acquisition issues. Continue Reading
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Feature
24 May 2019
Advanced 3D printing machines on display at Rapid + TCT
While there won't be a 3D printer in every home any time soon, here's a look at three machines that were on display at the Rapid + TCT 3D printing industry tradeshow and are having an effect on manufacturing. Continue Reading
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Guide
23 May 2019
Key considerations in global supply chain management
Globalization adds geopolitical and cybersecurity risks to the already daunting challenges of supply chain management. Read how the experts deal with them. Continue Reading
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News
22 May 2019
3D printing industry growth tied to specialized applications -- for now
Specialized production manufacturing drives 3D printing in three industries, but prototyping will remain the key use case in more mainstream applications. Continue Reading
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Quiz
07 May 2019
Test your knowledge of supply chain management basics and key terms
To gain a better understanding of supply chain management, take this 13-question quiz and ensure you have a firm grasp of the key terms and processes it encompasses. Continue Reading
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Feature
12 Apr 2019
7 supply chain management key terms you need to know
Consumers are demanding greater visibility, but how do you give it them? We're starting with a list of supply chain management basic terms that you should be aware of. Continue Reading
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Answer
10 Apr 2019
What are the roles of 3PL and 4PL in supply chain management?
Third-party logistics providers have long been part of warehouse and transportation operations, but 4PLs are also in the mix. How can they improve your supply chain together? Continue Reading
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Answer
28 Mar 2019
How can AI improve production planning in manufacturing?
Now is a good time for manufacturers to start thinking about how they can incorporate artificial intelligence technologies into their production planning systems. Continue Reading
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Answer
22 Mar 2019
Where is 3D printing in manufacturing most useful?
Most manufacturers are still experimenting with 3D printing, but a growing number of companies have taken it a step further and are incorporating it into production processes. Continue Reading
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Answer
21 Mar 2019
Which order management system features can improve customer service?
Great order management provides insight that shipping, production, marketing and other functions need to gain a competitive edge and keep customers happy. Here's what to know. Continue Reading
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Answer
19 Mar 2019
How can distributors create an omnichannel supply chain?
Manufacturers need to be aware of the impact of omnichannel on their operations so they can determine what additional functions they'll need in three specific areas. Continue Reading
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Feature
22 Feb 2019
What's next for ServiceMax's service execution management suite?
ServiceMax is no longer in GE Digital. But its relationship with Predix will continue, and there are new opportunities to integrate with other IIoT platforms, according to CEO Scott Berg. Continue Reading
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Answer
05 Feb 2019
What are the biggest inventory optimization factors in ERP?
Replenishment strategies, lot sizes, safety stock, reorder point planning and replenishment lead time are five factors in ERP that can ensure inventory remains at an optimal level. Continue Reading
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Feature
23 Jan 2019
Cummins and Noble Plastics see factory of the future vision
When it comes to manufacturing, Cummins and Noble Plastics are embracing technological innovation. But with new technologies come new challenges. Continue Reading
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Definition
21 Jan 2019
supply chain sustainability (SCS)
Supply chain sustainability (SCS) is a holistic view of supply chain processes, logistics and technologies that affect the environmental, social, economic and legal aspects of a supply chain's components. Continue Reading
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Feature
17 Jan 2019
How to obtain the skills needed in a smart factory
As factories continue to evolve with the use of innovative technologies, manufacturers must ensure that their workers are evolving right along with them. Continue Reading
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Feature
15 Jan 2019
Tips for preventing supply chain attacks
Defining your company's security requirements and having a cyber-risk management program to evaluate third-party services can reduce the risk of attacks on supply chain software. Continue Reading
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Feature
14 Jan 2019
How to mitigate risks caused by supply chain software
Performing penetration testing and engaging in red teaming are two ways companies can identify and evaluate cybersecurity risks to the software they use to manage supply chains. Continue Reading
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Feature
08 Jan 2019
Supply chain software poses security risks
Poor internal security procedures and a lack of compliance protocols -- especially for small suppliers -- can introduce cybersecurity threats into global supply chains. Continue Reading
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Feature
12 Dec 2018
Smart manufacturing technology can leave old systems behind
Smart technology like IIoT is changing the way manufacturers operate, but they face issues with older unconnected systems. Should they rip and replace or retrofit the stranded assets? Continue Reading
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Feature
16 Nov 2018
IFS CEO Roos: Legacy ERP system owners want 'time out'
In a Q&A, Darren Roos, CEO of ERP vendor IFS, discusses the company's growth and how it's poised to challenge industry giants SAP, Oracle and Microsoft over legacy ERP customers. Continue Reading
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Feature
09 Nov 2018
With blockchain asset tracking, Walmart pushes supplier tech adoption
In requiring its green vegetable suppliers to use blockchain by 2019, Walmart seeks more transparency in the food supply chain. Whether suppliers will push back remains to be seen. Continue Reading
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Feature
06 Nov 2018
The time is right for IoT for manufacturing applications
IOT technology adoption is growing as it becomes more feasible and delivers useful data. However, manufacturers should resolve issues of security, scalability and data quality. Continue Reading
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Answer
29 Oct 2018
Why is supplier segmentation key to supplier relationship management?
Your customer relies on your supply chain to work well, so that means you need effective supplier relationship management. Here's information to help you create it. Continue Reading
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Answer
29 Oct 2018
What's most important in creating a supply chain management strategy?
Begin with the end in mind: great customer service. That's one secret to establishing your supply chain priorities -- one that can help as you decide on its tradeoffs. Continue Reading
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Feature
25 Oct 2018
Top 5 inventory management challenges for manufacturers
Get expert advice on the technologies, best practices and organizational change management needed to master the most common inventory management problems. Continue Reading
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Answer
06 Sep 2018
What is the difference between logistics and supply chain management?
Logistics is part of supply chain management, but the two terms are often used synonymously. Here's a quick explanation of how these two are different. Continue Reading
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Feature
23 Aug 2018
Q&A: Brittain Ladd on digital supply chain transformation
Brittain Ladd of Genpact tells why organizations need to transform their supply chains with machine learning and analytics to mitigate disruptions and compete more effectively. Continue Reading
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News
15 Aug 2018
Industrial cloud moving from public to hybrid systems
A new survey by ABI Research indicates that manufacturers will move IIoT systems from public cloud to hybrid systems as more storage and processing can be done at the device level. Continue Reading
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Answer
14 Aug 2018
What are some best practices for crafting a supply chain technology strategy?
Supply chain managers have a tough job and face many challenges. Technology can help but must also be approached with return on investment top of mind. Here are three tips that can help. Continue Reading
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Feature
07 Aug 2018
Supply chain blockchain is quickly taking hold
The pieces needed to create supply chain blockchain networks are emerging. But blockchain won't fix all the problems that supply chains face, such as theft and data accuracy. Continue Reading
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Feature
29 Jun 2018
PLM platforms evolve for a role in IoT
Integration with IoT systems can extend the possibilities for PLM platforms, but according to experts, they must first evolve technically to handle the IoT data and processes. Continue Reading
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Answer
21 Jun 2018
How do e-commerce returns affect reverse logistics management?
Customers expect to return purchases, which means you need to be proactive in your approach to reverse logistics. Here are some things to think about. Continue Reading
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Answer
05 Jun 2018
Can low-code development benefit supply chain management?
The low-code/no-code movement is exploding as it puts app development into the hands of business users. One possibly overlooked area for this technology is the supply chain. Continue Reading
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Feature
04 Jun 2018
Supply chain risk mitigation strategies on multiple fronts
Experts say you can't tackle supply chain risk with a one-size-fits-all approach. It has to address many facets -- and supplier relationships are the key. Continue Reading
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Definition
24 May 2018
GS1
GS1 is a global, not-for-profit association that maintains standards for barcodes and RFID tags and for supply chain messaging such as Electronic Data Interchange (EDI). Continue Reading
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Feature
24 May 2018
IoT may throw a lifeline to PLM systems
PLM systems have functioned mostly in engineering, but now IoT-connected devices are allowing PLM to be more useful across the entire product lifecycle. Continue Reading
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Feature
23 May 2018
Smart manufacturing technology is changing business processes
The future is here: AI enablement and smart manufacturing technologies are transforming business systems today, according to technology futurist Jack Shaw. Continue Reading
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Feature
23 May 2018
Analyst details industrial roles of 3D printing technology
In this Q&A, Gartner analyst Pete Basiliere discusses how advancements in 3D printing may move beyond prototyping to help improve traditional manufacturing processes. Continue Reading
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Feature
14 May 2018
Supply chain risk management tools vary from generic to niche
Specialized supply chain monitoring and risk tools exist, but you're more likely to use an assortment of general-purpose analytics, financial and GRC applications. Continue Reading