There is a tremendous variety of direct materials procure-to-pay solutions. Here we explore a framework for understanding the P2P solutions landscape.
The Brief
Issues of our publication, the ChainLink Brief
Direct Materials P2P—Part Four
Here are results from our survey and interviews with over 120 manufacturers about their level of direct materials P2P automation, why they automate, the KPIs they use to measure success for their direct P2P, and more.
Realizing Africa’s Potential – Part One
Africa possesses vital natural and human resources that the rest of the world will desperately need this century. Sadly, these resources are being decimated by autocratic regimes, corruption, and conflicts. Profits from natural resources are pilfered by despots and their supporters, rather than being reinvested in African countries’ infrastructure, education, and healthcare.
Pallet-level Monitoring – Part One
Pallet-level monitoring enables a more intelligent approach to distribution—Intelligent distribution and FEFO inventory management (First Expired, First Out)—as well as providing the data needed to optimize end-to-end processes for maximum shelf life. Implementing these approaches can cut losses in half for retailers and growers.
Environmental Markets – Part One
Supply chain leaders are in a position to lobby for or influence public policies. What policy is in their best interest when dealing with ‘tragedy of the commons’ issues, such as pollution or resource depletion? Is it better to maintain business as usual/laissez-faire, support regulation, or advocate for market-based solutions? Here we explore the tradeoffs.
Scenario Planning for Supply Chain Risk Management – Part Two
We examine how to weigh and prioritize multiple supply chain risk mitigation options and the use of monitoring and triggers to guide level-headed decision making during a crisis, using the risk of a China-Taiwan-US war as an example. We also look at various other examples of high-uncertainty risks where our framework could be usefully applied.
Carbon-Offset LNG: Africa’s Transitional Fuel
Carbon-Offset LNG provides a transition fuel to help the world meet carbon emissions reduction goals, especially in the near-term. Africa has a combination of substantial natural gas reserves and opportunities for legitimate large-scale carbon-offset projects, such as massive afforestation efforts across the entire Sahel.
Green Hydrogen’s Role in Enabling Zero-Emissions Transportation – Part One
Hydrogen is likely to play a key role as we transition to low/zero-emissions transport. While battery-powered vehicles dominate in cars and light trucks, it will be a different story for ocean-faring ships and possibly for long-haul trucks and trains, where the unique advantages of hydrogen-derived fuels are more important.
Last Mile Delivery Excellence – Part Two: Simplicity, Efficiency, Profitability
Perfecting the customer’s last mile delivery experience can be achieved by reducing logistics complexity and increasing efficiency, while controlling costs.
ChatGPT, What’s It Good For?
There’s so much buzz about Chatbots right now. Is this a dangerous road or a high-value tool? Do Chatbots have a place in supply chain applications? We explore the controversies, the technology, and potential applications and abuses of chatbots.
Scenario Planning for Supply Chain Risk Management—Part One
The importance of effective supply chain risk management intensifies with each new wave of disruptions. A key strategy deserving more attention is Scenario Planning for Strategic Supply Chain Risk Management.