There is a tremendous variety of direct materials procure-to-pay solutions. Here we explore a framework for understanding the P2P solutions landscape.
Supply-Side Disciplines
Supplier-facing topics, such as sourcing and procurement, financial supply chain, total cost of ownership, inventory management
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.
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.
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.
Direct Materials P2P—Part Three
Direct Materials P2P—Part One
The procure-to-pay process (P2P) for direct materials resists standardization and automation. As the critical execution phase of source and procurement, it is where the rubber meets the road for inbound materials. This is the first in a series on direct P2P, based on our primary research interviews and surveys we conducted.
AI/Machine Learning for the Supply Chain – How Do We Use It?
Uses of AI and Machine Learning in pricing, promotions, demand planning and forecasting, and inventory management.
Agile Demand-Supply Alignment – Part 3D
An assessment of IBM Sterling’s Inventory Control Tower solution for global supply chains with critical inventory needs—especially healthcare providers, grocery retailers, and spare parts dealers. We also look at Elementum, provider of incident management for companies with large complex supply chains where many issues arise requiring multi-party collaboration.
Millennials’ Desire for Meaning in Work – A Potential Key to Addressing the Supply Chain Talent Shortage
Millennials are seeking jobs with meaning and purpose. They are more concerned about social and environmental issues. Companies that are strongly committed to sustainable and responsible supply chains have an advantage in attracting and retaining younger supply chain professionals.
Agile Inventory Management: Part Four – Big-Business Inventory Capabilities for Small Businesses
It is possible for small businesses to have sophisticated high-value inventory capabilities by leveraging integrated, multi-function cloud-based technologies. Here we discuss how those solutions can provide visibility beyond the four walls of the enterprise and what capabilities to look for in a system.
Agile Inventory Management: Part Three – Inventory Management Strategies
Successful lean inventory strategies depend on moving the efficient frontier in service-level<—>inventory-level tradeoffs, to simultaneously improve service levels and reduce inventory levels. Here we discuss what capabilities are needed to make that happen. We also touch on management of spare parts inventory, multi-echelon networks, and real-world constraints.