Sudoku and SCM: The Binary Connection – A Path To Smarter Solutions

An earlier Sudoku blog recognizing Puzzle Day, provided an overview of solving Sudoku using MILP optimization and mentions these methods are helpful to find solutions in supply or central planning. This blog elaborates on “binary variables” which is the connecting technology between Sudoku and Supply Chain Management (SCM).

By |2021-02-03T09:51:17-05:00February 2nd, 2021|Central Planning, Optimization, Sudoku, Supply Planning|

Investing in SCM Technology: 6 Hints for Success – From a Long Time Ago in a Galaxy Far, Far Away

“Chaos, complexity, and uncertainty” often victimize an organization’s supply chain outstripping the ability of spreadsheet-based tools to respond intelligently. Sounds like 2020? In fact, this comes from one of the original Jedi Knights Dr. Harlan Crowder in a 1997 paper titled “Helpful Hints for OR/MS Consultants”. The purpose of this blog is to revisit this paper since the hints for success are as relevant now as they were then.

Investing in SCM Technology: Vision and Trenches – Lessons for a Successful Journey

The purpose of a vision in this journey is to create a focus on the implementation of decision technology as tools to overcome inherent organizational cognitive limitations of bounded rationality and uncertainty bias to improve SCM. This blog provides some critical lessons to protect a firm’s investment in technology.

Demand Versus Predict Variability – Avoiding a Paint by Numbers Disaster

In this blog, we will focus on protecting your investment. The example involves demand variability versus prediction variability and its impact on inventory policy and operational efficiencies. It is loosely based on a real situation from the trenches.

Invest in Supply Chain Management Technology: Survival and Ability to Respond to Emerging Challenges

When and how to invest in supply chain management technology is a critical question for all firms that is not a one-time question but ongoing. This blog will observe the real business value is “survival and responsiveness” and elaborate on the challenges with this evaluation.

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