The Importance of Product Mix in Capacity Planning
When engaging in capacity planning, it is important to consider the product mix and seasonality of your business to ensure an effective and accurate outcome.
Managing Supply Chain Transformation Beyond IT
Senior leadership engagement, business process analysis, and proper communication ensure a successful supply chain transformation.
Some Good Supply Chain News, For a Change
Despite all the bad news regarding container ships stacked up at ports, pandemic related labor challenges, and chip shortages, there have been a few bright spots regarding the supply chain. The general ideas around vision, technology, and sustainability apply to all of us.
Part 1: How Natural Language Processing (NLP) Can Benefit the Supply Chain
As more and more individuals utilize supply chain software, there is a need to simplify its usage. The next step in evolution can be Natural Language Processing (NLP) where the user expresses a desire in plain language, and the software translates it to queries in the background. This and other use cases such as the automation and analysis of content have made NLP an area of prominent growth.
Tools of the Trade: National Puzzle Day, Probability and the Board Game Risk
National Puzzle Day is January 29th. It is a day Arkieva celebrates because the ongoing challenge of smarter supply chain decisions involves supersized puzzles and games. This year we will focus on probabilistic forecasting using the board game Risk. This blog will show how Monte Carlo Simulation can be used to estimate the average number of “wins”, but critically the range of possible “wins” across some interval.
Tools of the Trade: Characteristics of Agents of Change Teams to Drive Successful Investment
In previous “tools of the trade” blogs, the focus has been on conveying a basic understanding of core technologies critical to improving supply chain management decision making. Other blogs have focused on investing in technology. As with any investment there are risks to success. This blog focuses on the need for a small group driving technology that upsets the social order called agents of change (AOC).
Top 5 Signs You Have Outgrown Your Planning System
Industry analysts, big-time consultants, and your peers are all talking about technology, digital transformation, and the future of the supply chain. It can seem like a lot of noise given the day-to-day pressure you feel while working to ensure that inventory is on hand and positioned where it is supposed to be. With all you have on your plate, are you aware of the signs that it is time for a change?
What To Expect in 2022: Arkieva’s Take on 2022 Supply Chain Trends
With the new year comes pundit “prediction season”. It seems that anyone who can type will post their list of things to look out for. It’s human nature to look ahead and anticipate what may be. We all look back to look forward – just like a good demand forecast does. And if you think about it, most calendar-year business plans are in truth, predictions about the year to come.
Managing Distribution in Circular Supply Chains
Circularity, in the form of re-use, is not really new as a business model. Look at Goodwill, Habitat For Humanity’s Re-Store, and countless local consignment and thrift stores. eBay, Etsy, and Facebook Marketplace provide an online forum to convert one person’s trash to someone else’s treasure. A quick trip to the post office and the deal is sealed. Waste averted.
4 Barriers to Capturing True Demand
If one is going to forecast demand into the future, it would make sense to get as true a picture as possible. For that, starting with historical demand would be the obvious choice. Choosing this data as the basis for forecasting would ensure the best possible projection out in the future.