Manufacturing TipsProduction planningSupply Chain Push System vs. Pull System in Manufacturing Profitable manufacturing depends on having the right parts and finished goods available when needed—without excess inventory tying up cash. While most manufacturers rely on push or pull systems, there’s a third approach that can often deliver better results. By Steve Maurer, IME 17 min read
Supply Chain Supply Chain Visibility – Importance and Solutions In the old days, every part of a supply chain was made up of trading partners who knew each other by name. Transactions were sealed with a handshake or a phone call. But with the global supply chains of the 21st Century, supply chain management has become more complex. By Steve Maurer, IME 19 min read
InventoryManufacturing TipsSupply Chain The Bullwhip Effect – How Does It Affect Your Supply Chain and Profits? It started as a study on baby diaper consumer demand variability by Procter & Gamble in the 1960s and was quickly adapted into a role-play simulation by the MIT Sloan School of Management called “The Beer Game.” But the bullwhip effect’s impact on manufacturers and supply chain management is anything but fun and games. By Steve Maurer, IME 16 min read
Manufacturing TipsSupply Chain Food Traceability – An Expert Guide for SMBs Traceability is of vital importance in the food and beverage industry as it may directly impact consumers’ health and well-being. When a defective product or contamination is found, whether before or after shipment, finding the source of the problem expediently is the top priority to ensure public health. By Steve Maurer, IME 17 min read
Supply Chain Top 11 Supply Chain KPIs – Guide for 2026 Understanding and monitoring supply chain dynamics is essential for maintaining efficient inventory and production operations. In this guide, we outline the top 11 supply chain KPIs to help you focus on critical areas of your supply chain performance. By Mattias Turovski 13 min read
InventoryManufacturing TipsSupply Chain Decoupling Inventory: Protecting Orders With Strategic Supplies Every manufacturer knows how quickly things can go sideways. A delayed shipment here, equipment trouble there, and suddenly your whole operation falls behind. Decoupling inventory takes a different approach. By placing buffer stock at key production points, manufacturers can absorb these shocks without losing their delivery commitments to meet demand. By Steve Maurer, IME 15 min read
InventorySupply Chain Everyone Has a Role to Play with Inventory Over the past few decades, business structures have shifted from siloed departments to integrated teams, where collaboration is key. This evolution is especially evident in inventory management, where nearly every department now plays a vital role in ensuring the smooth flow of goods and services. By Tim Grant 10 min read
Manufacturing TipsSupply Chain Lead Time in Manufacturing: A Complete Guide to Types, Strategies, and Optimization Some manufacturers hit every delivery date. Others constantly scramble with delays. What’s the difference? It might just be how you estimate and manage lead times. By Steve Maurer, IME 15 min read
InventoryManufacturing TipsSupply Chain Packaging Management: Workflows, Inventory, and Tools Packaging is as much a part of production or shipping workflows as assembly, picking, or any other step in a product’s routing. Modern manufacturing software takes this into account, offering built-in functionalities that make packaging management a breeze. By Mattias Turovski 13 min read