Inventory Warehouse Management System Process Flow and Tips for SMEs Whether you’re a manufacturer, a retailer, a wholesaler, or a distribution center, efficient warehouse operations are crucial to your success. A clear process flow, powered by a warehouse management system, keeps orders on time and costs under control. By Steve Maurer, IME 19 min read
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
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
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
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
Manufacturing TipsSupply Chain Supplier Performance Management Best Practices Supplier performance management is a vital supply chain process for any manufacturer or distributor that sources its raw materials or other items from external vendors. Effective SPM can bring a wealth of internal benefits and help foster better supplier relationships. By Mattias Turovski 13 min read
InventorySupply Chain Manufacturing Supply Chain Management – Best Practices for SMEs Supply chain management encompasses everything from negotiating vendor contracts for raw materials to handling returns of a product. While it is a central concept for any company producing or selling physical goods or even services, this post focuses on the importance and best practices of SCM from the perspective of small and medium manufacturers. By Mattias Turovski 11 min read
Manufacturing TipsSupply Chain What Is Vendor Managed Inventory (VMI) and How To Use It? Vendor Managed Inventory is a practical supply chain management method that can lead to better inventory optimization, reduced costs, and stronger relationships between companies. But only if it’s done right. By Madis Kuuse 11 min read
InventorySupply Chain What is Consignment Inventory? With eCommerce taking the world by storm and complex, continent-spanning supply chains the new normal in retail, selling goods on consignment is gaining popularity across diverse manufacturing sectors. In this post, we look at what is consignment inventory and weigh its pros and cons. By Mattias Turovski 11 min read
InventoryManufacturing TipsSupply Chain Inventory Planning – A Quick Guide Inventory represents the very foundation of any manufacturing or distribution operation. Keeping the raw materials, WIP, and finished goods inventories at optimal levels is crucial for short- and long-term business success. By Mattias Turovski 10 min read
Supply Chain Distribution Management Basics for SMEs Distribution management is an integral part of any well-functioning business that sells physical products. Although the actual shipping of goods takes a central role in the process, distribution management includes many other processes that support timely and cost-effective deliveries. By Madis Kuuse 7 min read
InventoryManufacturing TipsSupply Chain What Is Pipeline Inventory? Pipeline inventory consists of goods that a company has ordered but which have not yet arrived in the facility. Managing this type of inventory can help schedule production or shipments in advance, reduce standing inventory levels, and avoid stock-outs. By Mattias Turovski 8 min read
