Ask the Experts

Ask the Experts

• What makes inventory turns a popular measurement?

  Inventory turns can help you determine whether company performance costs and margin are keeping up with sales.  Continue Reading

• How can lean manufacturing concepts be used with MRP and ERP?

  Sometimes, in technology, as in life, opposites come together in a surprising way. Such is the case for lean's pull technique and ERP's emphasis on push.  Continue Reading

• Why aren't more companies using RFID for inventory tracking?

  Radio frequency identification tags have a number of benefits over the bar code, but the latter continues to be the go-to for manufacturers. Here's a look at the reasons for that.  Continue Reading

• Why is demand-driven MRP becoming more popular?

  In today's markets, material requirements planning can fall short. Demand-driven MRP is the innovative approach that marries the best of "push" and "pull" in manufacturing.  Continue Reading

• How does eKanban differ from traditional Kanban?

  With its basis in physical cues, the traditional Kanban system has been limited by lag time in passing along information. Electronic Kanban is a different story.  Continue Reading

• What are the basics of supply chain finance?

  Old models of financing are giving way to supply chain finance, a technology-enabled approach that helps suppliers get paid early and buyers get more time to pay.  Continue Reading

• How do I choose an effective supply chain analytics system?

  Supply chain analytics promises rich insight into operations and better decision making. Here are a host of considerations when thinking about what you need.  Continue Reading

• How can the Internet of Things benefit process manufacturing?

  IoT technologies hold promise for sectors that produce chemicals, food and beverages, pharmaceuticals, and other process goods. Here's a glimpse of how the technology is being used today.  Continue Reading

• How do I choose transportation management system software?

  If you're trying to determine the TMS that's right for your company, start with four considerations. They will help guide your software requirements.  Continue Reading

• Can MRP be successful without 98 percent inventory accuracy?

  Effective MRP requires prioritizing inventory accuracy and true troubleshooting over a reliance on safety stock and other compensating factors.  Continue Reading

• What is perpetual inventory and why does it matter?

  To ensure an accurate inventory balance, don't overlook the practice of perpetual inventory. Here's what you need to know.  Continue Reading

• How do we account for WIP inventory?

  It may require a manual process, but WIP inventory can – and should -- be tracked to ensure accountability.  Continue Reading

• What is your best advice for integrating software applications?

  Ian Charles, CFO of Host Analytics, advises to invest time in scoping and consider future needs when integrating software applications.  Continue Reading

• What features are best in a global transportation management system?

  Global functionality is available in the TMS market, but you should look beyond marketing materials and scrutinize your options carefully.  Continue Reading

• Is a change in logistics needed to support an omnichannel strategy?

  Having a game plan with alternatives and costs already known will allow you to influence a customer's omnichannel strategy to your advantage.  Continue Reading