Supply chain planning and execution

Supply chain planning aims to predict future requirements, while supply chain execution -- areas such as order fulfilment, procurement, warehousing and transporting -- seeks to deliver product where it needs to go and in the right amount. Balancing supply and demand with the right supply chain management strategy and software is no easy feat. This resource provides articles, case studies, best practices and expert advice on achieving a competitive edge with supply chain planning systems and supply chain execution systems in a business landscape filled with risk and disruption.

March 12, 2018 12 Mar'18
SAP Ariba Live focuses on procurement for purpose

SAP Ariba Live 2018 focused on the idea that businesses can use procurement technology to do good in the world; for example, by using supply chains to expose forced child labor.
November 13, 2017 13 Nov'17
Procurement transformation a main focus at CPO Rising Summit

At the CPO Rising Summit, procurement experts discussed how procurement and supply chain will involve technologies like blockchain and AI, but some are skeptical this will happen soon.
May 15, 2017 15 May'17
What's holding back growth of 3D printing and additive manufacturing?

The era of 3D printing and additive manufacturing may be just around the corner, but the industry needs to coalesce for it to grow to scale, according to panel at Rapid + TCT conference.
October 27, 2015 27 Oct'15
Oracle cloud ERP adds manufacturing, supply chain planning

Oracle has added its Manufacturing Cloud and Planning Central Cloud to the SaaS suite for supply chain management. While Oracle touts the move, some analysts are more reserved.

Bring yourself up to speed with our introductory content

sales and operations planning (S&OP)

Sales and operations planning (S&OP) is a process for better matching a manufacturer's supply with demand by having the sales department collaborate with operations to create a single production plan. Continue Reading
working capital

Working capital is the difference between a business's current assets and current liabilities. Continue Reading
What should companies know about sustainability software?

Sustainability is composed of social, environmental and economic pillars. That's why technologies focused on this market address different needs. Here's a narrow glimpse. Continue Reading

Weigh the pros and cons of technologies, products and projects you are considering.

SAP's Barry Padgett on future of SAP Ariba Network

In this Q&A, new SAP Ariba President Barry Padgett discusses the future of procurement and the experience he will bring to Ariba from his roles with the SAP SMB Group and Concur. Continue Reading
How can manufacturers begin an Industry 4.0 roadmap?

Are you driving toward the next industrial revolution? Industry 4.0 will transform the manufacturing landscape, according to experts. Here's how to get ready. Continue Reading
Why is digital twin technology key for manufacturing's future?

The industrial IoT landscape and the concept of Industry 4.0 both rely heavily on digital twins to push them forward. Here's some explanation of why that is. Continue Reading

Learn to apply best practices and optimize your operations.

Supply chain risk assessment a major focus of SAP Ariba

SAP Ariba's Supplier Risk helps companies assess their suppliers in a number of risk categories, but building a responsible supply chain will take strong change management efforts. Continue Reading
The supply chain sustainability software market demystified

Consumers care about corporate social responsibility, which means companies should, too. Here's what to know about boosting CSR efforts with supply chain sustainability software. Continue Reading
Managing the big data ecosystem requires agility amid disruptions

In some regards, the term big data management can be viewed as an oxymoron. In fact, oxymorons abound in this industry and society -- virtual reality, artificial intelligence, science fiction and awfully good, the ... Continue Reading

We’ve gathered up expert advice and tips from professionals like you so that the answers you need are always available.

supply chain management (SCM)

Supply chain management (SCM) is the broad range of activities required to plan, control and execute a product's flow, from acquiring raw materials and production through distribution to the final customer, in the most streamlined and cost-effective... Continue Reading
How will self-driving vehicles affect the environment?

Autonomous vehicles are on track to change logistics forever. Some believe that might be a good thing for the environment. Continue Reading
Which companies could use inventory optimization software?

Inventory -- although necessary -- is expensive to keep and needs fine-tuned management. Here's a look at why inventory optimization software can help. Continue Reading