As companies navigate tariffs, geopolitical risks and high interest rates, there is an emphasis on reducing costs and inventory levels to free up cash and maintain profit levels while successfully serving customers’ ever-changing needs. The most successful companies are upgrading their planning processes and rolling out automation and advanced technologies.
I was interviewed by the Intelligent Enterprise Leaders Alliance for their latest publication recently. Industry 4.0 is the next frontier of smart manufacturing. In the interview we discussed the smart way to embrace industry 4.0 with targeted, tactical, and transformative projects.
Defense technology is advancing at lightning speed—and manufacturing is at the center of it all. In this Supply Chain Byte, Lisa Anderson discusses how defense tech manufacturers are catching up to meet urgent national needs. Hear about the latest investments, use of advanced technologies and what innovative companies are doing to set the pace for the future of defense.
Supply chains are evolving at a rapid pace as global risks increase. To achieve success with this transformation, companies must roll out advanced technologies and develop strategies to mitigate down-the-line risks and impacts such as access to critical minerals and energy.
Distributors play a critical role in the supply chain in connecting manufacturers to customers with inventory, logistics, and fulfillment. As tariffs, geopolitical risks, and tax and regulatory changes take place, supply chains will evolve. Forward-thinking distributors are determining how to mitigate risks and take advantage of the opportunities that emerge with artificial intelligence and advanced technologies.
Honor your team members. Manufacturers have no hope of scaling up to meet the surge coming down the pike without the engagement of their teams. Excitement is building as high tech meets high touch in manufacturing, and the best companies see their talent as a strategic asset.
Generative AI won’t fix everything—and many projects miss the mark. In this quick Byte, Lisa Anderson explains why leaders should resist blanket rollouts, choose one well-scoped use case, and engage the people who do the work so AI boosts productivity instead of creating noise.
The Southern California ports had a record-breaking month as the tariffs smoothed out and companies started preparing for peak season. As supply chains evolve significantly over the next several years, logistics systems will evolve. Companies must think ahead, predictively evolve their networks, modernize and upgrade their facilities, processes, and technologies.
"SIOP" stands for Sales, Inventory, Operations Planning (SIOP). Depending on the industry or organization, you may also hear it referred to as “S&OP” or Sales and Operations Planning. Sometimes, it is even referred to as “IBP” or Integrated Business Planning. Typically, they mean the same thing. The most important words to emphasize are planning and alignment.
Artificial intelligence (AI) and advanced technologies are more than digital upgrades — they’re powering a manufacturing reinvention and changing the manufacturing floor. In this Supply Chain Byte, Lisa Anderson highlights Hadrian’s vertically integrated model as a glimpse into the future.
