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.
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.
Global supply chains are being reshaped by shifting tariffs, trade regulations and geopolitical uncertainty. In this ASCM Inland Empire webinar, Lisa Anderson, President of ASCM-IE, and Ed Knab, international trade and customs expert, explore the ripple effects of tariffs on manufacturers and distributors—and the strategies companies can use to stay resilient.
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.
A manufacturing boom is on its way. Although it might not appear so according to clients' SIOP (Sales Inventory Operations Planning) models with weaker clients' backlogs and hesitant customers, we have no doubt it is imminent.
"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.
As companies reconfigure supply chains and expand domestic manufacturing capabilities, it is an ideal opportunity to embrace technology and automation to help metal fabricators and machinists offset increased costs associated with tariffs.
Supply chain visibility allows companies to track and access real-time data across every tier of the supply chain, from raw materials at your suppliers' supplier to delivery of finished goods to your end customer. Supply chain visibility has become of paramount importance to ensure customer satisfaction and to profitable growth.
Increasing inventory levels is seen as a trade-off with service and efficiency levels; we find that a win-win-win is achievable. The key: Have the right inventory in the right place at the right time and gain a predictive view of demand to optimise your schedules to reduce inventory while increasing service and efficiency.
