For companies to be profitable, demand and supply must be closely aligned. When they are not, inefficiencies, excess inventory, missed shipments and margin erosion follow. In this Supply Chain Byte, Lisa Anderson explains why aligning demand and supply is key to an efficient supply chain—and why the most effective way to achieve it is through a disciplined SIOP process.
Manufacturing has been in contraction for the last few years, while geopolitical risks are heightened and tariffs have created additional uncertainty, yet the future is starting to look bright. Investments and expansions are picking up. The most successful manufacturers will position for success by preparing for opportunities, mitigating risks and building resiliency and capabilities.
Global supply chains started a full transformation in 2025 spurred on with geopolitical risk and encouraged by tariffs, and the pace accelerates as the New Year kicks off with geopolitics dominating the conversation and fundamentals making a comeback. We review learnings from the prior year and priorities for success in 2026.
2025 was another challenging year for manufacturing and supply chains. In this Supply Chain Byte, Lisa Anderson highlights the three primary drivers of 2025: geopolitics, manufacturing investment and AI with advanced technologies.
As we close in on year-end, successful manufacturers are focused on executing proactive plans. Learn about the strategies the best companies are using to accelerate the pace and separate from the pack. The ability to scale, provide customer value and gain EBITDA will drive success in the New Year.
The value of MRP (material requirements planning) remains intact no matter the company size or industry. Determining how to automate the process, utilize the MRP system and potentially further enhance it with artificial intelligence and advanced technologies can yield powerful results.
Smart proactive companies are moving supply chains from global to local - or regional at a minimum. Yet the best companies are doing that while also focusing on resiliency. Our best clients are getting ahead of the pack with proactive strategies to move towards local with resiliency.
Medical products manufacturing is gaining momentum as companies want to build resilience to mitigate risk in the supply chain. Executives have realized that they must better control their end-to-end supply chain to ensure supply as geopolitical risks, vulnerabilities, and disruptions continue to arise while tariffs also push companies to build domestic capacity.
Although it starts with a depressing state of affairs for manufacturers, there is vast opportunity on the horizon. Manufacturing investments have been pouring into the U.S. and the three pillars of economic success are trending positive. Companies must prepare to scale and for success.
Supply chains are plagued with geopolitical, cyber and supply chain risks. Companies have been focused on building resiliency and efficiency; however, as important as it is to be agile and profitable, it is no longer enough. Forward-looking companies are focusing on predictability, scalability, and customer value.
