Trending Articles

article thumbnail

Lights Out: How Power Failure Shakes the World

All Things Supply Chain

On Monday in April 2025, parts of Spain and Portugal were suddenly plunged into complete darkness.

article thumbnail

Amazon plans fourth robotics fulfillment center in Virginia

Supply Chain Dive

Once completed, the 3.1-million-square-foot facility will join a roster that includes a Virginia Beach site set to open later this year.

120
120
professionals

Sign Up for our Newsletter

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

article thumbnail

Coupa buys Cirtuo, adds category management to its spend management suite

Spend Matters

Coupa announced during its Inspire 2025 event that it has acquired Cirtuo, a provider of category management (CatMan) software. The move addresses a long-standing gap in many procurement technology offerings: helping teams define and manage procurement strategies, rather than just executing sourcing events. The timing reflects the current environment.

article thumbnail

China Speeds Efforts to Make Supply Chains Domestic

Supply Chain Brain

Two-dozen companies listed in Shanghai and Shenzhen have told investors in recent weeks of plans to ramp up domestic sourcing for parts across a variety of industries.

article thumbnail

Tariffs on the Table: How to Brief the Board and C‑Suite With Confidence

“What should we do about the tariffs?” There’s no straightforward answer — every leader has a different expectation. CFOs want numbers. COOs want action. CEOs want strategy. And supply chain and procurement leaders need to be ready with the right response — fast. That’s why GEP has created a simple three-part framework that will help CPOs and CSCOs brief the board and C-suite with clarity and confidence.

article thumbnail

Which of these three “experts” would you want guiding your ProcureTech selection and implementation initiative?

Procurement Insights

Here is a Model 1 excerpt from yesterday’s post titled “ Moving AI From Progressive Theory To Practical Procurement Utilization And Outcomes.” Closely examine the profiles and assessments of the following three individuals, then decide with whom you would want to partner and work to select and implement your ProcureTech strategy. Analyst Backgrounds Analyst Primary Focus Pieter den Hamer AI strategy, maturity models, governance, and enterprise-scale AI roadmaps.

article thumbnail

The Top Technology Improving Safety in Manufacturing and Maintenance

All Things Supply Chain

Workplace safety is a top priority in manufacturing and industrial maintenance operations.

More Trending

article thumbnail

LightSource: Vendor Analysis — Direct materials sourcing solution overview, competitors, user considerations, analyst summary

Spend Matters

This Spend Matters Vendor Analysis gives an overview of LightSource, a sourcing solution built for direct materials. Procurement teams that manage direct materials sourcing continue to face persistent challenges, even as digital tools become more widely adopted. In sectors like automotive, manufacturing and retail, buyers must navigate complex sourcing events that require detailed part-level information, tight timelines and input from cross-functional stakeholders, such as engineering and R&

article thumbnail

Amazon Plans Robotics Fulfillment Center in Virginia

Supply Chain Brain

Amazon also has robotics fulfillment centers in Louisiana and Texas, and announced another new facility in North Carolina in March.

81
article thumbnail

Chinese Hackers Hit Drone Sector in Supply Chain Attacks – SecurityWeek

Let's Talk Supply Chain

In a world where technology reigns supreme, the realm of drones has become a hot target for cyber criminals. Recently, a wave of supply chain attacks orchestrated by Chinese hackers has sent shockwaves through the drone sector, leaving cybersecurity experts scrambling to shore up defenses. SecurityWeek delves deep into this unprecedented cyber assault on the drone industry, uncovering the tactics, motivations, and potential ramifications of these brazen attacks.

article thumbnail

Fast Freight Cost Calculation Matters More Than Ever

All Things Supply Chain

Global shipping is evolving rapidly. Rising fuel prices, new trade regulations, and port congestion are making freight costs harder to predict.

Price 159
article thumbnail

How to Modernize Manufacturing Without Losing Control

Speaker: Andrew Skoog, Founder of MachinistX & President of Hexis Representatives

Manufacturing is evolving, and the right technology can empower—not replace—your workforce. Smart automation and AI-driven software are revolutionizing decision-making, optimizing processes, and improving efficiency. But how do you implement these tools with confidence and ensure they complement human expertise rather than override it? Join industry expert Andrew Skoog as he explores how manufacturers can leverage automation to enhance operations, streamline workflows, and make smarter, data-dri

article thumbnail

Walmart CEO: ‘Higher tariffs will result in higher prices’

Supply Chain Dive

The big-box retailer vows to keep those prices as low as possible and is leaning into relationships with vendors to respond to a fluctuating market.

Price 90
article thumbnail

Navigating the vendor landscape and ecosystem integration

Spend Matters

Continuing our guide to Procurement Transformation , we take a look at the big question you must answer when selecting a procurement tech solution. As discussed in a previous article , selecting the right tech solution depends on a number of factors: Without conducting an in-depth analysis of every need within your cross-functional team, your organization is primed for pitfalls.

article thumbnail

Navigating the Future of Demand Forecasting

Supply Chain Brain

If youre looking for insights into the evolving world of demand forecasting, especially in the context of emerging technologies like AI and machine learning, look no further. This report discusses innovations available to companies seeking to integrate these technologies to their advantage.

Demand 86
article thumbnail

Do Acquisitions Like Coupa Buying Cirtuo Really Improve ProcureTech Initiative Outcomes?

Procurement Insights

Let’s start out with how a picture is worth more than 1,000 words: Now, let’s add the words: What the Graph Shows ProcureTech Implementation Failure Rates (20002025) Sources: Gartner, Deloitte, McKinsey, Spend Matters, Everest Group, Forrester, IDC Trend: All sources show a steady but gradual decline in failure rates, from high levels (6380% in 2000) to still significant levels (4055% in 2025).

article thumbnail

A Roadmap For Modernization: How To Break Free From Your Monolith Before July 31, 2026

Speaker: Jason Cottrell and Gireesh Sahukar

Retailers know the clock is ticking–legacy SAP Commerce support ends in 2026. Legacy platforms are becoming a liability burdened by complexity, rigidity, and mounting operational costs. But modernization isn’t just about swapping out systems, it’s about preparing for a future shaped by real-time interactions, AI powered buying assistants, and flexible commerce architecture.

article thumbnail

Clorox Mulls Sourcing Changes to Offset $100M Tariff Hit

Let's Talk Supply Chain

In a strategic dance of adaptation, household giant Clorox is contemplating a delicate tango of sourcing shifts to counterbalance the looming impact of a hefty $100 million tariff blow. As global trade winds gust through the intricate web of supply chains, Clorox stands at a crossroads, poised to navigate the shifting currents in a bid to maintain stability and agility in the face of economic turbulence.

article thumbnail

Canada Post pauses contract talks as progress remains limited

Supply Chain Dive

As a potential May 22 strike nears, the carrier said halting negotiations with the Canadian Union of Postal Workers will allow it to prepare more effective proposals.

article thumbnail

Aligning Finance and Procurement — Phase 3: A path to collaboration

Spend Matters

In our In-Depth Guide , we introduce our series which is based on the critical roles finance and procurement play in shaping an organizations financial health and operational efficiency. Each function’s objectives often overlap, particularly in areas such as financial reporting, cost management, budgeting and data-driven decision making, so when procurement strategies align with finance-led initiatives, organizations gain greater financial visibility, improved efficiency and stronger risk

article thumbnail

Canada's Postal Union Issues 72-Hour Strike Notice

Supply Chain Brain

CP paused collective bargaining talks with the CUPW on May 13, claiming that the union has "either held or hardened its previous positions on key issues.

80
article thumbnail

State of AI in Sales & Marketing 2025

AI adoption is reshaping sales and marketing. But is it delivering real results? We surveyed 1,000+ GTM professionals to find out. The data is clear: AI users report 47% higher productivity and an average of 12 hours saved per week. But leaders say mainstream AI tools still fall short on accuracy and business impact. Download the full report today to see how AI is being used — and where go-to-market professionals think there are gaps and opportunities.

article thumbnail

How to Use Predictive Analytics to Streamline Cross-Border Logistics

The Network Effect

The post How to Use Predictive Analytics to Streamline Cross-Border Logistics appeared first on The Network Effect.

article thumbnail

According To Gartner When It Comes To AI This Is “How Everything Fits Together”

Procurement Insights

The following is just one of the slides from the Gartner AI webinar this morning that caught my attention. Here are Gartner’s definitions and interpretations of the key terms from the above slide: 1. Develop AI Ambition This involves determining where and how your organization will utilize AI. Gartner recommends using the AI Opportunity Radar to map out these ambitions, helping to focus efforts on areas with the highest potential impact. 2.

Ethics 52
article thumbnail

‘Shared pain and gain:’ How shippers, carriers are forging relationship for the last mile

Supply Chain Dive

Consistent communication and collaborative performance evaluation are some of the keys to success, said experts from Dr. Squatch, Wayfair and DHL eCommerce.

article thumbnail

Aligning Finance and Procurement for cash flow optimization and liquidity — Phase 3: Structuring the collaboration

Spend Matters

We introduced our series on aligning finance and procurement for cash flow optimization and liquidity. We then outlined the differing priorities of finance and procurement and how they might be aligned and identified misalignments between finance and procurement. This week, we examined how procurement can structure its collaboration with finance, and now, we turn to see how that collaboration can work in practice.

article thumbnail

Staying Ahead of UFLPA Enforcement: Best Practices for Retail Supply Chains

Speaker: Ethan Woolley, Director at Kharon

This webinar will explore how companies can proactively address compliance risks–rather than reactively responding to–UFLPA enforcement actions. Ethan Woolley will provide insights into the latest CBP enforcement trends, entity list updates, and industries under increased scrutiny, with a look at potential shifts under the Trump administration. Ethan will also explore how predictive data and strategic due diligence can help organizations stay ahead of regulatory challenges and strengthen complia

article thumbnail

View from the Fence

Supply Chain Brain

Read View from the Fence to learn how to leverage these five supply chain trends to guide big decisions in 2025.

article thumbnail

Business Performance: The 3 Key Boosters of Procurement

Jaggaer

Its actually quite obvious. In many industries, procurement is responsible for managing significant budgets which means it holds a key lever for business performance. Yet its still not commonly perceived as a true driver of value. This is mainly due to historical reasons. From Order Fulfillment to Strategic Value Creation Partner This realization is relatively new and comes with a fundamental shift in how the role of procurement is understood.

article thumbnail

Oracle, PeopleSoft, JD Edwards and Coupa’s Acquisition of Cirtuo

Procurement Insights

What was the first thing that came to your mind when you heard that Coupa has acquired Cirtuo? You know what mine was? Oracle, PeopleSoft, and JD Edwards. That deal happened twenty years ago, so what does it have to do with today’s Coupa-Cirtuo news? Everything. Here is the preliminary output from my 4-Model RAM Assessment: MODEL 1 (PRELIMINARY) The establishment narrative often frames acquisitions like Oracles and Coupas as unequivocal wins for innovation and market growth, but this gloss

article thumbnail

Canada Post union issues Friday strike notices

Supply Chain Dive

The carrier expects either a nationwide labor disruption or rotating strike activity once current agreements expire.

89
article thumbnail

How Companies Are Navigating Tariff Chaos with GEP’s AI-Powered Procurement Platform

Tariffs are no longer just policy noise. They’re driving real, bottom-line impact. One policy shift and your sourcing strategy is upside down. This bulletin cuts straight to the point. How Market-Leading Companies Are Navigating Tariff Chaos with GEP’s AI-Powered Procurement Platform breaks down how procurement teams are staying ahead of the chaos with real-time insights, smarter sourcing moves and AI-powered agility.

article thumbnail

468: Make Intelligent Purchases Driven by Data, with ProcurementIQ

Let's Talk Supply Chain

Today Im joined by ProcurementIQ , a company whose talented team of analysts, editors, sales, client services, management and support members work hard to serve the specific needs of procurement departments every single day. Recognized as a trusted and independent source of procurement research, ProcurementIQ offers a comprehensive library of data and analysis on over 1,000 categories.

article thumbnail

Research: Half of European Companies Support Climate Policies

Supply Chain Brain

Despite revisions to the EU Green Deal, and lagging industry associations, corporate support for climate action in Europe continues to rise, according to research from InfluenceMap.

72
article thumbnail

Why CPOs are vital to getting medical trials over the line

Barkers Procurement

In the highly regulated pharmaceutical industry, which outsources clinical development work, procurement teams must prioritise supplier collaboration. While studies to test the safety and efficacy of new drugs are necessary, their success cannot be guaranteed. In fact, its likely that at least 80% of trials will fail. Due to the nature of scientific and clinical research, success cannot be assured, but the chance of failure arising from the operational execution of the study can be minimised.

article thumbnail

Do We Really Need To Reinvent Procurement Versus Finally Understanding Procurement?

Procurement Insights

EDITOR’S NOTE: The following are the details for an upcoming Webinar on “Reinventing Procurement” that I will be attending. As the world enters a new era of economic volatility, technological disruption, and geopolitical instability, procurement is once again at the epicenter of change. The role of the CPO has never been more vital or more complex.

article thumbnail

From Reactive to Resilient: Charting Your Supply Chain Maturity

In this webinar, supply chain industry experts share insights and best practices for enhancing supply chain efficiency, resilience and adaptability. Watch the webinar to learn strategies to develop supply chain maturity and save on costs. Delve into the stages of supply chain maturity, from foundational management to advanced optimization and innovation.