Supply Chain Tactics Resources

The Sagrada Família demonstrates that even the world's most iconic construction projects depend on supply chain excellence. Behind every stone, steel structure and architectural detail lies a complex network of suppliers, logistics partners and craftspeople working to long lead times and exact specifications. The project highlights how successful outcomes rely on long-term planning, supplier collaboration, traceability and the ability to adapt to uncertainty while maintaining quality and safety.

The rapid adoption of GLP-1 drugs such as Ozempic, Wegovy and Mounjaro is beginning to reshape food consumption patterns. As demand shifts across food and beverage categories, food supply chain leaders must prepare for changes in forecasting, inventory management, sourcing and product planning.

As retailers expand into new markets and grow their store networks, the challenges become increasingly complex. Growth is about much more than opening new stores. The real challenge is building the planning capability to support that growth consistently.

Supply chain planning roles must evolve to address increasing complexity and disruption, emphasizing digital connectivity, sustainability, and resilience. This shift demands new expertise and cross-functional collaboration for future success.

Instability around the Strait of Hormuz exposes structural vulnerabilities across global pharma networks, impacting lead times, costs and medicine availability. Addressing this uncertainty requires a shift from efficiency‑led planning to more resilient, data‑driven supply chain decision‑making.

Food supply chains operate under constant pressure, where availability, freshness, and cost control directly affect service levels and profitability. This blog explores today’s key food supply chain challenges and how better forecasting, replenishment, and inventory planning help organisations reduce waste and stay competitiv

Effective supply chain data management provides organisations with a single, reliable foundation to drive faster, smarter and more resilient decisions. By connecting, standardising and governing data across the end-to-end supply chain, it transforms fragmented information into actionable insight, improving visibility, coordination and performance while enabling advanced analytics, automation and AI at scale.

This article examines the key principles for optimising these two critical phases of the product lifecycle and highlights common errors made by organisations in their planning.

This article examines how the product life cycle and seasonality interact to shape demand in the automotive market. It explains how each stage of a vehicle’s life cycle affects sales patterns, and how recurring seasonal factors such as economic conditions, consumer behaviour and promotional events can further influence demand.

This article explores how these foundational AI technologies can be applied within the supply chain, from simplifying access to complex planning platforms to supporting forecasting and scenario analysis

Production scheduling is a critical process that ensures manufacturing operations run efficiently and customer demand is met on time. This blog explores how production scheduling works, why it is essential for operational efficiency, and how modern tools help businesses create more responsive and reliable production plans.

The recent escalation involving Iran and the disruption of the Strait of Hormuz has exposed a critical vulnerability in global trade. This blog examines how instability in one of the world’s most important maritime chokepoints is affecting energy markets, shipping routes and international supply chains.

ESG in the supply chain has evolved from a reputational concern into a core strategic priority. By integrating environmental, social and governance criteria across supplier networks, improving transparency and using digital tools to monitor performance, companies can mitigate operational and regulatory risks, strengthen resilience and enhance efficiency.

Here, we explain what inventory management software is, how it works, why it matters and how solutions such as Slimstock’s Slim4 platform can support both small and large businesses in achieving smarter stock control.

This article highlights 10 critical supplier KPIs, from measurable metrics like On-Time In-Full (OTIF), lead-time variance, and defect rates, to softer factors such as sustainability, innovation, and collaboration quality. Suppliers can make or break your success, so cultivating a high level of trust with them is essential

From fast-moving consumables to slow-moving, long-tail spare parts, automotive businesses must continuously balance availability, cost and complexity. This is where Slim4, Slimstock’s supply chain planning platform, plays a critical role helping automotive organisations regain control, improve service levels and reduce working capital without compromising customer satisfaction.

At Davos, Mark Carney delivered a speech that goes beyond geopolitics. For companies managing supply chains, especially in Canada, it sounds like a wake-up call....

The European Union and the Mercosur bloc reached a political agreement on a wide-ranging trade and partnership deal. However, the deal has not yet entered into force. It remains subject to approval by the European Parliament, national parliaments in EU member states, and the legislatures of Mercosur countries.

Chinese New Year (CNY) is one of the most disruptive recurring events for global supply chains. For companies that source products or components from Asia, especially China, the holiday season brings extended factory shutdowns, labour shortages, freight bottlenecks and complex planning decisions

Supply chain visibility reflects a company’s ability to see and track every component of their supply chain, from raw materials to finished products, in near real time...

In this article, we will examine the middle link, the one that moves finished goods from the factory to the shop: wholesale distribution

This article explores what ecommerce inventory management means today, the key challenges, benefits, best-practice techniques and the technology needed to build a more agile and profitable operation.

As global supply chains emerge from a year of geopolitical tensions, high freight costs, and disrupted trade routes, 2026 is shaping up to demand smarter, more resilient operations. With AI now capturing most strategic investments, companies are turning to technology, agility, and sustainability to stay competitive in an increasingly complex landscape

Customers expect choice. Customers expect next (or even same day) delivery. But as a one-stop-shop for all of your customer’s needs, you are probably all too familiar with the pains of managing a massive long tail! The question is: what can you do about it? How can?

In this article, we explore what GMROI is, how it’s calculated and why it plays a crucial role in assortment decisions, supplier analysis and strategic planning.

In the context of the supply chain, breaking bulk is understood as the process of “breaking up” larger loads into smaller fractions so that the product can reach the consumer in an accessible format and with added value..

The global food supply chain is under immense pressure. Rising energy costs, ongoing geopolitical tensions, climate-related disruptions, and labour shortages are making supply chains more dynamic and unpredictable than ever...

In this article, we provide a comprehensive guide to what a supply plan is, how to manage it effectively, why it matters and the best practices for doing it correctly.

The EU is often criticised for bureaucracy, yet the Digital Product Passport (DPP) is set to transform how products are tracked and managed. Find out what this means for the future of products in Europe.

Even minor choices about stock ordering can subtly reduce profit margins in hectic work settings. This article examines how to make the best decisions possible, including when and how much to order and why those factors are more important than most people realise.

How do you achieve maximum availability of inventory with minimum investment on stock. What´s the best formula?

The retail industry’s already under huge pressure from inflation, shifting consumer habits, and fierce online only competition. But now, the proposed changes to business rates could be the tipping point for many large-format retailers. Our whitepaper explores how to turn this threat into a strategic opportunity.

It is no secret that supply chain management is a complex undertaking. The reasons for this are many and varied, starting with the fact that many factors lie beyond our control. Who could have foreseen the 2020 pandemic? Or that, in March 2021, a Chinese container ship would block the Suez Canal for a week and disrupt global maritime traffic?

The building materials industry faces complex challenges including vast product ranges, unpredictable demand, and growing costs. With Slim4, companies gain the visibility and control needed to optimise inventory, reduce waste, and make smarter decisions backed by real success stories

In this article, we take an in-depth look at the pros and cons of electronic shelf labels, review some cases of companies that are already using them and estimate the cost of implementation.

A global supply chain is a complex ecosystem that combines tangible elements, such as raw materials and finished goods, with intangible flows like data and services. It involves a wide range of international players...

In this article, we share how food businesses can anticipate the peak moments and respond with speed, confidence and precision.

In this article, we compare the two most prominent configurations trialled in parts of Europe: the 25.25-metre modular combination and the 32-metre double semi-trailer configuration.

With the fast rise of Artificial Intelligence (AI), the world of Business Intelligence (BI) is changing quickly. While AI grabs headlines, companies need a solid data foundation before they can take full advantage of it, and that starts with using BI effectively.

When it comes to supply chains, everything is interconnected. We have seen this with the recent supply chain disruptions and, of course, with the US-driven tariffs. In this context, logistics hubs have established themselves as key infrastructure to ensure the smooth movement of goods on a global scale.

Pandemic-like conditions once again swept across the Iberian Peninsula at midday and in the afternoon of 28 April. The electricity blackout and the inability of communicating via the internet led to anachronistic images...

In this article we are going to try to break down the most common types of stock when we talk about inventory management.

Frequent supply chain disruptions demand resilient planning. Discover how S&OP helps businesses stay competitive and prepared for future risks.

Find out how SKUs make inventory tracking easier and help keep stock levels just right, whether in warehouses or on store shelves

FIFO (First In, First Out) means that the first items to enter are also the first to be dispatched. Under this model, older inventory is used or sold first, while newer stock is reserved for future orders

Assortment management plays a critical role in shaping a company’s operational efficiency and profitability. In this article, we discuss strategies to optimise product portfolios and align offerings with market demands

Stockouts are a costly challenge for retailers. By rethinking inventory management, businesses can reduce losses and improve sales, as seen with Walmart’s success in cutting stockouts by 16%.

In this article we will explore how Trump’s import tariffs might impact key sectors in the European Union.

Work smart, not hard. This widely popular phrase in today’s corporate world—emphasising the importance of focusing efforts on what truly delivers results—neatly sums up the essence of the Pareto Principle.

Intralogistics is the operational core of any distribution centre or warehouse, encompassing critical warehouse processes that ensure the efficient movement of goods. From reception and storage to picking, packing, and shipping, each of these activities directly contributes to operational speed, cost reduction, and customer satisfaction...

There’s a temptation to look at the rise of technology, AI and emerging roles like that of the Chief Supply Chain Officer and assume the world of supply chain is becoming easier to manage. The truth, however, is quite different. Supply chain has never been more complex or difficult to manage...

In this article you will learn the basic principles for detecting declining behaviour in our products and, therefore, knowing how to stop the supply of certain items in time before they become obsolete.

A key characteristic of fresh produce (fruit and vegetables) is that this assortment changes throughout the year in terms of supplier, packaging, and price. Fresh produce buyers know exactly when they need to switch countries of origin, but do they also know how much to purchase? How can they...

In this article, we will delve into how effective management of reverse logistics can set your business apart from the competition.

From technological advancements to sustainability imperatives, the future of supply chain management (SCM) in 2025 promises efficiency, resilience, and environmental consciousness. In this article, we explore ten key trends shaping the future of supply chain management and how organisations can position themselves for success

In modern supply chain management, the exponential growth of product assortments and the increasing number of stores and warehouses present a constant challenge. As catalogues expand with new entries, the complexities of efficiently managing each item also increase...

Strikes are predictable, but tariffs add uncertainty. By modeling their impact, supply chains can turn uncertainty into informed decisions—because a prepared business is always stronger.

Discover why managing critical spare parts is so challenging for aftermarket companies and learn proven strategies to overcome these obstacles. This article provides actionable insights to enhance inventory management practices and drive operational efficiency

Achieving greater operational efficiency not only improves financial outcomes but also enables businesses to adapt to changing customer demands and position themselves as leaders in their industry.

Progressing towards a more efficient—and ultimately, better—supply chain relies on optimising the processes within your company. However, to optimise something, we must first be able to describe it and understand the sub-processes that comprise it...

Inventory management is a business process that directly influences a company's profitability and competitiveness. The key lies in achieving a balance between having enough stock to meet demand and minimising storage costs and the risk of obsolescence...

Pharmaceutical companies play a crucial role in ensuring that life-saving medicines reach the people who need them most...

Improving supply chain planning is crucial for boosting efficiency, cutting costs, and responding faster to market demands. However, the key to successful improvement is involving the right people throughout the process.

In a business environment marked by uncertainty, supply chain efficiency is more important than ever. A key factor in achieving this efficiency is the design and optimisation of distribution networks. These networks allow companies to manage the flow of products from both factories and from suppliers to the end consumer.

Purchasing plays a very important role in the activity of a company, especially if we take into account its weight in the accounts of most organisations.

To stock or not to stock? That is the question. In this blog, we will explore how to optimise your supply chain through accurate calculations of safety stock and EOQ, among other essential strategies for efficient inventory management.

Many companies implement Sales & Operations Planning (S&OP), but what they don't realise is that S&OP goes way beyond processes and systems. 'You have to deal with clashing interests, emotions and people who have different mindsets,' says Slimstock's Sales Director Jan Kraaijeveld. In his eyes, S&OP is where art and science meet.

Managing a food supply chain requires navigating numerous challenges, including high-cost pressure, increasing demand for traceability, and ensuring the resilience of the supply chain. But perhaps most crucially today, making sure sustainability is managed effectively.

For all companies, customer satisfaction is fundamental for success. Exceed customer expectations and you will reap the rewards of recurring income through increased loyalty and improved brand image.

In this article, we will take a closer look at the CCC (Cash Conversion Cycle). It’s a relatively complex KPI because to calculate it, we first need to calculate 3 other KPIs (DIO, DSO and DPO). Let's take a look at all of them below.

According to statistics across the supply chain industry, a staggering 8% of stock ends up as waste. Of course, this is an average. Some industries have far worse numbers than others.

The intelligent software Slim4 ensures optimal in-season allocation, reduces stockouts, overstock, and markdowns, and contributes to a higher full-price sell-through rate.

Stockouts and overstocks are two sides of the same coin. Importantly, though, both are very damaging to a company's bottom line. On the one hand, breakages result in lost sales and revenue that your company will miss or, at the very least, realise at a later date. On the other hand, overstocks become obsolete in your inventory and therefore devalue your stock.

Various challenges have been thrust upon distribution businesses of late, and there’s little sign of this stopping in the near future.

Discover how AI-powered demand planning tackles supply chain challenges. Learn skills needed & career paths in this evolving role. Explore now!

Stockouts are a glaring signal of supply chain issues, affecting profits and customer satisfaction. Prevent them with smart planning and great tools.

Unlock the power of retail category management. Optimize strategies for profitability and enhance the shopping experience.

Daan Majoor, Slimstock´s CTO with over 25 years at the helm of our product development, is responsible for advancing the Slimstock platform to help businesses conquer their supply chain challenges and forge a competitive advantage.

Embrace Business Intelligence for agile supply chain decisions. Unlock insights, optimize inventory, and enhance operational efficiency.

Elevate your business competitiveness with expert insights on Sales and Operations Planning (S&OP). Learn from industry leader Prof. Jan Stentoft.

Optimize your Sales and Operations Planning (S&OP) strategy. Discover how scenario planning enhances supply chain resilience and agility.

Vendor Managed Inventory (VMI) is a longstanding concept essential for food retailers as suppliers take a proactive role.

Dive into strategies to address talent shortages in the supply chain. Learn how to redefine roles, upskill teams and utilise technology effectively.

Managing inventory well is a challenge for any business, especially in uncertain times when supply chain reliability is low and demand is volatile.

We are probably all familiar with Schrödinger´s famous thought experiment, where he imagines a cat in a closed box with a flask of poison, which is broken at a random moment.

In today´s complex environment, there are a number of challenges that threaten business performance.

The objectives of production planning are clear: to maximise productivity and plan manufacturing to meet customer expectations while minimising excesses or stock-outs.

Unlock your business potential with Sales and Operations Planning (S&OP). Enhance service, optimize costs, and thrive in dynamic markets.

Navigate cost pressures and market shifts with data-driven strategies. Discover how Slimstock´s expertise can elevate your business.

Discover the importance of reorder points in supply chain efficiency. Learn how to calculate, optimize, and automate reorder points.

How does disruption in shipping routes impact global supply chains Disruptions in the supply chain follow in rapid succession.

Navigate the Middle East´s dynamic supply chain landscape with Slimstock. Drive growth, cut waste, and embrace sustainable innovation

Unlock Efficiency with Lean Logistics , our Guide to Eliminate Waste and Enhance Productivity Across Your Supply Chain for Sustainable Success

What is the worst-kept secret in any business? The answer is that different departments have different goals. And as anyone in the Supply Chain Team knows, these goals often conflict.

Explore S&OP KPIs to measure success. Evaluate process effectiveness and leverage efforts for optimal results in supply chain management.

Unlock success with Integrated Business Planning (IBP). Learn key strategy transformation insights and avoid pitfalls for business excellence.

Discover how enhanced collaboration strategies in the supply chain are essential for fostering long-term customer relationships and increasing profits.

Let´s kick off with a hard-hitting statistic: 77% of businesses are investing in technology to create better supply chain visibility.

Carrying over 14,000 shipping containers with a combined $270 billion in cargo annually, the Panama Canal is perhaps one of the most crucial pieces of the supply chain puzzle.

Optimize your supply chain with Slimstock´s E2E Planning. Achieve efficiency, cut costs, and boost operational excellence today.

Explore how Dynamic Stock Replenishment revolutionizes retail through tech-driven inventory optimization, waste reduction, and profit boosts.

Find the full potential of your digital supply chain investment, the secrets to choosing the right tech, common mistakes, and boosting ROI

Discover how AI is transforming supply chain practices, outpacing traditional spreadsheets and offering next-level efficiency. Dive into the future now

Explore strategies to optimise your omnichannel supply chain. Discover trends, solutions, and best practices for seamless customer experiences.

Unravel supply chain KPIs: Boost business, understand inventory contrasts, and decode the KPI pyramid.

It seems like risk greets you at every turn these days, whether you’re navigating a heavily disrupted supply chain, trying to book a doctor’s appointment, or just getting on a train.

Why the future of your supply chain is human-centric Listen to the press, social media or the hushed whispers in the dark corridors of businesses across the world and you’ll be left with no doubt.

Explore how to drive flexibility in your business with our guide on implementing agile strategies in dynamic manufacturing supply chain.

Unlock the power of digital twin technology for real-time monitoring, predictive analytics, and optimized supply chain management

Look around the high street or at the swathe of targeted online ads you get this week, and there will be one theme that’s hard to escape Sustainability.

Supply chain costs are soaring all over the world. And like many of your competitors, you’ve probably been thinking about how you’re investing your working capital.

Unlock S&OP supply chain excellence with our insights, strategies, and resources. Streamline operations, gain a competitive edge.

Unlock your supply chain´s potential with a Center of Excellence. Drive efficiency, innovation, and a competitive edge for your business.

Your supply chain team will be getting used to shortages. The first shock was stock. The diminished deliveries and the lengthening lead times.

Decoupling Point is key to supply chain agility, however, there are also some challenges associated with using decoupling points. Find out more.

Explore how visionary Chief Supply Chain Officers revolutionise strategies for unparalleled success in today´s business landscape.

After working with thousands of businesses across the globe, we understand the challenge companies face. That is why we have put together this simple guide to master data to help you out!

Safety stock inventory is the additional level of inventory businesses hold in order to minimise the risk of stock out. However, being overly cautious can quickly result in costly excess and obsolescence: both of which will erode margins. So what factor should you take into account when determining the optimal level of safety stock inventory?

What on Earth is OTIF? And can it help your business perform better? To answer this question effectively, let’s look back at the groundings of OTIF.

Improve profitability with effective inventory turnover. Learn its importance and strategies to optimize your business operations in this guide.

Effective supply chain management is crucial for businesses to succeed in today's global economy. From sourcing raw materials to delivering finished products, every stage of the supply chain must be optimized for efficiency and cost-effectiveness.

Discover the top 5 supply planning strategies for dependable operations in this comprehensive guide. From boosting efficiency to reducing costs.

Demand planners can recognize the supply chain bullwhip effect and minimize its impact without ending up being overstocked or undestocked.

From the cost of purchasing the inventory in the first place to storing it in your warehouse, and moving it throughout your network...

Andrew Thomas, founder of Skybell Video Doorbell, reports that it takes roughly 40 positive customer experiences to undo the damage of a single negative review.