Patrick Van Hull

Insightful and thought-provoking post by Tom Maher! Good Enough Isn’t dives deep into the dangers of complacency and the untapped potential in supply chain planning. Just like streaming disrupted cable TV and ride-hailing transformed transportation, Adaptive Supply Chain Planning is redefining the future of supply chains. Legacy systems may feel ‘comfortable,’ but they’re holding businesses back. ketteQ’s adaptive solutions and PolymatiQ™ solver are game-changers—offering real-time flexibility and resilience that legacy systems simply can’t match. If your supply chain strategy feels like it’s stuck in the past, this is a must-read. 

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Can your excess inventory be seen from space? The latest article from our Retail practice dives into the challenges retailers face when they overstock. After the supply chain issues of 2020 and 2021, many retailers ended up with too much inventory, leading to higher costs and wasted products. Using advanced forecasting tools and managing the entire product lifecycle can help. It’s all about finding the right balance to meet customer demands without piling up extra costs. Read more here: https://lnkd.in/e4D3kRWU

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We’re excited to officially join the Supply Chain Matters blog as a Named Sponsor! As businesses navigate unprecedented challenges—volatility, shifting consumer demands, and increasing supply chain complexities—this partnership couldn’t come at a better time. At ketteQ, we’re redefining supply chain planning with Adaptive Planning solutions powered by AI, machine learning, and our revolutionary PolymatiQ™ solver. Together with Supply Chain Matters, we aim to contribute valuable insights to the ongoing conversation about the future of supply chain planning. This is a pivotal moment for innovation and transformation in supply chains, and we’re thrilled to be part of it.  #AdaptivePlanning #SupplyChainInnovation #ketteQ

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In light of concerns over manufacturing practices and supply chain ethics on Shein's platform, one might question the moral dilemmas faced by brands and influencers associated with the platform. Stuart Weitzman heels, Coach purses, Lanvin sneakers, and Paul Smith shirts are just a few products available. Can you trust your favorite influencers to recommend ethically sound clothing, or are they more concerned with promotional fees? Notably, influencers like Dani Carbonari, Kenya Freeman, Aujené, Destene Sudduth, Fernanda Campuzano, Marina Saavedra, and Addison Rae have all reportedly visited Shein and promoted its products. #supplychainethics #branddilemma #influencer #canyoutrustthem If you want to make sure you can trust your factory's methods you might want to consider Library Suites Vendor Management Suite to ensure you have the right questions, right evidence, and proof that you're really safe using your overseas production to protect your brand and reputation. Book a free demo here: https://lnkd.in/gWGPNff [Link to more information: https://lnkd.in/egsDweZ7]

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Come visit Bojan "Boki" Poluga and me at the Institute of Business Forecasting & Planning's 2024 S&OP and IBP Global Conference in Chicago next week. Learn how you can build a more intelligent supply chain. https://lnkd.in/eJXs7_3y #supplychainplanning

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57% of the models used to manage supply chain costs are short term and functionally focused. Take action on the 5 levers for supply chain cost optimization with this Gartner guide. #GartnerSC #CostManagement #SupplyChainSolutions

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This was a fun interview: How Would You Complete This Sentence? Supply Chain Professionals Would Make Great _ (you can see my answer under the link… but there are so many great answers!) #supplychain #supplychainplanning

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Can your excess inventory be seen from space? The latest article from our Retail practice dives into the challenges retailers face when they overstock. After the supply chain issues of 2020 and 2021, many retailers ended up with too much inventory, leading to higher costs and wasted products. Using advanced forecasting tools and managing the entire product lifecycle can help. It’s all about finding the right balance to meet customer demands without piling up extra costs. Read more here: https://lnkd.in/edr2vHHF

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Can your excess inventory be seen from space? The latest article from our Retail practice dives into the challenges retailers face when they overstock. After the supply chain issues of 2020 and 2021, many retailers ended up with too much inventory, leading to higher costs and wasted products. Using advanced forecasting tools and managing the entire product lifecycle can help. It’s all about finding the right balance to meet customer demands without piling up extra costs. Read more here: https://lnkd.in/e2iqmJkK

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Can your excess inventory be seen from space? The latest article from our Retail practice dives into the challenges retailers face when they overstock. After the supply chain issues of 2020 and 2021, many retailers ended up with too much inventory, leading to higher costs and wasted products. Using advanced forecasting tools and managing the entire product lifecycle can help. It’s all about finding the right balance to meet customer demands without piling up extra costs. Read more here: https://lnkd.in/g_4r2_Kb

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Natural disasters, political instability, and economic downturns are just a few variables that can create supply chain disruption. Our Senior Principal Product Manager, Robert Kirk, explains why businesses need to prioritize supply chain resilience in this article for Food Logistics. Read the full piece here: #SupplyChain #DNB

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The positive impact that the Gartner Supply Chain Keynote from our recent Symposia has had on our clients has been remarkable, and the key theme of how supply chains can add value way beyond cost control is very well captured in this write-up from DC Velocity for which I thank them. https://lnkd.in/eWudBAzf

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Our July episode delved deep into the belly of the beast: uncertainty. Madhav Durbha, Richard Huston, and Casey McSherry discussed how to manage supply chains in a world that is in constant flux, whether it's natural disasters, geopolitics, or economic turmoil throwing retailers and CPGs for a loop. Check out the conversation - and follow RELEX Solutions on LinkedIn to be notified of our upcoming #LinkedInLive shows! #SupplyChain #Uncertainty #Change

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Do you ever think that a trusted name-brand product you buy from a legitimate retailer could be counterfeit and harmful? In the article, "Ensuring Product Integrity and Trust in Your Supply Chain," author Geoffrey R. Kaiser highlights the risks consumers face, even when shopping at trusted retailers and outlets. He shares how otherwise authentic products can take on harmful characteristics if they are diverted from authorized distribution channels into the “gray market.” Products that escape into the “gray market” are often not properly controlled and are thus susceptible to corrupting environmental influences that can render the products adulterated or mislabeled and harmful to consumers. He points out that counterfeit products aren't just a concern for bargain hunters—they can infiltrate even reputable retailers. Here’s what you should know: Stick to authorized retail channels for the best chance of receiving authentic goods. Understand that even within these channels, supply chain vulnerabilities exist. Brands and retailers must invest in due diligence and internal controls to minimize counterfeits and maintain consumer trust. Supply chain security isn’t just about protecting profits—it’s about safeguarding consumers' health, safety, and trust. https://lnkd.in/ezHtHPH7 #ConsumerSafety #BrandProtection #SupplyChain #CounterfeitPrevention #Trust

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I’m pleased to announce Curtis Ying, Mike Liebson, and I have just published an article, “Case Study: Optimizing Delivery Scheduling at a Large Restaurant Chain,” in the Fall issue of the Journal of Business Forecasting at https://lnkd.in/gGEKxHDm Full text available at: https://lnkd.in/gPR8H5xw The article introduces a new approach to distribution center (DC) delivery scheduling, a novel concept we call Master Purchasing Receipt Scheduling (MPRS). The article details how an iconic American $10B+ quick-service restaurant chain uses MPRS to reduce DC bottlenecks, increase receiving efficiency, and eliminate hundreds of hours of planning time. #supplychainplanning #inboundlogistics #qsr

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A brutal mix of factors over the last few years led to retailers absorbing excess inventory shocks. But with the cost of capital increasing, it’s more important than ever to ensure inventory levels do not rise to unsustainable levels while also avoiding out-of-stocks. Our latest insight by Amit Mahajan, Young Hu and Aabha Rathee reveals how leveraging AI and ML can transform inventory management, leading to a 10-20% reduction in working capital, a 50-60% reduction in stock shortage in stores, a 2-4% uplift in sales, and a 1-3% margin benefit. Discover how these technologies can help retailers optimize supply chains, reduce markdowns, and enhance customer satisfaction. Read the full article here:

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As the trade landscape shifts, expanding tariffs are putting increased pressure on retailers, prompting a strategic reevaluation of sourcing, pricing, and supply chain resilience. My colleague and friend Nicholas Goad underscores the need for proactive measures—such as optimizing suppliers, refining assortments, and building robust data frameworks—to manage costs and strengthen operations. Read Nick's article for insights on transforming these challenges into a competitive edge. How are you gearing up for the potential implications of expanding tariffs? https://on.bcg.com/3CHozh3

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