Shannon Fleck

JIT or JIC? The Supply Chain Pendulum Swings Back For years, businesses relied on the Just-In-Time (JIT) model, keeping inventory minimal and timed to match demand precisely. But then came the pandemic—and with it, severe disruptions that left companies scrambling. In response, many shifted to a Just-In-Case (JIC) model, stockpiling inventory well ahead of demand. Initially, this pivot seemed prudent. Yet as demand patterns normalized, companies were suddenly stuck with millions—or even billions—of dollars in excess inventory, facing markdowns, space shortages, and cash flow challenges. This whiplash affected not just importers but also carriers, ports, and suppliers, creating a ripple of complications across the supply chain. Now, according to this great article by The Supply Chain Exchange the pendulum is swinging back. Indicators suggest that 2024 is poised to be the year JIT practices regain their footing as supply chain pressures ease and inventory levels stabilize. #JIT #JIC #Inventory #SupplyChain #Sales #Demand #Supply If you need assistance with your global supply chain, you can reach me at [email protected].

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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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For Hershey, effective trade promotion management (TPM) is essential for business success. PwC helped implement an SAP-based TPM platform, allow Hershey to benefit from improved trade spend efficiency, forecasting, and continue to sweeten customer experiences. 🍫 Read the full case study below 🍫 https://lnkd.in/eNNXUkyr

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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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Congratulations Sainsbury's on your full-year results! We’re thrilled to see your real-time forecasting with Blue Yonder is optimizing sales, reducing waste, and distributing stock when and where it is needed, bringing significant benefits to you, your customers, and the planet! We’re delighted to be part of your journey toward $3.1 billion in savings through your save-to-invest program and will continue to support you to roll this out across your fresh ranges this summer. Learn more about Blue Yonder here https://bit.ly/3xTSL1S #AI #SupplyChain

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Interesting reflection for anyone selecting any type of technology for their organization

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10 Tips for Effective Leadership in Distribution Centers and Warehouses

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BTS sneak peek! 🤩 Stay tuned for global supply chain perspectives from EVP Douglas Kent as we unpack the Association for Supply Chain Management (ASCM) value to the individual and your organization as the Home for Life, Top 10 trends where we are and we we are going, and a surprise announcement you won’t want to miss. 🗣️ #mission #supplychain #scor #leaders #it #cyber #ai #digitalaccelerators #wearegdit

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Check out this new edition of “What if? So what?” Are you building trust with your customers?? 💡 #customerexperience #trust #bettertogether

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Is Your Supply Chain Ready for the Holiday Rush? 📦 As the holidays approach, businesses in high-demand industries—like food & beverage, health & beauty, and sustainable consumer goods—are preparing for a season of increased pressure. Customers want their favorite products quickly, and they expect sustainable practices along the way. At CDS, we’re here to help brands like yours thrive during the busiest time of year. Whether you’re shipping healthy drinks, reusable water bottles, or skin care products, our tailored 3PL solutions ensure smooth operations. We offer sustainable warehousing, precise order fulfillment, and reliable distribution to keep your inventory flowing and your customers happy. Ready to meet holiday demand while staying true to your brand’s values? Let’s work together to make this your best (and most sustainable) season yet! #SustainableSupplyChain #CustomizedDistributionServices #SupplyChainManagement

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How do you get your inventory right? There are three things you must do – and one reality you must accept – when managing inventory data. Michael Watson, Ph.D., shares his advice in our latest blog. https://lnkd.in/gJN-U_dg

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Learn more about how the gap between traditional and automated warehousing is shrinking, and how emerging technologies can optimize labor efficiency and speed up order processing. https://lnkd.in/gFzKtByP

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CSCOs are trying to lead their organization toward a more secure future. But, constant change is creating supply chain transformation burnout. Empower your staff with this Gartner transformation narrative guide to help them thrive in the evolving supply chain landscape. #GartnerSC #SupplyChainTransformation #SupplyChainSolutions

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Like many companies this time of year, DTN is focused on finishing our year strong and planning for the next. This article is a great reminder that supply chain planning is about more than just revenue numbers. In fact, collaboration combined with “accurate and timely data” bring value-driven work that is key to creating achievable goals. #supplychain #collaboration #planning https://lnkd.in/e64nK3vp

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Supply chain disruptions and challenges have been happening forever but, more recently there is a much better understanding on how to to turn your suppliers from cost centers into innovation centers by providing better communication and collaboration. Anark can help you get there!

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We have an amazing list of speakers so far at this year's NextGen Supply Chain Conference. Join us in Chicago this October to hear top-level supply chain execs from Walmart, Johnson & Johnson, Procter & Gamble and Whirlpool discuss "what's next" in supply chain management. https://lnkd.in/eC3Ecgr #nextgensupplychain

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Introducing: RELEX True Inventory RELEX Solutions new predictive inventory capabilities will help retailers amp up store operations’ productivity in inventory management and improve inventory accuracy for replenishment. Leveraging advanced artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML), RELEX True Inventory gives a precise view of inventory balance on hand, identifies inventory anomalies and provides store operatives with prioritized recommendations for the most value-adding inventory checks.   Key benefits of True Inventory include:  📜 Enhanced Inventory Accuracy: Automated corrections ensure precise inventory records and improve ordering accuracy.   📜 Improved Store Efficiency: Prioritized, actionable inventory checks reduce time spent on manual inventory management.   📜 Reduced Stockouts: Timely corrections prevent loss of sales and boost customer satisfaction.   Read more: https://lnkd.in/e3vtg2ym #AIinRetail #InventoryManagement #SupplyChainInnovation #Innovation #RetailInnovation 

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