Abby Wolfe, CPIM

Just a random thought here, but I've noticed in a lot of supply chain planner job postings they ask for very specific skills such as "master of material planning" or "10 years of demand planning experience". What this tells me is that the hiring manager isn't looking for a supply chain planner, but a specialist in one area. Think of it this way: material, demand, and production planners are specialists. They typically know one job extremely well and might have a passing familiarity with other supply chain planning roles and how those roles affect their specific job which makes them a specialist. A supply chain planner should be more than just familiar with all or most of the roles involved in supply chain planning. They need to be able to work functionally in all the roles that supply chain planning entails. That makes them a jack-of-all-trades. What are your thoughts on this?

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Today, I wanted to spot light on the distinctions between supply chain and demand planning. It's a topic close to my heart because whenever I mention that I work as a demand planner, I often hear the assumption, "Oh, so you're in supply chain!" It's a common misconception, and I thought it would be valuable to share some insights into the unique roles and differences between these two essential aspects of business operations. Lets dive into the differences between supply chain and demand planning to clear up any confusion and highlight the significance of each role. 1. Demand Planner: * Focuses on forecasting customer demand for products or services. * Utilizes historical sales data, market research, and predictive analytics to anticipate future demand. * Collaborates closely with sales, marketing, and operations teams to align production and inventory levels with anticipated demand. * Aims to minimize stockouts and excess inventory while ensuring product availability to meet customer needs. 2.Supply Chain Professional: * Manages the entire supply chain process, from procurement to delivery of goods or services to the end consumer. * Optimizes logistics, transportation, and distribution networks to streamline the flow of materials and products. * Works to reduce costs, improve efficiency, and mitigate risks throughout the supply chain. * Collaborates with various stakeholders, including suppliers, manufacturers, and distributors, to ensure smooth operations and timely delivery. While there may be overlap in certain skill sets and areas of focus, demand planners typically specialize in forecasting and demand management, while supply chain professionals have a broader scope encompassing logistics, procurement, and supply chain optimization. However, depending on the organization and its structure, there may be instances where individuals fulfill both demand planning and supply chain responsibilities within their roles. #SupplyChain #DemandPlanning #BusinessOperations

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"Ten Tips for Advancing Your Supply Chain Career" 1. Embrace courage and take bold steps towards your goals. Just as Wayne Gretzky famously said, "You miss 100% of the shots you never take," in the supply chain, assertiveness and innovative thinking can propel your career forward. #Courage #BoldMoves #VoiceMatters 2. Embrace opportunities for change and growth. Saying "yes" to new experiences, whether they're lateral moves or promotions, can open doors to unforeseen possibilities in your career. #EmbraceChange #CareerGrowth 3. Step out of your comfort zone to reach your full potential. Growth often occurs when you challenge yourself beyond familiar territory. Supply chain leaders thrive in discomfort, constantly seeking new challenges. #ComfortZone #GrowthMindset 4. Volunteer for diverse projects and initiatives. Proactively seek opportunities to contribute, even if you weren't initially approached. This demonstrates initiative and can lead to valuable experiences and networking opportunities. #Volunteerism #Initiative 5. Seek mentorship and guidance. Identify individuals who embody the qualities you aspire to and ask for their support. Mentorship can provide invaluable insights and help navigate your career journey. #Mentorship #Guidance 6. Understand the interconnectedness of supply chain functions. Take a holistic view of the supply chain and seek opportunities to diversify your experience across different functions. #Interconnectedness #Diversification 7. Anticipate future trends and adapt accordingly. Stay informed about industry developments and position yourself to capitalize on emerging opportunities. #FutureTrends #Adaptability 8. Communicate your career aspirations openly. Take proactive steps to share your goals with colleagues and supervisors, and seek out opportunities aligned with your interests. #CareerGoals #Communication 9. Embrace feedback as a tool for growth. Actively listen to constructive criticism and use it to refine your skills and performance. #Feedback #ContinuousImprovement 10. Cultivate a mindset of continuous learning and hard work. Recognize that achieving success in the supply chain requires ongoing development and dedication. #ContinuousLearning #HardWork #SuccessInSupplyChain #SupplyChainCareer #CareerDevelopment #ProfessionalGrowth

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SKU Rationalization: Trimming the Garden for a Healthier Harvest Ever feel overwhelmed by too many product options? As a Gemini, I know the struggle of making decisions when faced with endless choices. That's where SKU rationalization comes in, and Unilever is leading the way! Think of your product portfolio as a garden. Over time, weeds and underperforming plants can crowd out the healthy ones, making it harder for your garden to thrive. SKU rationalization is like a meticulous gardener, pruning away the excess to ensure that the best plants get the nutrients and space they need to flourish. Unilever has been implementing SKU rationalization by cutting down on underperforming products and focusing on their best-sellers. This not only reduces costs but also makes it easier for consumers like us to make decisions. Less clutter on the shelves means quicker, more satisfying shopping experiences. By using advanced data analytics, Unilever assesses which SKUs to keep, grow, or delist. This approach helps them adapt to market changes and consumer preferences more efficiently. It's a win-win for both the company and its customers! So, next time you're shopping and find it easier to pick the perfect product, thank SKU rationalization. It's making life simpler for all of us, even us indecisive Geminis! #SupplyChain #CPG #SKURationalization #Efficiency #InventoryManagement Read the full article here -https://lnkd.in/gFWku26f

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Hey supply chainers, be careful about this trick question below! The bandwidth can be enormous. Just as reference... 🥛 When I was planning dairy products in an Excel tool, taking care of 65 SKUs in one country meant 50h of work per week plus checking my phone during public holidays. 💻 When I was planning 300 SKUs in the electronics business for three countries in a browser based tool, I was so bored, I left early at least once a week. 🧪 As team leader in the adhesives industry, I was responsible for 2.700 SKUs in 10 countries in SAP with my team and we managed well. You will need to ask counterquestions before you can answer the initial question. #CareerCompanion #jobinterview #scm #supplychain #supplyplanning #demandplanning #logistics #supplychainmanagement #interview

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All of this points toward the need for a strategic and integrated supply chain focus and especially the role of strategic sourcing. Although I have not seen this pan out (yet?) in terms of demand, hiring, needs, I am certainly curious to see what unfolds and welcome any other insight / perspectives!

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Gain visibility, save time, and drive profitability with ControlPoint Inventory Management solutions. Our offerings include Vending, VMI, CMI, eProcurement, inventory Management software, and onsite services. #Inventory #Management #ControlPoint #Efficiency #innovation #technology #automotive #manufacturing #aerospace

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I am told when finding or working with a co-packer: 1. No one answers the phone 2. No one answers a website inquiry/email 3. No one communicates At Hillside Beverage Packing: 1. I answer the phone 2. I answer the website inquiries/emails 3. I communicate (some would say I over communicate 😂) 4. I am told that I am the rare example of someone who does the above plus goes a step further to point the inquirer in the right direction. Last week I received 3 inbound inquiries from Keychain, two emails per inquiry (through our website & direct to my email). After reading this Forbes article, I now know the 'person' who emailed me (3x @ 2 inquiries each) was actually AI... I'd like to understand how Keychain is going to make money - they make it very clear in each email inquiry that they don't get any $ for the connection/referral. Thoughts? https://lnkd.in/ekZkhJWX

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To discuss this important aspect of product management… I want to tell you about myself. Originally I was tied in with operations in supply chain in many roles. And…. They all had the same requirement. You had to know almost everything about your domain. It was extremely straightforward. You have to keep in mind your warehouse capacity, production plans, inbound and outbound deliveries, best practices for operational processes that your competitors have; what do your employees need and how it should be done, etc. And the fact that you might not know something is considered uncommon and unusual. However, in product management it's okay not to know. It’s called dealing with ambiguity. And we even have a stage specifically for this - product discovery. You have a problem that you want to solve, but don't know how? Let's find out. Oh, you want to improve some metric, but you are not sure about a proper solution? We can figure this out. Something is malfunctioning? You can find out what it is! You don't know what do your users want? No worries. Pull out the data, some user research and you'll get it. I don't mean knowing NOTHING (or complete ignorance) is okay, it's actually not. Product discovery is the true diamond of product management. And that was a true challenge for me, switching my mindset from "I have to know everything" to "I might not know, I need to research.” If you’re reading this…what did you find challenging and insightful when hopping on product management train? Please share! #careerpivot #careertransition #productmanagement #lessons #ambiguity

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Part Period Balancing (PPB) is a sophisticated technique in supply chain management, specifically in dynamic lot-sizing. It operates akin to the least total cost method but incorporates an additional component called "look ahead/look back." This feature allows for a more comprehensive evaluation of lot quantities. Here's how it works: 1. Initial Lot Quantity Calculation: PPB begins by calculating a lot quantity based on factors like production costs, demand forecasts, and inventory holding costs. 2. Look Ahead/Look Back Evaluation: Before finalizing the lot quantity, PPB conducts a thorough examination of the next or previous period's demands. This analysis determines whether it would be cost-effective to include them in the current lot. 3. Optimization: Based on the evaluation results, PPB adjusts the lot quantity to optimize costs and meet demand requirements efficiently. 4. Dynamic Adaptation: PPB is dynamic, meaning it can adapt to changing demand patterns and production constraints over time, ensuring continuous optimization of lot sizes. In summary, PPB enhances traditional lot-sizing methods by incorporating forward and backward demand evaluations, resulting in more efficient and cost-effective supply chain management. learn more Supply Chain Terminologies with Raza Abbas. Like | Follow | Share I'll appreciate your knowledge and compliments in comments to motivate me. #SupplyChain #PPB #LotSizing #CostOptimization

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In this podcast our CEO speaks about supply chain's role in the turnaround of Radienz Living from a company in crisis 2 years ago to a thriving, growing, and profitable organization. I'm proud to have been a part of this turnaround. https://lnkd.in/eBa8RqBG

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-- Power of Data Analytics in Sourcing -- In today's competitive landscape, leveraging data analytics in sourcing is not just a trend—it's a necessity. Here’s how data-driven insights can transform your sourcing strategy: 1. Supplier Performance Analysis: Identify the most reliable and cost-effective suppliers by tracking metrics like delivery times and defect rates. 2. Cost Reduction: Discover opportunities for savings through bulk buying and alternative suppliers. 3. Risk Management: Predict and mitigate supply chain disruptions by monitoring geopolitical events and supplier stability. 4. Demand Forecasting: Optimize inventory levels and ensure timely procurement with accurate demand predictions. 5. Supplier Relationship Management: Enhance negotiations and relationships with data-driven insights. 6. Market Trends and Competitive Analysis: Stay ahead with a keen understanding of industry trends and competitors. 7. Operational Efficiency: Streamline procurement cycles and improve coordination with suppliers. 8. Sustainability and Compliance: Ensure ethical sourcing and regulatory compliance. Harness the power of data analytics to make informed, strategic decisions, leading to improved efficiency, cost savings, and a competitive edge. 🌐📊 #DataAnalytics #Sourcing #SupplyChain #Procurement #CostReduction #RiskManagement #DemandForecasting #Sustainability #Efficiency #BusinessTransformation

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💡 The S&OP process balances demand and supply strategically within an organization. 🚀 The Sales and Operations Planning (S&OP) process aligns the forecasted demand with the available resources to create a synchronized rhythm. Imagine it as a chef planning a menu—ensuring the right ingredients are in stock to meet customer cravings without overstocking and incurring unnecessary costs. 🎯 S&OP isn't just about balancing the numbers; it's also about getting people from various departments to work together. It helps people in sales, production, and other important roles communicate with each other, so everyone is on the same page. Businesses can easily handle the complexity through S&OP, which lines up their resources with expected demand to make the entire organization more efficient. 👉 Get Certified (CSCL) Certified Supply Chain Leader 🌐 https://lnkd.in/gBXptgYj Credit: @VCARE Academy  👉 https://lnkd.in/g2aFWZwA 💬 LIVE Chat with VCARE Academy and learn how they can help you improve your supply chain expertise, and at the same time, enhance your company’s supply chain capabilities. ⭕ WhatsApp: https://lnkd.in/g5F-_w-v  ⭕ Telegram: https://t.me/vcaresupport #supplychain #logistics #leadership #certification #sustainability #futureofbusiness #SupplyChainInnovation #FutureofLogistics #manufacturing #supplychain #ai #blockchain #machinelearning #robotics #sales #forecasting #supplychain #logistics #manufacturing #production #inventorycontrol #warehousing #sustainability #circulareconomy #demandplanning #ddmrp #salesandoperationsplanning

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Hey everyone! Guess what? I’m heading to the West Coast Produce Expo (WCPE) in Palm Desert this week, and it’s going to be epic! The action kicks off on Thursday with the Sustainable Produce Summit sessions from noon to 4:30 pm. But the real fun begins at 8:00 pm with the Shots In The Night Reception—a night of drinks and desserts at Coachella Valley’s coolest outdoor golf entertainment spot. Buses start loading at 7:30 pm, so don't miss it! Friday is all about hitting the greens at the Golf Tournament starting with a 6:30 am breakfast, and then a 7:00 am shotgun start. While others might be checking out the Farm Field Tours or Pickleball Tournament, I'll be perfecting my swing. Saturday promises a packed expo floor from noon to 5:00 pm in the Sinatra Ballroom, with a closing reception at 4:00 pm to wrap things up. Can't wait to connect with everyone there and share the excitement! Let’s do this! What friends will I see in California? #WCPE2024 #ProduceExpo #ShotsInTheNight #produceindustry #producelife #eatfresh #freshproduce #wholesaledistribution #eatyourveggies #freshfood #organics #retailindustry #grocerystores #fruitsandvegetables #thankafarmer #rosstheproduceboss #organics #distribution #food #produce #fruits #veggies #lovewhatyoudo #freshfruits #freshvegetables #eathealthy #groceryretail #foodbusiness

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Do you have the courage to be honest in Supply Chain Planning? Certainly recent years' market dynamics have brought additional challenges and issues around customer demand, supply planning, capacities, inventories, logistics, service levels, new product introductions, etc. This is a nice and brief read from Bill Mrzlak showing it's essential for companies to foster the proactive, honest and transparent behavior of all team members, with accountability to address and mitigate the challenges head-on! #supplychainresilience #supplychaintransformation #change #leadership #salesandoperationsplanning #snop #integratedbusinessplanning #ibp #inventoryoptimization #supplychainplanning #supplychain #planning #demandplanning #supplyplanning #team #effectivebehavior

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🚀 **Elevate Your Supply Chain Skills with Association for Supply Chain Management (ASCM) 🚀 Excited to share that I've completed ASCM's Advanced Value Chain Institute! Planner Buyer Class! 📦🔗 Here are the benefits: 🔍 In-Depth Knowledge: Master efficient planning and procurement strategies. 🔗 Enhanced Collaboration: Foster synergy with suppliers. 📊 Data-Driven Decisions: Utilize advanced analytics to minimize risks. 💡 Innovation: Stay ahead with the latest industry practices. 🌐 Global Insight: Manage international operations effectively. 👥 Networking: Connect with supply chain experts and peers. Facilitated by master instructor Gustavo Benítez Cárdenas Master CPIM CSCP Master DDPP DDLP DDOP Highly recommend this for anyone looking to excel in supply chain management! #SupplyChain #ASCM #CareerGrowth #ValueChain #avci #plannerbuyer #inventory #mrp #wasolutions #mps #sop

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