Blog
Insights on production scheduling, lean manufacturing, and manufacturing software from 35+ years of industry experience.
Everything we have published.
Inventory Carrying Cost: How to Calculate and Reduce It
Learn how to calculate inventory carrying costs in manufacturing. Covers the carrying cost formula, cost components, reduction strategies, and scheduling optimization.
Inventory Management for Manufacturers: Complete Guide (2026)
Practical inventory management guide for manufacturers. Covers ABC analysis, safety stock, reorder points, WIP tracking, and how scheduling software reduces carrying costs.
Lot Traceability in Manufacturing: Forward and Backward Tracking
Lot traceability links every raw material lot to the finished goods it went into. Forward and backward tracing, the data to capture, FDA, FSMA and AS9100.
Multi-Location Inventory Management for Manufacturers
Master multi-location inventory management for manufacturing. Covers centralized vs. distributed strategies, transfer logistics, unified systems, and scheduling across facilities.
Procurement Planning for Manufacturers: Strategy & Process Guide
Complete procurement planning guide for manufacturers. Covers strategic sourcing, purchase order workflows, lead time management, and scheduling-driven procurement.
Purchase Order Management for Manufacturers: Best Practices
Streamline purchase order management in manufacturing. Covers PO workflows, approval processes, tracking, supplier communication, and integration with production scheduling.
Raw Material Management for Manufacturing: Best Practices Guide
Master raw material management in manufacturing. Covers receiving, storage, tracking, waste reduction, and how scheduling software optimizes material flow.
Safety Stock Calculation for Manufacturing: Formulas & Examples
Master safety stock calculation for manufacturing with step-by-step formulas, real-world examples, Excel templates, and service level optimization strategies.
Supplier Relationship Management for Manufacturers
Build stronger supplier relationships that reduce costs and risk. Covers supplier scorecards, strategic partnerships, performance metrics, and communication best practices.
Supply Chain Risk Management for Manufacturers: A Practical Guide
Build supply chain resilience with proven risk management strategies for manufacturers. Covers risk identification, mitigation, dual-sourcing, and scheduling contingency planning.
Supply Chain Visibility: The Manufacturer's Complete Guide
Learn how supply chain visibility transforms manufacturing operations. Covers real-time tracking, data integration, KPIs, and how scheduling software connects the dots.
Vendor-Managed Inventory (VMI) for Manufacturers: Complete Guide
Learn how vendor-managed inventory works in manufacturing. Covers VMI setup, benefits, risks, KPIs, supplier agreements, and integration with production scheduling.