Birgit Matthiesen

Stay up to date on all the latest conversations, interviews, and episodes we released this week here at Supply Chain Now! Kelly Barner and Scott Luton brought in the week with an episode of Dial P for Procurement on Supply Chain Now. For this episode, the P in Dial P is for payments. Kelly and Scott welcome Kris Lance with Una and Jim Luff with Chosen Payments, to the show. For Monday’s This Week In Business History, Scott covers the many hats that Ray Kroc wore as he built the Mcdonald’s global brand. On Tuesday, we released another episode of TEKTOK with Karin Bursa and special host Kevin L. Jackson. This episode is all about BLOCKCHAIN, from the basics to process improvements. On Wednesday’s episode of Supply Chain Now, Scott and Greg welcomed Tim Holland, Contingent Workforce and Talent Acquisition Leader and Barb Sexton Vice President, Partner Development for Corporate Services with OMNIA Partners, LIVE to the show as they broadcast from the OMNIA Partners 2021 Connections Event in Miami. Scott and Greg had another opportunity to chat with OMNIA Partners leaders at the 2021 Connections Event as they welcomed Stephen Laratta, Vice President of Partner Development, MRO and Facilities…

Demand can change in an instant. A flash promotion takes off faster than expected. An influencer post sends a niche SKU into the stratosphere. A heat wave flips seasonal demand on its head. And suddenly, your forecast—carefully crafted weeks ago—feels like yesterday’s weather report. This is where demand signal management earns its keep. Instead of reacting too late or overreacting too early, it helps supply chain teams interpret what’s really happening and respond with confidence. For retailers and consumer brands navigating constant demand volatility, it’s the difference between chasing noise and acting on insight.   The problem: demand forecasts lag reality Traditional forecasting has a fundamental challenge: timing. Forecasts are built on historical patterns and planning cadences that move at a measured pace, but demand levels today won’t wait for the next planning cycle. Modern demand shocks often arrive without warning: a promotional discount goes viral, a competitor runs out of stock, weather drives sudden regional swings, or a trend outpaces merchandising plans. In these moments, planners face a familiar tension. React too slowly, and shelves go empty. React too aggressively, and you’re stuck with excess inventory once the spike fades.   What demand signals are (and what they aren’t)…