Dr. Yossi Sheffi

Special Guest Blog Post written by Jeff Echel and Steve Lykken with e2open   Supply chain planners in high-tech don’t just manage shipments; they’re crisis managers, data detectives, and sometimes, referees in a high-stakes game of inventory tug-of-war. Why do these planners find themselves huddled in “war rooms,” surrounded by spreadsheets and urgent emails? It starts with relentless pressure: customers expect rapid, reliable service, but the reality is a maze of long lead times, outsourced manufacturing, and unpredictable global logistics. Securing critical components can take months, and a single misstep, like overstocking or missing a shipment, can ripple through the business, impacting revenue and margins. The chaos: War rooms and spreadsheet battles Add to that, the complexity of forecasting demand. Planners reconcile noisy, inconsistent data from retailers and distributors, often with little visibility, into . Forecasts are built, torn down, and rebuilt, sometimes manually, as teams try to align bottom-up channel data with top-down financial targets. Meanwhile, supply plans are constantly threatened by shortages, excess inventory, and last-minute changes. When demand surges or supply is disrupted, channels compete for limited stock, sometimes “stealing” from each other, and sometimes winning simply by being the loudest voice in the room. All of…

As the supply chain industry continues to face profound transformation, staying updated on the latest trends, innovations, and best practices in the space is crucial. With over 464 million podcast listeners worldwide, podcasts have become an invaluable resource for professionals seeking insights and inspiration. The wonderful world of the web means you can find a podcast in any niche, but how do you separate the wheat from the chaff when it comes to quality supply chain podcasts? To help you get there, we’ve curated a round-up of the top ten must-listen supply chain podcasts that will keep you informed and entertained. 1. Supply Chain Now Where to Listen: https://supplychainnow.com/program/supply-chain-now/ Hosts: Scott Luton and various industry experts. Best for: The go-to resource for insights into global supply chain performance. Featured in the Apple Podcasts business leadership charts in over 60 countries, Supply Chain Now is a renowned podcast for its extensive coverage of supply chain topics, including insights from industry leaders and experts. Hosted by Scott Luton and his team of industry-veteran co-hosts from brands like Amazon, P&G, and Nordstrom, the podcast delves into everything from logistics and transportation to technology and innovation. With a history of high-quality content and engaging…