Tandreia Bellamy

Key Takeaways from the Supply Chain Now Webinar with Bastian Solutions In today’s fast-changing world of logistics and manufacturing, one truth is clear: there’s no hiding from automation. Whether you’re a global enterprise or a growing regional player, success depends on choosing the right technology—and, just as importantly, the right partner. In a recent Supply Chain Now webinar, The Power of Supply Chain Partnerships, hosts Scott Luton and Marty Parker sat down with Matt Kuper and Bastian Himmeroeder from Bastian Solutions, a Toyota Automated Logistics company, for an in-depth conversation about how to unlock the true potential of automation through strong integrator relationships. Here are a few key takeaways that stood out: 1. Strategic Partnerships Trump One-Off Projects According to Bastian, the age of “one-and-done” automation projects is over. Today’s complexity demands long-term, strategic relationships between companies and their integrators—ones built on transparency, shared values, and a deep understanding of each other’s goals. 2. Culture Fit Matters as Much as Technology Matt emphasized that cultural alignment is the first critical element in selecting an integrator. Shared values, open communication, and mutual respect ensure that the partnership thrives well beyond implementation. 3. Experience and Support Drive Success Choosing a partner with…

Special Guest Blog Post written by Chris Cunnane with InterSystems   Demand sensing and demand forecasting are both crucial aspects of optimizing supply chains, but they do have slightly different functions in their approach and focus. Demand sensing uses real-time data and analytics to identify and respond to immediate demand fluctuations, while demand forecasting uses historical data to predict future demand over a longer period (months or years). Different methods, such as statistical modeling and machine learning, are used to enhance the accuracy and adaptability of these processes. Both areas are crucial for companies when it comes to projecting sales, managing inventory, and coordinating replenishment. In the end, the goal is to accurately predict customer demand by using predictive models to forecast future demand. InterSystems surveyed 450 senior supply chain practitioners and stakeholders to examine key supply chain technology challenges, trends, and decision-making strategies across five key use cases: fulfillment optimization; demand sensing and forecasting; supply chain orchestration; production planning optimization; and environmental, social, and governance (ESG). This blog focuses on demand sensing and forecasting.   Current State of Demand Sensing and Forecasting According to the survey results, when asked how they currently forecast demand, 36% of respondents indicated that…