Insights

3 Questions to Ask When Sharding a Database

Deanna WenstrupFebruary 16, 2021

Article[database sharding, database sharding and partitioning]

A few years ago, I wrote about the pros and cons of data sharding and data partitioning based on real-world examples. But it recently occurred to me that many may still be unsure when to use database sharding techniques and the expected benefits. The below article addresses three key questions to ask before you begin …
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Outsourcing in Supply Chain Management in 2021 and Beyond

Eric DeahlFebruary 12, 2021

Article[supply chain outsourcing, supply chain technology integration]

We recently recorded Karen Bird, our Head of Global Supply Chain Practice and Chief Marketing Officer, on supply chain technology integration best practices. One of our favorite moments during the interview was when we threw her a curve ball, prompting her to answer an unrehearsed question. It paid off – big time. Her answer touched …
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Supply Chain Network Optimization: Start with these 4 Questions for Successful Design

Eric DeahlJanuary 21, 2021

Article[supply chain design, supply chain network design, supply chain network optimization]

Supply chain network optimization and design initiatives require trading off many aspects of the supply chain: manufacturing, transportation, warehousing and distribution, inventory and customer service. Organizations need to make sense of internal and external data, collect input, reach alignment and coordinate a realistic but impactful roll out. It is a lot of work, and most …
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Manufacturing Network Optimization: How to Get the Most From Your Value Chain

Alan KosanskyJanuary 8, 2021

Article[manufacturing network optimization, Supply Chain Optimization, value chain]

Modern technology has accelerated the rate of change in our world and allowed us to operate more effectively and with lower costs. Along with this rapid change, manufacturing network optimization becomes even more nuanced and more essential. Retooling production networks to strike a new balance between cost optimization, remaining competitive and increasing resilience where it …
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A Note of Appreciation and Renewed Vigor for 2021

Jim Piermarini and Alan KosanskyDecember 30, 2020

Article

As 2020 draws to a close, so too do we complete our 25th year as Profit Point Inc. For many, 2020 has brought unique challenges and opportunities. For our team, the year has been a continuation of many of the tried-and-true practices we have established and implemented over the past quarter of a century. We …
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ERP System Supply Chain Integration: 5 Lessons Learned

Karen BirdDecember 16, 2020

Article

A few years ago, one of our largest clients asked us to help them implement an ERP system supply chain integration. The main goal of the project was to achieve seamless integration between their enterprise resource planning, supply chain planning and scheduling applications – i.e. create one global solution on a single platform – one …
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Rethink Your Retail Demand Planning Methods Post-COVID-19

Deanna WenstrupDecember 11, 2020

Article[retail demand planning, retail demand planning challenges, retail demand planning methods, Supply Chain Optimization]

Retail demand planning is a key aspect of supply chain optimization. Understanding and predicting how much stock to have on-hand to appease consumer demand at any given time helps dictate the retailer’s manufacturing and shipping needs. Not surprisingly, consumer demand can change rapidly based on environmental, economic and geo-political influences. A couple years ago, I …
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Supply Chain Sustainability Trends in 2020 and Beyond

Eric DeahlNovember 24, 2020

Article[supply chain sustainability, supply chain sustainability trends, Sustainable Supply Chain]

Whether we’re in a global pandemic or not, one constant remains: our need to eat. The companies that bring consumer goods to market – like our local grocery stores and chain restaurants – rely on the sustainability of their supply chains to make their goods available as efficiently as possible and to remain profitable while …
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Scheduling systems and the art of listening

Jackie GraverOctober 21, 2020

Article

It’s amazing what you can accomplish if you pause and listen to the needs of others. For me, listening is the key factor in delivering the best possible solution for a customer and understanding what they’re actually asking me for, rather than just giving them what I think they want or what I think is …
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From Spreadsheets to Detailed Scheduling Solutions

Jim PiermariniAugust 20, 2020

Article

For the 25 years of our existence at Profit Point we have helped organizations capture value through the use of optimization. Moving companies from spreadsheets to detailed scheduling solutions is one of the ways we have accomplished that. As we were finalizing a deployment for one of our clients, they proclaimed that their scheduling system …
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Profit Point People – Steve Cutler

Steve CutlerAugust 18, 2020

Article

10 Questions for Steve How long have you been at Profit Point and why did you choose to work here? Almost 5 years. There were a lot of reasons that Profit Point appealed to me but not having a 1.5 hour daily commute (if traffic was moving) was a big part of the decision. Where …
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Unlock Hidden Profits in Your Production Assets Network

Alan KosanskyJuly 9, 2020

White Paper

Manufacturing assets are critical hubs in a value chain. For process manufacturers, the production assets network structure determines by far the lion’s share of the value chain costs. The biggest cost optimization savings opportunities are available when you are assessing or re-designing the network you have in place. Once manufacturers have established a network and …
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