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Demand Planning (432KB)
Inbound Logistics Article - 'Collaborate fo... (1MB)
Inventory Planning & Optimization (263KB)
Network Optimization (PDF, 289KB)
Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) Solut... (PDF, 218KB)
Sales and Operations Planning (PDF, 382KB)
Software Selection and Implementations (PDF, 1.2MB)
Sourcing Optimization (PDF, 349KB)
Supply Chain Solutions (PDF, 695KB)
Supply Chain Transportation Solutions (PDF, 81KB)
Warehouse Performance Audit (PDF, 659KB)
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Lean Principles and IT Demand Management
IT spending level is typically based on historical or competitive benchmark
levels. Given the current global economic climate many IT organizations
face frozen budgets and cost-cutting efforts and this puts a squeeze
on many innovative initiatives in the backlog. The only way for folks to
get more done for less will be to plan and prioritize the IT portfolio
based on strategic fit, business value, risk, and complexity.
Take the white paper (711KB)
The What’s and How’s of ETL Architecture
This paper is basically a high level description of a highly technical subject -
Extract, Transform, Load (ETL) Architecture. It is written for IT management and professionals to address and explain an area which often has been overlooked.
Take the white paper (2.5MB)
Managing Third Party Risk
Some sources of risk that may not be top-of-mind include your service providers,
web hosting services, contractors, outsourcers, supply-chain nodes, consulting
services, and travel services—any number of outside entities having custody
of or access to your sensitive information. If your extended enterprise includes
these third parties, you need a way to manage this risk.
Take the white paper (4.5MB)
IT Asset Rationalization & Shared Services Management
Given the current global economic climate, companies are
trying to run off the extra fat from everywhere.
This includes IT budgets being squeezed and IT roles being switched to
keep-the-lights running roles (operations instead of innovation). In this kind
of ecosystem, it is no wonder that more and more IT initiatives are focused
on bottom-line, and less focused on innovative top-line growth.
Take the white paper (518KB)
Reducing the Excess: Using Vendor-Managed Inventory to Improve Productivity Without Sacrificing Customer Service
In this white paper, we discuss several aspects of vendor-managed inventory,
including the business drivers behind its increasing popularity, risks associated
with VMI, and implementation considerations. In addition, we provide a case
study of a VMI system recently implemented at a major auto parts distribution
company for use with its customers (auto dealers). After reading this white paper,
you will have a greater understanding of the “what,” “why,” and “how” behind
VMI, and will be able to determine if VMI is right for your organization.
Take the white paper (702KB)
SAP Supply Chain Execution Solutions: IM, WM AND EWM - Which Solution is Right for You?
There are currently three options available for
the SAP user who wants to optimize warehouse processes, including inventory
management (IM), warehouse management (WM) and the latest development,
extended warehouse management (EWM). This white paper describes those three options to help you determine which
option best meets your organization needs.
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Process Automation for the Procurement of Direct Materials
This paper will present an analysis of a plan-driven procurement process for direct
materials. This analysis includes not only the activities and steps in such a process,
but also the data sets associated with each activity. Automation of this process will be
explored to highlight where an organization can find process improvements that lead to
positive impact on the bottom line. Several recent studies are referenced to identify the
benefits companies have obtained by automating the plan-driven direct procurement
process. Purchasing executives can use this information to analyze their own direct
material procurement processes to determine what benefits might be obtained.
Take the white paper (727KB)
Turning Brown into Green: Achieving Effective Business Process Improvement Using CIBER’s Brown Paper Methodology
Businesses do not launch software and business improvement projects
because they have nothing better to do. They undertake them with the
objective of creating incremental business value. The objective may be
increasing productivity, improving customer service, gaining competitive
advantage, reducing costs, or all of the above. Improve and align business
processes with the organization’s vision, goals, and objectives and the desired
results will follow.
Take the white paper (859KB)
Business Intelligence Best Practices: Transforming Data into Information
The introduction of information technology systems decades ago helped organizations worldwide benefit from more efficient operations and greater productivity. Over the
years, companies have acquired volumes of data in these applications, but much of this data is trapped in multiple, disparate systems which cannot easily communicate. As a result, firms must expend considerable effort to tap into the full potential of these data assets to strategically maneuver the business in a rapidly changing and competitive marketplace. The latest evolution in IT is “business intelligence,” which promises to help businesses better tap into and leverage their data assets. But what, exactly, is BI? How can it help? How is it implemented? And what can it do for your company? Essentially a primer on BI, this paper describes BI, how it can help you, and best practices to consider when launching or refining a business intelligence initiative.
Take the white paper (558KB)
Achieving Best Practice Performance In Automotive Parts Distribution
Globalization and structural issues have caused the automotive
market to become more competitive than ever,
with pressure to deliver increasing levels of service at
lower costs. The companies that establish themselves as
dominant players in this market will have a streamlined
supply chain that can deliver extraordinary customer
service levels. Additionally, the flexibility to handle a
variety of value added processes as easily as standard
processes will be a requirement for success.
Take the white paper (275KB)
RFID: An Introduction and Analysis of Gen 2 and SAP Auto ID Infrastructure
Implementing RFID systems presents many challenges
and requires careful planning and understanding
of several different technologies. This white paper
introduces RFID systems, RFID components, and the
new EPC™ Class 1 Gen 2 specification, and discusses
advantages of Gen 2 over Gen 1 protocols. The final
part of the paper discusses implementing RFID using
SAP Auto ID Infrastructure (AII) and integrating RFID to
the SAP R/3 back end.
Take the white paper (798KB)
Warehouse Slotting Systems: Top 10 Most Frequently Asked Questions When Choosing a Slotting Package
As a supply chain systems integrator, CIBER is often asked about the benefits of
warehouse slotting and slotting packages available (both integrated and stand
alone) in the current marketplace. This white paper will address several of
the most common questions posed regarding Warehouse Management System
(WMS) slotting and slotting packages, and will provide answers based on CIBER’s
16+ years of implementing, integrating and supporting WMS and warehouse
slotting packages.
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Conquering the Challenge of Global SAP Implementations: SAP Rollout Strategies and Best Practices
Implementing SAP on a global scale presents many challenges and
issues that require careful planning and preparation. This whitepaper
provides strategies and best practices on how to proactively manage
challenges that arise for an international SAP project. It also evaluates
various approaches to template development plans and rollout
strategies. This whitepaper is a hands-on guide, based on real-life
lessons learned, that IT and business leaders can use to achieve
successful international SAP implementations.
Take the white paper (778KB)
Using a Consultant in Warehouse Management Systems Software Selection: Prudent Choice or Waste of Money?
This white paper provides the business rationale for considering a
consultant to help you with your WMS software selection. It also provides practical
and tangible steps to develop a beneficial relationship with a consultant—from
building a framework of responsibilities, to defining your costs, timelines, and
deliverables to negotiating a contract and measuring results.
Take the white paper (354KB)
Best-of-breed Warehouse Management Systems vs. ERP Applications: Is the Gap Narrowing?
This paper describes the strengths and weaknesses of best-of-breed and ERP
providers and potential future trends in the WMS space. This paper provides the
specific functionality, technology, and risk criteria you should consider to help you
select the best WMS solution for your organization.
Take the white paper (669KB)
The Five Key Ways Transportation Management Systems Can Rapidly Reduce Costs by up to 30 Percent
Maintaining competitive advantage in today's demanding business environment requires continual process improvement
and cost reduction. Many companies focus on transportation in an effort to control supply chain costs and help ensure
timely shipments. Recently, however, effective transportation management has become more complex due to several
industry trends.
Take the white paper (93KB)
Radio Frequency Identification (RFID) in Supply Chain: Roadmap for the Future
RFID technology is one of the hottest topics for retailers, manufacturers, and other industries where added visibility and control over items in the supply chain can provide competitive advantage. In our white paper, we introduce the concept, explain how it works, and offer some ideas for how to put it to work in your organization.
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Selecting a Warehouse Management System: Strategies and Tactics
Learn how to leverage supply chain software to reduce costs, improve profitability and drive bottom-line results across your supply chain processes.
Take the white paper (315KB)
Uncork Your Distribution Bottlenecks: Best Practices in Wine and Spirits Distribution
Wine and spirits distributors face complex supply chain challenges. With the need to effectively manage seasonal variations in volume, shipments of all sizes, and high-volume replenishments driven by continued growth, maximizing distribution efficiency is critical.
An article by CIBER’s Mike Krabbe was the cover story for the December 2007 issue of ’Industrial Engineer’ magazine.
Leverage Supply Chain Innovation
See how CIBER helped industrial wholesaler WinWholesale realize a 48% increase in picking efficiency at its distribution centers!
Take the article (5.5MB)
For more information, or to learn how CIBER can help improve your supply chain, contact:
Mike Krabbe
Director, CIBER Supply Chain Solutions
(513) 607-6496
mkrabbe@ciber.com
14 Dec 2009
CIBER Achieves Platinum Status in Oracle PartnerNetwork Specialized Program
Read the press release |
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02 Sep 2009
CIBER to Present at the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals Annual Global Conference
Read the press release |
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25 Jun 2009
CIBER Completes Oracle Upgrade For MiraCosta College
Read the press release |
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01 Dec 2008
CIBER Hires Anthony D’ambrosi as Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer for IT Outsourcing Division
Read the press release |
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06 Oct 2008
CIBER and HighJump Software Enhance Warehouse Efficiency for Largest New York Wine and Spirits Distributor
Read the press release |
Take the PDF (25KB)
06 Aug 2008
CIBER and Llamasoft Announce Supply Chain Analytics Partnership
Read the press release |
Take the PDF (25KB)
28 Jul 2008
CIBER Mobile Supply Chain Solution Reduces Inventory Investments, Improves Patient Access for Northeast Georgia Health Systems
Read the press release |
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09 Apr 2008
Tom Carter Joins CIBER Federal Government Division As Vice President For Federal Contracts
Read the press release |
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27 Mar 2008
CIBER Completes ERP Project On Time and On Budget for Gramercy Alumina LLC and St. Ann Bauxite Ltd.
Read the press release |
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24 Mar 2008
CIBER Wins $3.6 Million Oracle Implementation Contract with Azusa Pacific University
Read the press release |
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19 Feb 2008
CIBER Completes Lawson Implementation for City of High Point, North Carolina
Read the press release |
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17 Jan 2008
CIBER Wins $2.5 Million Implementation Contract For Leading Apparel Company
Read the press release |
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- client spotlight
- case studies
- client quotes
CIBER implements vendor-managed inventory distribution model and establishes long-term support methodology for MOPAR, the aftermarket parts division of Chrysler.
Take the case study (685KB )
CIBER has completed a seven-month mobile supply chain management (MSCM) project for Gainesville-based Northeast Georgia Health Systems (NGHS). The project links the healthcare facility’s Lawson enterprise resource planning (ERP) software to mobile devices used by personnel in the receiving department and on the clinical floors.
Read the press release |
Take the PDF (28KB )
Kiss Products, Inc. selected CIBER because of our extensive experience with SAP products as well as our knowledge of supply chain business processes, expertise with RFID technology, and top-tier relationships with major radio frequency (RF) hardware vendors. Also important was CIBER’s ability to offer "one-stop shopping" for the complete implementation of SAP, mobile computing, and wireless solutions.
Take the case study (309KB )
CIBER has been selected by Brooklyn-based Empire Merchants LLC - the largest wine and spirits distributor in metropolitan New York-to lead a supply chain cost reduction initiative for the firm’s two New York metro area distribution centers.
Read the press release |
Take the PDF (18KB )
CIBER and technical resources from Cessna worked together using CIBER’s Rapid Application Development environment (known as ICE-RADS™) to design, develop, and deploy an application that would allow information to be downloaded to a Windows NT server on a more frequent basis.
Take the case study (161KB )
An International Cruise Line
CIBER Collaboration Helps Cruise Line with Warehouse Management System Implementation
Take the PDF (276KB)
Distro, Inc.
Distro Turns to CIBER for Help Redesigning Distribution Operations
Take the PDF (232KB)
Kiss Products, Inc.
CIBER Helps Support Kiss Products Rapid Expansion
Take the PDF ( 309KB)
Major Brands Premium Beverage Distributors
CIBER Delivers Major Warehouse Efficiency Gains
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MOPAR
CIBER Implements Vendor-Managed Inventory Distribution Model and Establish Long-term Support Methodology for MOPAR
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“CIBER had a proven track record of efficient project management and achieving results according to plan. They brought in talented, dynamic personnel that became partners in the design and execution of the project.”
Jerry Quell — Senior Manager of Inventory Planning, MOPAR
“We chose CIBER as our implementation and integration partner based on their previous project experience with us and their history of significant implementations with other wine and spirits distributors. We’re thrilled with the success of the implementation in our Brooklyn facility and with the operational improvements we’ve seen with the HighJump system.”
Tony Magliocco — Chief Operating Officer, Empire Merchants
“CIBER’s proposal was so comprehensive, yet at the same time it offered value-priced services and infrastructure that fit our budget. It was a tall order that they filled easily. Most importantly, their design saved us a great deal of money that would otherwise have been allocated to annual ERP system licensing fees.”
Bill Foley — Director of Materials Management, Northeast Georgia Health Systems
“CIBER was excellent to work with. They listened to our challenges, found creative solutions, and worked hard to accommodate our time constraints. The information they provided us on the licensing saved us a great deal of money. Working with CIBER helped us improve our costs while also improving patient care – this is a win/win situation for NGHS and our patients.”
Blanche Ettinger — Project Manager, IT, Northeast Georgia Health Systems
“Because of their experience in our industry, CIBER already had a deep understanding of our business, but they were also quick to learn the uniqueness of our situation. During the software selection process, CIBER’s demonstrated knowledge of the wine and spirits industry and supply chain software market assured us that CIBER was the right partner to lead the implementation as well.”
Anthony Magliocco — Chief Operating Officer, Empire Merchants
Supply Chain blog
Is a SaaS WMS Solution Right for Your warehouse?
posted: 25 August 2010 by Mike Krabbe
40-something and Infatuated with Aéropostale Supply Chain Strategy
posted: 11 August 2010 by Alonzo Bright
For more information about our Inventory Planning & Optimization services & solutions, please contact:
rcaputo@ciber.com
Robin Caputo
VP, Marketing
Inventory Planning & Optimization
All Inventory Planners are tasked with putting the right components or finished products in the right location at the right time so businesses can fill customer orders above targeted fill rates. Your planners must accomplish this with the least amount of inventory investment as possible so that the business can avoid unnecessary cost. This goal must be met whether sales are increasing or decreasing and demand patterns are steady, seasonal or intermittent. While working to achieve these business goals many planners encounter the following situations.
System Analysis
Managers and planners often question whether their current planning systems are capable of taking their supply chain to the next level. CIBER’s consultants will complete an expert analysis of your current inventory planning system. CIBER will then document and implement system functionality that is not being used. Utilizing your systems additional functionality could eliminate the need to implement a new system, providing significant cost savings.
Inventory Planning System Upgrade or Implementation
It is necessary for a system to capture all the business processes your inventory planners use and it is vital to identify the functionality of a new or upgraded system. CIBER’s expert consultants have the specific resources necessary to accomplish this goal and will show your planning team how to leverage as much functionality as possible from your new system. CIBER provides the resources to document and test the processes within a new system as well as train inventory planners to how to use the new structure.
Standardized Processes
Best-in-class inventory planners are process driven and diligent. They utilize sustained processes to adjust both system and SKU level parameters so that product flows through the supply chain at the most cost effective rate. These planners follow standardized processes to monitor and identify potential supply or demand exceptions that could lead to stock-outs or excess inventory. CIBER’s consultants will document your best-in-class processes that occur throughout the supply chain and ensure these processes are utilized in all business units.
New Planning Techniques
CIBER’s Inventory Planning Consultants have a broad range of experience that spans various industries with distinctly different demand patterns. CIBER’s consultants can determine the right product mix at individual retail stores at a SKU level from week to week for any sized organization. CIBER can also implement planning solutions for SKU’s that are critical to stock but only sell a few times a year.
STEP #1: Demand Assessment
CIBER’s first step is to understand your customer demand. The best inventory planning strategy can only be chosen after demand patterns are understood. CIBER’s process analyzes your demand and segments SKUs into different demand buckets.
STEP #2: CIBER Inventory Planning Design
CIBER utilizes key Demand Assessment results to determine the best inventory planning strategies. Key results include the magnitude and frequency of demand, customer service targets and cost to serve. Different SKUs in your business may need to be managed utilizing Kanban, MRP/DRP, Min/Max, Re-order Points, Optimization or Vendor Managed Inventory.
CIBER’s design process ensures optimum strategies are used to meet your specific business goals.
Your business can take advantage of CIBER’s inventory planning experience from managing SKUs with long-lead-times from raw material suppliers to thousands of SKUs in an environment with intermittent demand.
STEP #3: Modify and/or Select Tools As Needed
CIBER assists your business in using your current tools to their fullest. CIBER also has a proven product selection process that will help you choose the best tools.
STEP #4: Implement Process and Tools
CIBER offers your business several options for implementation. CIBER provides consultants with inventory planning experience that can implement and execute a Best In Class inventory planning process for your business. CIBER can also lead and manage the implementation of inventory planning processes for your staff providing mentoring and guidance to ensure your staff if ready to execute independently. Depending on your organizations specific needs CIBER’s consultants can either supplement or lead staff in the Inventory Planning process.
STEP #5: Post Implementation Assessment
CIBER will assess your inventory planning process by measuring customer service fill rates and inventory turns. At the end of the assessment you should see these key metrics improve. We don’t win unless you win!
The Benefits
- Customer fill rates and inventory turns improve
- Improvement in teamwork as the Inventory Planning Function works closely with other functions to develop strategies to meet customer demand
- Better understanding of your market and your capabilities to meet market demand
CIBER’s 5 Step Inventory Planning process will dramatically increase the efficiency of your supply chain process. From the initial assessment to the final implementation, CIBER’s consultants will provide your organization the expertise to perform at an optimum level.
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(PDF, 263KB)