3 Keys to Achieve an Agile, Digitally-Enabled Supply Chain

Clarissa Willis
November 19, 2020 | Updated: September 12, 2023

Businesses are like naval ships battling the rough winds and waters of a hurricane. In an area of uncertainty, the forces of change blow from every direction. Trade wars, pandemics, extreme weather and other unexpected risks have unbuttoned old business models, and businesses must be ready to protect against volatility in demand and supply.

Safety stock is the largest component in protecting against uncertainties, and it is the lubricant that keeps supply chains running smoothly. The 2019 Forecasting and Inventory Benchmark Study Infographic: Inventory Reduction is here to provide a dynamic snapshot into what companies should be doing to get the most out of their inventory to improve productivity and see a greater return on capital.

However, businesses should aim to improve more than just the productivity of their inventory. Forecasting, agility and resiliency are also other key areas companies should strive to develop to outstep competitors in global trade. Best-in-class forecasting can mean the difference between minimal incremental revenue gains and the boost in performance that business leaders seek. Agility and resiliency, meanwhile, provide the strong backbone needed to handle unexpected disruptions in demand and supply and help business leaders navigate away from the storms.

In addition to the inventory reduction infographic, the 2019 Forecasting and Inventory Benchmark Study infographic: Agility and Resiliency and 2019 Forecasting and Inventory Benchmark Study Infographic: Best-in-Class Accuracy offer quick at-a-glance portions of the core topics in the ninth Annual Forecasting and Benchmarking Study. The comprehensive study examines the current state of forecasting, inventory and supply chain performance to present companies with the insight they need to see how they stack up against their peers. It encompasses more than $250 billion in annual sales across multiple industries and is an invaluable resource for companies who seek to achieve planning excellence.

If you would like to read the full study, you can access it here.

Download the 2021 Forecasting and Inventory Benchmark Study to find out how the Covid-19 pandemic impacted key supply chain metrics and discover successful strategies adopted by leading manufacturers to respond to disruption.

Latest

June 2, 2025

Employee Spotlight: Usman Syed

E2open is powered by a strong global network of problem solvers and innovators driven by strong values and our company culture. Together, we are focused on doing what’s right in business and in our communities. Every month, we will shine a spotlight on an exceptional team member who is helping us transform the supply chain industry. This month, we held a Q&A with Usman Syed, QA Manager at e2open..

Read More
May 30, 2025

Cracking the Code of Global Trade Content with e2open’s Global Knowledge®

Do you feel like global trade compliance is a game you just can’t seem to beat? Between keeping tabs on shifting tariffs and duties, deciphering restricted party lists and sanctions, managing trade can feel like playing chess blindfolded. Fortunately, tools like e2open’s Global Knowledge® are empowering businesses to streamline trade operations, dodge compliance risks, and stay sharp and competitive. In this blog, we’ll dive into key challenges organizations face when managing global trade content, and how a trade content tool can make it easier.

Read More
May 25, 2025

E2open Announces Acquisition by WiseTech Global, Concluding Strategic Review

DALLAS – May 25, 2025 – E2open Parent Holdings, Inc. (NYSE: ETWO) (“E2open” or the “Company”), the connected supply chain SaaS platform with a leading multi-enterprise network, today announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to be acquired by WiseTech Global Limited (ASX: WTC) (“WiseTech”), a leading provider of logistics execution software solutions. The acquisition marks the conclusion of e2open’s previously announced strategic review process.

Read More
Subscribe to Receive e2open Updates

E2open Subscription Center

Interested in Learning More? Stay current with the latest e2open news – from company updates to thought-leadership pieces, and so much more!

Complete this form to subscribe to e2open updates.

Are you ready to boost your supply chain capabilities? Let's get started.

Let's Get Started