Planning - Executive Roundtable: Q2 2023

With e-commerce back to its normal annual growth rate, the highest operating expense on most retailer P&L's is becoming shipping. The cost, speed, and accuracy of delivery can be optimized, but ultimately the best way to reduce this expense is planning and placing inventory as close as possible to probable buyers. Shorter delivery distances is the way we at Amazon cracked the code on making Prime profitable. I am seeing the retail industry is starting to understand this, and they are prioritizing inventory allocation as a part of inventory planning, and it's improving costs and customer experience for customers. It's a win-win for everyone.

Jason Murray

CEO & Co-founder Shipium

Shahin Kohan, a seasoned and trusted technologist, businessman and advisor, is on a mission to catalyze the potential of people and organizations through the power of technology. Three decades of experience working across industries has granted him the knowledge, resources and perspective to effectively create solutions to problems of any size, and ultimately help others make their impact on the world. His companies, including AIMS360, the leader of fashion technology, and Kumo Technology, a pioneering workflow innovation and software development company focused on the private lending industry, allow him to achieve that goal. A proud American immigrant raised amidst the struggle of Tehran, Iran in the 70s, his inspiring journey of possibility, persistence and passion fuels his deep appreciation and endeavor to make technology more accessible, human and powerful for all.

Looking at their supply chain, forecasting, and procurement planning, retailers will need to balance all the challenges they face by remaining nimble, informed, and prepared to adjust operational and procurement strategies to meet their customers changing needs. Changing consumer preferences, an economy in flux, and the residual impacts of two years of supply chain inventory challenges have all made the process of forecasting demand a challenge. Being proactively prepared and reacting to possible industry short term disruptions in real time while maintaining focus on a long-term resilient and sustainable supply chain will help retailers better plan their inventory levels to meet demand.

Ken O’Brien

President & CEO,

Gemini Shippers Association

Shahin Kohan, a seasoned and trusted technologist, businessman and advisor, is on a mission to catalyze the potential of people and organizations through the power of technology. Three decades of experience working across industries has granted him the knowledge, resources and perspective to effectively create solutions to problems of any size, and ultimately help others make their impact on the world. His companies, including AIMS360, the leader of fashion technology, and Kumo Technology, a pioneering workflow innovation and software development company focused on the private lending industry, allow him to achieve that goal. A proud American immigrant raised amidst the struggle of Tehran, Iran in the 70s, his inspiring journey of possibility, persistence and passion fuels his deep appreciation and endeavor to make technology more accessible, human and powerful for all.

Retailers are facing several uncertainties with inventory and supply chain planning. Today, we’re seeing smoother flows of products from abroad and encountering less congestion at ports and rail ramps. However, we all know that might not be the case next week. The real question on everyone’s mind should be: how can I prepare for the next disruption? Right now, supply chain capacity is contracting to meet present demand. Be proactive and establish partnerships with asset-based providers —whether in drayage, warehousing, or distribution — so that you have the flexibility and access when the pendulum of capacity and demand swings in the opposite direction.

Barry Blakely

President & COO, Averitt Express

Shahin Kohan, a seasoned and trusted technologist, businessman and advisor, is on a mission to catalyze the potential of people and organizations through the power of technology. Three decades of experience working across industries has granted him the knowledge, resources and perspective to effectively create solutions to problems of any size, and ultimately help others make their impact on the world. His companies, including AIMS360, the leader of fashion technology, and Kumo Technology, a pioneering workflow innovation and software development company focused on the private lending industry, allow him to achieve that goal. A proud American immigrant raised amidst the struggle of Tehran, Iran in the 70s, his inspiring journey of possibility, persistence and passion fuels his deep appreciation and endeavor to make technology more accessible, human and powerful for all.

Uncertainty and Planning

Uncertainty and Planning

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