May-June 2026
This month’s Supply Chain Management Review explores what “Supply Chain 2.0” really looks like in practice and where transformation is driven less by technology and more by leadership, culture, and execution. From rethinking CPG order management and modernizing procurement with AI-enabled frameworks to advancing next-generation planning capabilities, the issue highlights how organizations are building more agile, resilient, and data-driven operations. There is also additional coverage featuring a MODEX recap, the top trucking companies in the US, and a digital exclusive on improving negotiation outcomes through structured reflection.
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The $4 million procurement gap
Differences in how procurement processes are designed and executed can create more than a $4 million cost gap at scale.
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Procurement’s moment has arrived
For years, procurement has been defined by what it saved. It was a cost control function designed to ensure needed materials or services were acquired at the least cost…
4
Tech suppliers need more responsible leaders
Tech leaders must move beyond ethics debates and embrace accountability, making decisions that balance business responsibility, national interests, and supply chain realities.
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AI and technology: The latest findings from the 2026 State of Omnichannel Supply Chain Report
New research findings reveal AI and automation are becoming the backbone of omnichannel supply chains as companies move from capability building to real-time, profitable execution.
12
The always-ready supply chain: Turning disruption into competitive edge
The rules of supply chain network design (SCND) have fundamentally shifted. In an era where volatility is the only constant, a supply chain modeled solely for stability is no…
16
Here comes the new supply chain: Is your organization ready?
A new supply chain management model promises greater resilience, innovation, and customer value, yet its success depends less on technology and more on the leadership alignment,…
26
Breaking the circular transfer trap: A strategic framework for order management in CPG supply chains
A comprehensive framework for transforming order management from reactive routing to predictive excellence through dynamic order management and deployment optimization.
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Driving procurement forward: A digital spin on the Kraljic Matrix
By integrating AI, blockchain, and IoT into the classic Kraljic Matrix, procurement leaders can transform a decades-old framework into a dynamic decision tool that strengthens…
46
Leveraging advanced tech to develop next-level planning
Advanced planning technologies combined with stronger data, processes, and AI capabilities are transforming supply chain planning, enabling faster decision-making, greater…
50
Unlocking better negotiation outcomes: How after-action reflections can transform supply chain performance
Supply chain leaders invest heavily in preparing for negotiations, yet many overlook a powerful lever for continuous improvement: After-action reflection. Evidence from a study…
56
AI and the new economics of tail spend
Artificial intelligence is turning tail spend from a neglected cost center into a scalable source of value through automated supplier engagement.
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How efficient is your procurement process?
Benchmarks reveal a wide performance gap in the processing of purchase orders. What do top-performing teams do differently?
64
Modex 2026: Now & next
MHI’s Modex 2026 welcomed 50,000 registered visitors from every U.S. state and 132 countries, alongside 1,057 exhibitors covering 630,000 net square feet and representing all…
68
Top 50 Trucking Companies: Strategy separates the leaders
From pricing discipline and capacity planning to technology and AI, the nation’s top carriers are navigating a soft freight market while positioning their networks for the…
