GOODQUESTION
SUPPLY CHAIN AGILITY INDEX (SCAI) quantifies how “pivot-ready” a
Projections On Point
supply chain is to rapidly adapt to unexpected disruptions—not in theory, but in practice. Index metrics deliver a broader, comparative view of performance and trends. Most companies still optimize cost, not flexibility. Agility is the new competitive edge.
Forecasting accuracy remains foundational. The tighter the forecast, the fewer surprises across warehousing, stang, and transportation. –Dennis Moon COO, Roadie More specifically demand forecast , because it has the most significant impact on operational readiness. It influences nearly every other aspect of operations—inventory levels, production planning, purchasing, and customer fulfillment. Better forecasting metrics, based on current data and trends, help the supply chain react quicker and avoid costly risks. –Tony Oakes Training Manager, TA Services Smart teams monitor forecast accuracy (85%+) , inventory turns (8–10x/year), supplier on-time delivery (95%+), lead time variability (>20%), backorder rates (>2%), and slow purchase order (PO) acknowledgments to spot risk early. Fill rates below 98% hurt customer trust. These signals highlight gaps in planning, sourcing, or execution. –Adam Beckerman Manufacturing and Distribution Leader, Aprio
–Chris Doersen Executive Principal Client Delivery, JBF Consulting
TWO TRANSPORTATION METRICS are key to combating economic fluctuation and navigating shifting consumer behavior. The first is freight cost per unit/mile/shipment. The second is on time delivery/on time in full (OTD/OTIF), which reflects a transportation network’s reliability and pace. –Skylar Greer Director, Account Solutions, Kenco TIME-TO-VALUE is the metric I keep coming back to. The ability to turn a decision into a measurable result—quickly—is what sets resilient operations apart. Whether it’s a new technology, process change, or delivery model, it’s not just about moving fast. You need to see outcomes fast. –Karli Sage Sr. Director, Emerging Technology, Southern Glazer’s Wine & Spirits KEY RISK INDICATORS (KRI S ) related to risks such as subcontractor financial health, geopolitical risks, and extreme weather events. Focusing on adapting technologies that continuously track KRIs, combined with traditional key performance indicators, is what creates supply chain resilience. –David Weeks Supply Chain Industry Practice Lead, Moody’s DAYS SALES OUTSTANDING (DSO) is the metric to watch. In a tight-margin market, cash flow is everything—and DSO tells you how
PRIORITIZE RESOLUTION TIME over response time. A quick reply doesn't
quickly you’re actually getting paid. A rising DSO signals delayed cash inflows, which can choke operations. Monitoring and improving DSO helps supply chain companies stay liquid, stable, and ready for what’s next.
guarantee a fix, what matters is how fast issues are fully resolved. Focusing on resolution speed ensures operations stay on track, even when disruptions require multiple steps or expert intervention. –Ken Feinstein VP, MIDCOM Data Technologies
–Bharath Krishnamoorthy Co-Founder and CEO, Denim
KEY PERFORMANCE INDICATORS LIKE $/LB, $/CASE, AND $/MILE are our north star for tracking cost, eciency, and value. When these KPIs shift, it’s a signal to dig deeper—whether due to sourcing changes, order size, or transport costs. Anchor to your KPIs— beware of drifting. –Chris Tod President and COO, NT Logistics LANDED COST PER UNIT. It reflects the full impact of taris, duties, shipping, and fulfillment changes. Tracking it closely helps brands make smarter decisions about sourcing, pricing, and margin protection. –Thomas Taggart Head of Global Trade, Passport
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August 2025 • Inbound Logistics 7
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