{"id":36981,"date":"2026-07-01T17:12:54","date_gmt":"2026-07-01T21:12:54","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/?p=36981"},"modified":"2026-07-10T07:34:20","modified_gmt":"2026-07-10T11:34:20","slug":"supply-chain-efficiency","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/supply-chain-efficiency\/","title":{"rendered":"Supply chain efficiency: How to measure, improve,\u00a0and sustain it\u00a0"},"content":{"rendered":"<header class=\"entry-header has-dark-background-color entry-header--standard entry-header--has-illustration entry-header--has-illustration--standard\">\n\t<div class=\"container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"entry-header__row row align-center\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"col col-lg-7 col-xlg-6 entry-header__content\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"component component-single-header\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"entry-header__misc text--subtitle text--uppercase text--small\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/category\/strategy-legal-operations\/\" class=\"entry-header__link\">Strategy, Legal &amp; Operations<\/a>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"entry-title-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h1 class=\"entry-title\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tSupply chain efficiency: How to measure, improve, and sustain it \t\t\t\t\t<\/h1>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<p class=\"entry-header__description\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\tSupply chain efficiency means delivering the right products to customers faster, at lower cost, and with less waste. This guide breaks down the metrics, challenges, and practical steps that help businesses get there.\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\t\t<div class=\"single-post-details container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"col\">\n\t\t\t<span class=\"posted-on \">Published <time class=\"entry-date published\" datetime=\"2026-07-01T17:12:54-04:00\">July 1, 2026<\/time><\/span><span class=\"reading-time\"> min read<\/span>\n\t\t<button\n\t\t\ttype=\"button\"\n\t\t\tclass=\"social-share-button button button--icon button--secondary js-social-share-button\"\n\t\t\tdata-share-title=\"Supply chain efficiency: How to measure, improve,\u00a0and sustain it\u00a0\"\n\t\t\tdata-share-url=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/supply-chain-efficiency\/\"\n\t\t\tdata-share-text=\"Please read this interesting article\"\n\t\t>\n\t\t\t<span class=\"social-share-button__share-label\">Share<\/span>\n\t\t\t<span class=\"social-share-button__copy-label\" hidden>Copy Link<\/span>\n\t\t\t<span class=\"social-share-button__copy-tooltip\" aria-hidden=\"true\" hidden>Copied<\/span>\n\t\t<\/button>\n\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n\t<\/header>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-post-author has-dark-background-color alignfull\">\n\t<div class=\"container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"col\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"co-authors\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\n\t\t<div class=\"entry-author-wrapper\">\n\t\t\t<a class=\"entry-author\" href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/author\/mikeedgett\/\">\n\t\t\t\t<img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"40\" height=\"40\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/05\/Michael-Edgett-2024_1509_LR1500_square-350x350.jpg\" class=\"entry-author__image\" alt=\"Michael Edgett\" \/>\t\t\t\t<span class=\"entry-author__name\">Mike Edgett<\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/a>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Supply chain efficiency is a simple idea with big business impact:&nbsp;get the right products to the right customers faster, at lower cost, with less waste, and&nbsp;without compromising service, quality, or compliance.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When your supply chain is efficient, your team spends less time fighting fires and more time making improvements like tightening replenishment, reducing expediting, increasing perfect orders, and freeing up working capital for growth.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Here\u2019s&nbsp;a breakdown of what supply chain efficiency means, why it matters, the most useful supply chain efficiency metrics, and practical steps you can take to&nbsp;improve supply chain efficiency&nbsp;now.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n<?xml encoding=\"utf-8\" ?><div class=\"wp-block-yoast-seo-table-of-contents yoast-table-of-contents\"><ul><li><a href=\"#h-what-nbsp-is-supply-chain-efficiency-nbsp\" data-level=\"2\">What&nbsp;is supply chain efficiency? &nbsp;<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-why-nbsp-does-supply-chain-efficiency-matter-nbsp-nbsp\" data-level=\"2\">Why&nbsp;does supply chain efficiency matter?&nbsp; &nbsp;<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-common-supply-chain-efficiency-challenges-nbsp\" data-level=\"2\">Common supply chain efficiency challenges &nbsp;<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-key-metrics-for-measuring-supply-chain-efficiency-nbsp-nbsp\" data-level=\"2\">Key metrics for measuring supply chain efficiency&nbsp; &nbsp;<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-5-steps-to-improve-supply-chain-efficiency-nbsp-nbsp\" data-level=\"2\">5 steps to improve supply chain efficiency&nbsp; &nbsp;<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-balancing-efficiency-with-resilience-nbsp-nbsp\" data-level=\"2\">Balancing efficiency with resilience&nbsp; &nbsp;<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-future-focused-strategies-for-efficient-supply-chain-management-nbsp-nbsp\" data-level=\"2\">Future-focused strategies for efficient supply chain management&nbsp; &nbsp;<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-the-tools-that-drive-supply-chain-efficiency-nbsp-nbsp\" data-level=\"2\">The tools that drive supply chain efficiency&nbsp; &nbsp;<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-faqs-about-supply-chain-efficiency-nbsp-nbsp\" data-level=\"2\">FAQs about supply chain efficiency&nbsp; &nbsp;<\/a><\/li><li><a href=\"#h-learn-what-sets-high-performing-supply-chains-apart-nbsp-nbsp\" data-level=\"2\">Learn what sets high-performing supply chains apart&nbsp; &nbsp;<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/div>\n\n\n<section id=\"key-takeaways\" class=\"wp-block-sage-key-takeaways\"><div class=\"sage-key-takeaways__inner\"><h2 class=\"wp-block-heading has-h-3-font-size\">Key takeaways<\/h2>\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Efficiency is where margin is won or lost, especially for small and mid-sized businesses with little room to absorb waste, delays, or errors.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Poor visibility, manual processes, and unreliable suppliers&nbsp;are the most common drains on supply chain performance.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A handful of metrics tell the real story: perfect order rate, inventory turnover, lead time, and on-time delivery.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Five steps drive lasting gains: streamline procurement, optimize inventory, automate manual work, strengthen supplier partnerships, and invest in real-time visibility.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Efficiency and resilience aren&#8217;t opposites. The most efficient supply chains are also the most prepared, built on visibility, flexibility, and decision speed.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div><\/section>\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-what-nbsp-is-supply-chain-efficiency-nbsp\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>What&nbsp;is supply chain efficiency?<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Supply chain efficiency is the ability to&nbsp;move&nbsp;goods&nbsp;from sourcing through production to the customer while minimizing&nbsp;wasted time, cost, and resources.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">An efficient supply chain consistently achieves outcomes like:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Customers get the right item, in the right quantity, on time, in good condition&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Inventory is balanced (minimal stockouts and minimal overstock)&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Operations&nbsp;aren\u2019t&nbsp;dependent on excessive manual rework, last-minute expediting,&nbsp;or&nbsp;constant follow-ups&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Data flows across teams so decisions happen quickly&nbsp;and with&nbsp;few surprises&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Cost-to-serve is controlled and predictable&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This is distinct from supply chain&nbsp;<em>effectiveness<\/em>, which measures whether your chain achieves its intended outcomes (such as&nbsp;customer satisfaction). Efficiency is specifically about&nbsp;<em>how well<\/em>&nbsp;you use the inputs&nbsp;(time, labor, capital, inventory, etc.)&nbsp;to produce those outcomes. Both matter, but efficiency is often where margin is won or lost.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-why-nbsp-does-supply-chain-efficiency-matter-nbsp-nbsp\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Why&nbsp;does supply chain efficiency matter?&nbsp;<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Supply chain efficiency directly&nbsp;impacts&nbsp;your bottom line. When operations run smoothly, costs go down, fulfillment speeds up, and customers receive a more consistent experience. When they&nbsp;don&#8217;t, the entire business feels the ripple effects, from inflated costs to missed sales and damaged supplier relationships.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Beyond cost, supply chain efficiency is increasingly a competitive differentiator. Businesses that can respond quickly to&nbsp;shifts in&nbsp;demand,&nbsp;pivot&nbsp;around&nbsp;disruptions, and fulfill orders accurately are better positioned to&nbsp;retain&nbsp;customers and win new ones. Those that&nbsp;can&#8217;t&nbsp;are often left reactive, scrambling to recover rather than&nbsp;planning ahead.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For small and mid-sized businesses in particular, efficiency is&nbsp;survival.&nbsp;Tighter margins mean&nbsp;there&#8217;s&nbsp;less room to absorb waste, delays, or errors. Getting more output from existing resources is often the most practical path to growth.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-common-supply-chain-efficiency-challenges-nbsp\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Common supply chain efficiency challenges<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Understanding where inefficiencies typically originate is the first step toward fixing them.&nbsp;Here are three common blockers.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-poor-visibility-across-systems-nbsp-nbsp\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Poor visibility across systems&nbsp;<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When data is spread across disconnected tools such as ERP, inventory apps, spreadsheets, email threads, carrier portals, and supplier updates, teams lose time reconciling whose numbers are right.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Siloed systems force teams to rely on manual reconciliation, outdated spreadsheets, and gut instinct rather than real-time data. The result is slower decision-making and a higher likelihood of errors.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-manual-processes-and-outdated-technology-nbsp\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Manual processes and outdated technology<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Repetitive, manual workflows&nbsp;like re-keying purchase orders, manually updating stock counts, or building reports by hand&nbsp;consume&nbsp;time that could be spent on higher-value&nbsp;strategic&nbsp;work. They also introduce human&nbsp;error.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Outdated technology compounds the problem.&nbsp;Because legacy systems&nbsp;often&nbsp;can&#8217;t&nbsp;integrate&nbsp;with modern tools,&nbsp;automation&nbsp;becomes&nbsp;difficult,&nbsp;and data sharing&nbsp;is&nbsp;nearly impossible.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Common consequences:<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Errors and rework&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Long cycle times (such as&nbsp;procure-to-pay&nbsp;and&nbsp;order-to-cash)&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>\u201cHidden\u201d work that&nbsp;can&#8217;t&nbsp;scale&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Delayed reporting&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Modern supply chain software like&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/products\/supply-chain-intelligence\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Sage Supply Chain Intelligence<\/a>&nbsp;seamlessly automates supply chain execution,&nbsp;streamlines&nbsp;workflows, and&nbsp;syncs with your ERP.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-supplier-reliability-and-communication-nbsp-nbsp\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Supplier reliability and communication&nbsp;<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Your supply chain is only as strong as its weakest supplier. When vendor communication is fragmented (scattered across emails, calls, and spreadsheets), it&nbsp;becomes difficult to track lead times, manage expectations, or catch problems early. Unreliable supplier performance, whether in delivery timing or product quality, cascades into&nbsp;lead time&nbsp;delays and cost overruns that are hard to absorb.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Without&nbsp;a structured way to measure&nbsp;performance&nbsp;and collaborate&nbsp;with suppliers, small issues become recurring disruptions.&nbsp;An efficient supply chain&nbsp;manages supplier performance with clear expectations, consistent communication, and shared visibility into demand, capacity, and delivery commitments.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-key-metrics-for-measuring-supply-chain-efficiency-nbsp-nbsp\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Key metrics for measuring supply chain efficiency&nbsp;<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">You&nbsp;can&#8217;t&nbsp;improve what you&nbsp;don&#8217;t&nbsp;measure. These core supply chain efficiency&nbsp;metrics&nbsp;give operations leaders&nbsp;an accurate&nbsp;picture of performance.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-perfect-order-rate-nbsp-nbsp\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Perfect order rate&nbsp;<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Perfect order rate measures the percentage of orders delivered on time, in full, without damage, and with&nbsp;accurate&nbsp;documentation.&nbsp;It&#8217;s&nbsp;one of the most comprehensive indicators of supply chain health because it captures performance across multiple functions, including picking, packing, shipping, and invoicing.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Why it matters:&nbsp;<\/strong>It combines multiple performance dimensions into a single, customer-centric score. If perfect orders are low,&nbsp;there are gaps somewhere in the fulfillment process, and&nbsp;costs rise through returns, credits, reships, and&nbsp;expediting.&nbsp;A high perfect order rate signals that your systems and teams are working&nbsp;in sync.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-inventory-turnover-ratio-nbsp-nbsp\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Inventory turnover ratio&nbsp;<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Inventory turnover measures how many times your inventory is sold and replaced over a given period. A higher ratio&nbsp;generally indicates&nbsp;that goods are moving efficiently and that&nbsp;you&#8217;re&nbsp;not tying up unnecessary capital in stock. A&nbsp;consistently&nbsp;low ratio can point to overstocking, slow-moving products, or poor demand forecasting.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The right benchmark varies by industry, but tracking this metric over time helps you spot trends and make smarter purchasing decisions.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Why it matters:<\/strong>&nbsp;Inventory is cash. When it sits, it ties up working capital and increases carrying costs.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-lead-time-and-on-time-delivery-nbsp-nbsp\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Lead time and on-time delivery&nbsp;<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Lead time is the total&nbsp;time from&nbsp;when an order is placed to when&nbsp;it&#8217;s&nbsp;received, covering procurement, production, and transit. On-time delivery rate measures the percentage of orders that arrive by the promised date. Together, these metrics reveal how predictable and reliable your supply chain is, both internally and for your customers.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Long or inconsistent lead times are often a symptom of deeper&nbsp;problems, such as&nbsp;supplier delays, inventory gaps, or inefficient handoffs between teams. Tracking these metrics regularly helps you&nbsp;identify&nbsp;where bottlenecks are&nbsp;forming.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong>Why it matters:<\/strong>&nbsp;Lead time variability&nbsp;leads to&nbsp;buffer stock,&nbsp;expediting, and service failures. A stable lead time can be more valuable than a short&nbsp;but&nbsp;unpredictable one.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-5-steps-to-improve-supply-chain-efficiency-nbsp-nbsp\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>5 steps to improve supply chain efficiency&nbsp;<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Improving supply chain efficiency is an ongoing effort, not a one-time project. These five steps create a foundation for reducing friction, accelerating cycles, and improving decision speed.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-1-streamline-procurement-nbsp-nbsp\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>1. Streamline procurement&nbsp;<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Procurement is where the supply chain starts, and inefficiencies here ripple downstream.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Start by standardizing your purchasing process:&nbsp;consolidate&nbsp;vendors where possible,&nbsp;establish&nbsp;clear approval workflows, and use purchase order systems that create a clean audit trail.&nbsp;Reducing the number of manual touchpoints in procurement reduces errors&nbsp;and speeds up cycle times.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Where possible, negotiate longer-term agreements with key suppliers. Predictable volumes and pricing make planning easier on both sides and often lead to better terms and more reliable service.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Practical ways to reduce friction and improve control:&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Standardize purchase requisition and approval workflows&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Consolidate&nbsp;suppliers where it improves leverage and consistency&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Set clear SLAs for lead times, quality, and fill rates&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Create a&nbsp;repeatable&nbsp;process for handling supplier shortfalls&nbsp;(What happens when a supplier misses commitments?)&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-2-nbsp-optimize-nbsp-inventory-management-nbsp-nbsp\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>2.&nbsp;Optimize&nbsp;inventory management&nbsp;<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Holding too much inventory ties up cash and creates waste. Holding too little leads to stockouts and&nbsp;lost&nbsp;sales. The goal&nbsp;of&nbsp;inventory efficiency&nbsp;is to find the right balance&nbsp;(the right&nbsp;amount&nbsp;of&nbsp;inventory&nbsp;in the right place at the right time),&nbsp;and that starts with better data.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Use historical sales data and seasonal trends to set reorder points and stock levels more accurately. ABC analysis&nbsp;(categorizing inventory by its value and&nbsp;demand)&nbsp;helps you focus attention and resources on the items that matter most.&nbsp;Regularly reviewing slow-moving or dead stock prevents it from quietly eroding margin over time.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-3-automate-manual-processes-nbsp-nbsp\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>3. Automate manual processes&nbsp;<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Automation is about removing low-value work that creates delays and errors.&nbsp;What are&nbsp;the repetitive, rule-based tasks in your supply chain that consume time without adding strategic value?&nbsp;Common&nbsp;ones&nbsp;include purchase order generation, invoice matching, stock level alerts,&nbsp;and&nbsp;shipment tracking updates.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Automating these tasks saves hours each week,&nbsp;reduces the errors that come with manual entry,&nbsp;and creates more consistent, auditable workflows.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-4-strengthen-supplier-partnerships-nbsp-nbsp\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>4. Strengthen supplier partnerships&nbsp;<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Efficiency improves when suppliers are treated as partners, not just&nbsp;purchase&nbsp;order&nbsp;recipients. Stronger relationships&nbsp;can&nbsp;lead to priority fulfillment, earlier insight into supply issues, and more flexibility when disruptions occur.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Build structured communication into these relationships. Regular check-ins, shared performance scorecards, and clear escalation paths make it easier to catch problems early and resolve them collaboratively rather than reactively.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-5-invest-in-real-time-visibility-nbsp-nbsp\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>5. Invest in real-time visibility&nbsp;<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Real-time visibility means having an up-to-date,&nbsp;accurate&nbsp;picture of inventory levels, order status, supplier lead times, and&nbsp;logistics&nbsp;performance across the entire chain.&nbsp;With that visibility, teams can make faster, better-informed decisions and respond to disruptions before they become crises.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Achieving this requires connected&nbsp;ERP, WMS,&nbsp;and&nbsp;TMS&nbsp;systems through integrations or&nbsp;one&nbsp;unified platform.&nbsp;It&#8217;s&nbsp;an investment&nbsp;that pays dividends in reduced&nbsp;risk, faster fulfillment, and more confident planning.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-balancing-efficiency-with-resilience-nbsp-nbsp\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Balancing efficiency with resilience&nbsp;<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Efficiency and resilience are sometimes framed as opposing forces, with the idea being that a leaner, more efficient supply chain is inherently more fragile. But the real risk comes from&nbsp;optimizing for&nbsp;efficiency at the expense of adaptability.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A just-in-time inventory model, for example, is highly efficient under normal conditions. But with zero buffer stock, even a modest disruption, such as&nbsp;a delayed shipment, a&nbsp;supplier&nbsp;quality issue,&nbsp;or&nbsp;an unexpected demand spike,&nbsp;can halt operations entirely.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The most efficient supply chains are also the most prepared. They&nbsp;don&#8217;t&nbsp;waste resources on unnecessary redundancy, but they also&nbsp;don&#8217;t&nbsp;leave themselves exposed to predictable risks.&nbsp;Instead, they invest in:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Visibility<\/strong>&nbsp;(so&nbsp;they&nbsp;can respond early)&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Flexibility<\/strong>&nbsp;(alternate sourcing&nbsp;and&nbsp;transportation options&nbsp;and&nbsp;scalable capacity)&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Decision speed<\/strong>&nbsp;(clear owners&nbsp;and&nbsp;thresholds&nbsp;and&nbsp;reliable data)&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When disruption hits, gaps in visibility and execution tend to create delayed decisions and higher operational risk.&nbsp;That\u2019s&nbsp;why sustaining supply chain&nbsp;efficiency depends on stronger sensing and faster coordination, and&nbsp;not just leaner operations.&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-future-focused-strategies-for-efficient-supply-chain-management-nbsp-nbsp\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Future-focused strategies for efficient supply chain management&nbsp;<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The tools and strategies available to supply chain leaders have expanded&nbsp;significantly&nbsp;in recent years. The strategies below are shaping the future of efficient supply chain management.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-ai-and-demand-forecasting-nbsp-nbsp\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>AI and demand forecasting&nbsp;<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming demand forecasting by analyzing far more variables than traditional models can handle.&nbsp;AI-powered forecasts are more&nbsp;accurate,&nbsp;updated&nbsp;in real&nbsp;time, and&nbsp;can help detect patterns and anomalies faster than manual methods, especially when demand is volatile or influenced by multiple drivers.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For operations teams, this means fewer stockouts, less excess inventory, and more confident purchasing decisions. AI can also help&nbsp;optimize&nbsp;routing, predict equipment maintenance needs, and automate supplier qualification,&nbsp;resulting in&nbsp;efficiency gains across the chain.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-cloud-erp-and-system-integration-nbsp-nbsp\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Cloud ERP and system integration&nbsp;<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Disconnected systems slow&nbsp;down&nbsp;every&nbsp;part of the supply chain. A cloud-based&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/erp\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">ERP system<\/a>&nbsp;serves as the connective tissue of an efficient supply chain, bringing financial data, inventory, procurement, and&nbsp;logistics&nbsp;into a single, integrated platform.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Unlike&nbsp;on-premise&nbsp;systems that require significant IT overhead to&nbsp;maintain&nbsp;and update, cloud&nbsp;ERPs scale with the business and integrate more readily with third-party tools.&nbsp;For small and mid-sized businesses, a&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/erp\/cloud\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">cloud&nbsp;ERP&nbsp;system<\/a>&nbsp;removes&nbsp;much of the friction that traditionally stood between them and the visibility&nbsp;they need.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">When systems&nbsp;are connected, data is more&nbsp;reliable,&nbsp;teams spend less time reconciling figures, and decision-makers get a clearer picture of&nbsp;what&#8217;s&nbsp;really happening&nbsp;across the business.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-sustainable-supply-chain-practices-nbsp-nbsp\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Sustainable supply chain practices&nbsp;<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Sustainability can strengthen efficiency&nbsp;by&nbsp;reducing&nbsp;waste and improving&nbsp;predictability. For example:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Better packaging design reduces damage and returns&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Smarter routing reduces fuel costs&nbsp;and carbon emissions&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Reducing excess inventory cuts waste&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Supplier compliance and traceability reduce risk and rework&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Nearshoring sourcing can reduce lead times and lower the environmental impact of long-distance freight&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Customers and regulators are also paying closer attention to supply chain sustainability, making it both a reputational and a compliance consideration. Businesses that start building sustainable practices into their supply chains now will be better positioned as scrutiny continues to increase.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-the-tools-that-drive-supply-chain-efficiency-nbsp-nbsp\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>The tools that drive supply chain efficiency&nbsp;<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For most small and mid-sized businesses, the priority is consolidation (fewer, better-integrated tools) rather than more tools. Every integration point is a potential failure point.&nbsp;Process improvements matter, but tools&nbsp;determine&nbsp;whether improvements stick.&nbsp;A unified platform that covers ERP, inventory, and procurement is more efficient than a patchwork of solutions stitched together with custom connections.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Look for&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/supply-chain-management\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">supply chain management&nbsp;software<\/a>&nbsp;that supports&nbsp;the fundamentals:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Integrated planning&nbsp;and&nbsp;execution:<\/strong>&nbsp;Connect demand, inventory, purchasing, production, and&nbsp;fulfillment&nbsp;so teams&nbsp;aren\u2019t&nbsp;managing in silos.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Real-time visibility and analytics:&nbsp;<\/strong>Dashboards and alerts that surface exceptions early (lead time drift, stockout risk, late shipments) improve decision speed and reduce expediting.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Workflow automation:<\/strong>&nbsp;Automated approvals, matching, status updates, and exception handling reduce cycle time and errors.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Supplier collaboration and performance management:<\/strong>&nbsp;Performance scorecards, shared forecasts, and structured communication reduce uncertainty and improve reliability.&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Ultimately, the&nbsp;goal is to create a system where planning, execution, and decision-making happen in one place. When your core processes run on a unified platform, teams spend less time reconciling data and more time acting on it.&nbsp;That\u2019s&nbsp;what turns process improvements into consistent, measurable gains in speed, accuracy, and resilience.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-faqs-about-supply-chain-efficiency-nbsp-nbsp\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>FAQs about supply chain efficiency&nbsp;<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-how-nbsp-do-i-calculate-efficiency-in-supply-nbsp-chain-nbsp-nbsp\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>How&nbsp;do I calculate efficiency in supply&nbsp;chain?&nbsp;<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Supply chain efficiency is measured through a combination of metrics rather than a single formula. Common indicators include:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Perfect order rate:<\/strong>&nbsp;Orders fulfilled on time, in full, without errors&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Inventory turnover ratio:<\/strong>&nbsp;How&nbsp;frequently&nbsp;inventory is sold and replenished&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Order cycle time:<\/strong>&nbsp;Total time from order placement to delivery&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>On-time delivery rate:<\/strong>&nbsp;The percentage of shipments arriving by the promised date&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li><strong>Supply chain cost as a percentage of revenue:<\/strong>&nbsp;Total supply chain&nbsp;spend&nbsp;relative&nbsp;to sales&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Tracking these metrics together gives a more complete picture of efficiency than any single figure alone. Most businesses start by&nbsp;establishing&nbsp;a baseline, then set targets and track progress over time.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-what-nbsp-is-an-example-of-an-nbsp-efficient-supply-chain-nbsp-nbsp\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>What&nbsp;is an example of an&nbsp;efficient supply chain?&nbsp;<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">An efficient supply chain is one where customers consistently receive complete,&nbsp;accurate&nbsp;orders on time, while the business&nbsp;maintains&nbsp;healthy inventory turns and avoids frequent expediting.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The key signal is stability: lead times are predictable, inventory is right-sized, and teams&nbsp;can&nbsp;manage exceptions early because they see them&nbsp;coming.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-what-s-nbsp-the-fastest-way-to-improve-supply-chain-efficiency-nbsp-nbsp\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>What\u2019s&nbsp;the fastest way to improve supply chain efficiency?&nbsp;<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For most organizations, the fastest gains come from:&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Reducing manual work in procurement and order management&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Improving inventory accuracy and replenishment discipline&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Gaining real-time visibility into the few metrics that drive most outcomes (perfect order, inventory turns, lead times, etc.)&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Standardizing supplier communication and performance expectations&nbsp;<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">These changes shorten cycle times and reduce errors,&nbsp;often without requiring a full operational overhaul.&nbsp;The goal is to be both&nbsp;efficient and effective: a supply chain that achieves the right outcomes with the least possible waste.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-learn-what-sets-high-performing-supply-chains-apart-nbsp-nbsp\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><strong>Learn what sets high-performing supply chains apart&nbsp;<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Improving supply chain efficiency means building a repeatable system that enables faster decision-making and stronger execution. Yet&nbsp;our&nbsp;2026 State of Supply Chain Report<strong>&nbsp;<\/strong>showed that&nbsp;only half of supply chain teams feel confident in their ability to respond to disruptions.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The difference is clear: businesses with connected systems, structured supplier oversight, and real-time visibility are better prepared and&nbsp;perform&nbsp;more consistently&nbsp;under pressure.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\"><strong><a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/cp\/sage-supply-chain-report-2026\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener\">Read the full&nbsp;2026 State of Supply Chain Report<\/a>&nbsp;<\/strong>to benchmark your&nbsp;operation\u2019s&nbsp;performance and&nbsp;identify&nbsp;where to focus&nbsp;your efficiency efforts&nbsp;next.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n<section class=\"more-topics alignfull has-grey-light-background-color wp-block-sage-post-topics\">\n\t<div class=\"container\">\n\t\t<div class=\"row\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"col col-12 col-lg-4\">\n\t\t\t\t<h3 class=\"more-topics__title h2\">Browse more topics from this article<\/h3>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<div class=\"col col-12 col-lg-8\">\n\t\t\t\t<ul class=\"post-tags__list\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<li class=\"post-tags__item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<a href=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/hub\/supply-chain-management\/\" class=\"post-tags__link button button--secondary\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\tSupply chain management\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/li>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/ul>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/section>\n\n\n<div class=\"alignfull wp-block-sage-related-posts\">\n\t<section class=\"related-posts card-grid has-dark-background-color\">\n\t<div class=\"container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"row\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<h2 class=\"related-posts__heading related-posts__heading--featured h1\">Explore more wisdom<\/h2>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t<div class=\"row 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alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/09\/GettyImages-1441453430-684x384.jpg 684w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/09\/GettyImages-1441453430-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/09\/GettyImages-1441453430-1215x810.jpg 1215w\" sizes=\"auto, (min-width: 48em) 250px, (min-width: 30em) 100vw, 100vw\" \/>\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"card-post__meta\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"card-post__meta-text\"><span class=\"posted-on \"><time class=\"entry-date published\" datetime=\"2026-09-16T07:20:48-04:00\">September 16, 2026<\/time><\/span><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"card-post__meta-text\"><span class=\"reading-time\">10 min read<\/span><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t<p class=\"card-post__title h5\">\n\t\t\tFIFO vs. LIFO: Differences, formulas, and examples\t\t<\/p>\n\n\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t<\/article>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col col-6 col-lg-3 card-grid__item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<article\n\t\tclass=\"card-post related-post related-post-3 post-32711 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-strategy-legal-operations tag-boss-your-business tag-business-continuity tag-business-strategy tag-cloud-technology tag-growing-a-business tag-productivity tag-small-business tag-supply-chain-management tag-technology business_type-small-business business_type-growing-business industry-manufacturing\"\n>\n\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\tclass=\"card-post__link\"\n\t\t\thref=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/production-process\/\"\n\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t<figure class=\"card-post__media\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"684\" height=\"384\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2018\/05\/manufacturingoperarator-684x384.jpg\" class=\"card-post__image\" alt=\"Why new equipment should be in your operational plan\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2018\/05\/manufacturingoperarator-684x384.jpg 684w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2018\/05\/manufacturingoperarator-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2018\/05\/manufacturingoperarator-1215x810.jpg 1215w\" sizes=\"auto, (min-width: 48em) 250px, (min-width: 30em) 100vw, 100vw\" \/>\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"card-post__meta\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"card-post__meta-text\"><span class=\"posted-on \"><time class=\"entry-date published\" datetime=\"2026-08-26T06:54:26-04:00\">August 26, 2026<\/time><\/span><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"card-post__meta-text\"><span class=\"reading-time\">9 min read<\/span><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t<p class=\"card-post__title h5\">\n\t\t\tProduction process: Definition, types, and 5 key stages\t\t<\/p>\n\n\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t<\/article>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"col col-6 col-lg-3 card-grid__item\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<article\n\t\tclass=\"card-post related-post related-post-4 post-36758 post type-post status-publish format-standard has-post-thumbnail hentry category-money-matters tag-distribution tag-supply-chain-management business_type-small-business business_type-growing-business industry-distribution industry-wholesale-distribution\"\n>\n\t\t\t<a\n\t\t\tclass=\"card-post__link\"\n\t\t\thref=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/reduce-supply-chain-costs\/\"\n\t\t\t\t\t>\n\t\t\t<figure class=\"card-post__media\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<img decoding=\"async\" width=\"684\" height=\"384\" src=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/09\/GettyImages-1349031655-684x384.jpg\" class=\"card-post__image\" alt=\"\" loading=\"lazy\" srcset=\"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/09\/GettyImages-1349031655-684x384.jpg 684w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/09\/GettyImages-1349031655-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2023\/09\/GettyImages-1349031655-1215x810.jpg 1215w\" sizes=\"auto, (min-width: 48em) 250px, (min-width: 30em) 100vw, 100vw\" \/>\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/figure>\n\n\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"card-post__meta\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"card-post__meta-text\"><span class=\"posted-on \"><time class=\"entry-date published\" datetime=\"2026-06-24T08:00:00-04:00\">June 24, 2026<\/time><\/span><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<span class=\"card-post__meta-text\"><span class=\"reading-time\">7 min read<\/span><\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\n\t\t<p class=\"card-post__title h5\">\n\t\t\tHow to reduce supply chain costs: 10 strategies that work\t\t<\/p>\n\n\t\t\t<\/a>\n\t\n\t\n\t\t\n\t\n\t<\/article>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n<\/section>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Supply chain efficiency means delivering the right products to customers faster, at lower cost, and with less waste. This guide breaks down the metrics, challenges, and practical steps that help businesses get there.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1924,"featured_media":36994,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_yoast_wpseo_is_cornerstone":"","_yoast_wpseo_meta-robots-noindex":"","_yoast_wpseo_meta-robots-nofollow":"","_yoast_wpseo_opengraph-title":"","_yoast_wpseo_opengraph-description":"","_yoast_wpseo_opengraph-image":"","_yoast_wpseo_opengraph-image-id":"","_yoast_wpseo_twitter-title":"","_yoast_wpseo_twitter-description":"","_yoast_wpseo_twitter-image":"","_yoast_wpseo_twitter-image-id":"","_yoast_wpseo_schema_page_type":"","_yoast_wpseo_schema_article_type":"","_sage_video":false,"_yoast_wpseo_focuskeywords":"","_yoast_wpseo_keywordsynonyms":"","_yoast_wpseo_primary_category":"44","sage_membership_post_content_type":"article","sage_membership_post_featured_video_id":"","sage_membership_post_video_type":"trailer","sage_membership_post_featured_video_duration":"","post_featured_image_hide":false,"sage_hide_published_date":false,"sage_hide_read_time":false,"sage_hide_share_buttons":false,"_pwl_sage_podcast_buzzsprout_src":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[44],"tags":[36],"business_type":[],"lilypad":[],"context":[],"industry":[94],"persona":[],"imagine_tag":[],"coauthors":[1066],"class_list":["post-36981","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-strategy-legal-operations","tag-supply-chain-management","industry-distribution"],"sage_meta":{"region":"en-us","author_name":"Mike Edgett","featured_image":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/2\/2026\/06\/supply-chain-efficiency-2-e1782328038273.jpg","imagine_tags":[]},"distributor_meta":false,"distributor_terms":false,"distributor_media":false,"distributor_original_site_name":"Sage Advice US","distributor_original_site_url":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog","push-errors":false,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/posts\/36981","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/users\/1924"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=36981"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/posts\/36981\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/media\/36994"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=36981"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=36981"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=36981"},{"taxonomy":"business_type","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/business_type?post=36981"},{"taxonomy":"lilypad","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/lilypad?post=36981"},{"taxonomy":"context","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/context?post=36981"},{"taxonomy":"industry","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/industry?post=36981"},{"taxonomy":"persona","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/persona?post=36981"},{"taxonomy":"imagine_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/imagine_tag?post=36981"},{"taxonomy":"author","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/api\/wp\/v2\/coauthors?post=36981"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}