Product Lifecycle Management In Supply Chains

Never judge a business by its front office but by its back-end logistics. Managing sourcing across India, Pakistan, and Bangladesh has taught me that logistics isn't just about moving boxes—it's what makes or breaks a retail operation. Here's why: The global logistics market hit $9.2 trillion in 2023, with Asia-Pacific contributing 42% of this value (McKinsey Global Institute). Yet, companies lose 20-30% of their logistics costs to inefficiencies. (McKinsey & Company) The real cost of weak logistics shows up in: → Inventory Stockouts: 8.3% of retail sales are lost to out-of-stock situations, costing retailers $1 trillion annually (IHL Group)  → Dead Stock: The average retailer ties up 25% of working capital in excess inventory (Gartner)  → Broken Promises: 69% of customers won't shop with a retailer again after a late delivery (Retail TouchPoints)  → Emergency Shipping: Rush shipping can cost 5-10x more than standard rates (Deloitte) In 2024, due to various disruptions in logistics caused by war, instability, and climate change-induced natural disasters, I witnessed firsthand how fragile supply chains can be. Geopolitical turmoil, including events like the Red Sea Crisis and the Ukraine conflict, further exacerbated these disruptions, underscoring the critical need for resilient and adaptable supply chain strategies. Companies with robust logistics weathered the storm, while others faced existential crises. Today's successful businesses need: 📌 Strategic warehouse placement near key markets 📌Real-time inventory tracking across locations 📌Multiple transport routes for critical supplies 📌Robust risk mitigation plans In my experience, managing an annual sourcing volume of $100 million, the difference between profit and loss often comes down to one question: Can you get your product where it needs to be when it needs to be there? What's your biggest logistics challenge? Share your experience below. #SupplyChain #LogisticsManagement

Why does my ‘sustainable’ T-shirt come with a plastic label the size of a novella? 📚 I recently came across one so long it could rival a short novella, detailing everything from recycled nylon to elastane percentages in 15 languages, plus icons and codes for washing, drying, ironing, etc. It made me laugh, but it also made me think. Why are we still stitching all this information onto our clothes in 2025? The short answer: because we have to. Under current EU law, every garment must still have a physical sewn-in label that shows its fibre composition — and this requirement isn’t going anywhere (yet). What’s ironic? Even on a 100% organic cotton T-shirt, that label is usually made of polyester — a synthetic element sewn into a natural garment. It’s itchy, bulky, and often the first thing we cut off and toss in the bin. So much for “fully natural.” But here’s where the Digital Product Passport (DPP) could change the game. Introduced under the EU’s Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation, the DPP won’t eliminate the legal label — but it can shrink it. It shifts extended data (origin, repair guidance, recycled content, end-of-life instructions) into a digital format accessible via QR code or chip. This means: ➡️ Less bulk and discomfort ➡️ Less synthetic waste on otherwise recyclable garments ➡️ Better traceability without clutter Having worked across Pakistan, Cambodia, and the EU to tackle supply chain bottlenecks and rethink materials, design, and production models, I see the DPP as more than just a compliance tool, it helps to design smarter systems and introduce real innovation. And yes, maybe it can help retire the synthetic scratchy novella sewn into the side of your “sustainable” tee. Are you preparing for DPP integration? Curious how brands are planning the transition. #DigitalProductPassport #CircularFashion #Traceability #TextileWaste #SustainableDesign #GarmentLabels #EURegulation #MaterialInnovation #EcoDesign

Two pasta shelves, two VERY different stores... 👀 Before you pitch a buyer or send your first sample into the wholesale abyss, you NEED to do a shelf audit. (and for the specific retailer you're pitching!) Here's why: Just look at these two images... one is a pasta section at a major retailer (#1), the other is a storage shelf at a small specialty store (#2). If you're a pasta or pasta sauce brand, your product, packaging, positioning, pricing, and pitch strategy requires a shift based on where you're looking to sell: For the major retailer: - Clear category organization - Eye-level placement competition - Price point sensitivity - Larger case quantities - SKU rationalization For the specialty store: - Premium positioning opportunity - Room for unique/artisanal shapes - Focus on brand storytelling - Higher price point tolerance - Smaller case sizes Understanding these different environments could be what gets you on shelf + staying there. What else stands out to you about these two stores? What would you prioritize/how would you pitch differently for each retailer?👇 (🌟EXTRA bonus points if you can name where these shelves are 👀)

4 months into my first sustainability job, and I can't believe more companies aren't doing life cycle analysis. I regularly analyse products from start to finish - raw materials, manufacturing, transport, use, and disposal. The insights are eye-opening. Here's what I've learned: Life cycle analysis reveals hidden environmental impacts that companies frequently miss. It can identify cost-saving opportunities and carbon emission hotspots that often go unnoticed. It helps create better products that customers actually want! On the surface, the process isn't complicated: 1. Collect data from supplier/manufacturer 2. Input materials, processes and waste management 3. Analyse and understand impact categories 4. Find improvement opportunities 5. Implement changes Small changes make big differences. One of our recent projects reduced water usage by over 90% AND decreased CO2 by over 50% just by changing the material (yes, I couldn’t believe it either). Don't wait for regulations to force your hand. Start analysing your products now. The data is there, the methods are proven, and the benefits are clear.

In the fashion industry, extending the lifespan of garments has become a key driver of sustainable development. Seamless repair techniques can precisely mend damaged parts of sweaters while preserving their appearance, effectively prolonging their use.   This makes me realize that garments can actually last even longer. Durable products rely on quality from the outset; well-made clothing is less prone to damage, naturally reducing the need for repairs and waste.   This also raises higher demands for the supply chain. To create truly durable and environmentally friendly garments, every stage of production must be carefully managed. High quality is not just an added value—it is a prerequisite for the sustainability of the entire industry.   Sustainable manufacturing ultimately concerns responsibility and value. Extending the lifespan of clothing not only reduces resource waste but also allows both the industry and consumers to see that durability, environmental consciousness, and a better life can coexist. #SustainableFashion #EcoFriendlyManufacturing #QualityControl #SeamlessRepair #ProductLongevity #CircularEconomy #FashionInnovation #GreenManufacturing #SupplyChainOptimization #TextileSustainability

You know how we document our travels with a passport full of stamps? Imagine if every product you owned could do the same …that’s basically what digital product passports (DPPs) do. They’re not ‘just barcodes’ — but actual living documents for your sneakers, your phone, even your coffee cup. (Where it started, what it’s made of, how it can be repaired or recycled, etc.) And guess what? These passports aren’t just some distant idea — they’re already taking off in Europe. But the part that excites me the most? They cut through greenwashing. They make our claims of sustainability real and traceable. And, they could 𝘢𝘤𝘵𝘶𝘢𝘭𝘭𝘺 change the way we shop, how brands design, and how businesses operate. And here’s why I think they’re underhyped: everyone’s focused on AI — but without standardized data, AI can’t really do much. DPPs create that shared language (removing the guesswork across supply chain). So I’m throwing a few questions your way that have been on my mind: 1️⃣ How could DPPs change what we expect from brands? 2️⃣ Could they help us waste less by getting only what we really need? 3️⃣ And if you’re in supply chain, what would it take for your team to implement today? Let’s talk about it. Drop your thoughts👇🏻 P.S. Here’s a great read on DPPs if you want to learn more: https://lnkd.in/gGHZzBmZ #DigitalProductPassports #SupplyChain #SustainableBusiness

"Ryan Singer and his Shape Up method is an incredible system that takes as input 'kludgy, clumsily scaled product org unsure about what to build and how' and delivers as output 'a focused, clear thinking set of teams that has a rhythm, a method, and a purpose.” That's how Des Traynor (co-founder of Intercom) described the impact Ryan Singer and the Shape Up method have on teams. Ryan spent nearly two decades refining a product development approach at 37signals that helped the company build super-successful products with small teams. Based on these lessons, he wrote a book called "Shape Up: Stop Running in Circles and Ship Work that Matters," which describes a different way of working that an increasing number of companies are adopting. If your team used to run smoothly but is now struggling to ship great product, this episode is for you. In our conversation, Ryan shares: 1. Why traditional Agile and Scrum methods often lead teams into endless cycles of work without meaningful shipping milestones. 2. The “appetite-driven” approach to product development where teams set fixed timeboxes (usually six weeks maximum) and vary the scope instead of expanding timelines. 3. The exact process for running effective “shaping” sessions that collaboratively define projects before committing resources. 4. How to adapt Shape Up principles to your company’s unique context, even if it’s nothing like Basecamp. 5. A step-by-step approach to transitioning from Scrum to Shape Up by piloting the methodology with a single team before broader implementation. 6. Practical techniques for bridging the engineering-design divide by bringing technical and product perspectives together earlier in the process. 7. The powerful “breadboarding” and “fat marker sketching” techniques that help teams align on solutions without getting lost in high-fidelity details. 8. The clear warning signs that your current development process is failing before it’s too late to change course. 9. Proven strategies to implement Shape Up methods, whether you’re working in a startup or enterprise environment. 10. Why the PM role shifts upstream in Shape Up, focusing more on problem definition than project management. Listen now 👇 • YouTube: https://lnkd.in/g87Z-CSt • Spotify: https://lnkd.in/geE-jFbM • Apple: https://lnkd.in/gRNSCHy7 Thank you to our wonderful sponsors for supporting the podcast: 🏆 WorkOS — Modern identity platform for B2B SaaS, free up to 1 million MAUs: https://workos.com/lenny 🏆 Merge — A single API to add hundreds of integrations into your app: http://merge.dev/lenny 🏆 Airtable ProductCentral — Launch to new heights with a unified system for product development: https://lnkd.in/g72e_Eie

Digital Circular Economy 🌎 In the shift towards sustainable business practices, digital technologies offer transformative potentials for the circular economy. These technologies facilitate significant improvements across various circular business models, from design and manufacturing to life extension and resource recovery. As depicted in the recent visual framework, each stage of the circular process can be optimized through the strategic deployment of technologies such as the Internet of Things (IoT), blockchain, artificial intelligence (AI), and big data analytics. For instance, IoT can enhance product lifecycle tracking, enabling more efficient reverse logistics and better product lifecycle management. Blockchain technology introduces unparalleled transparency and security in supply chains, making it easier to track the origin and handling of materials, which is crucial for recycling and remanufacturing processes. Meanwhile, AI and big data analytics can predict maintenance needs and optimize resource use, significantly extending the life of products and components. However, while technology provides opportunities for advancing circular business models, it's crucial to recognize and address potential adverse effects. The increased use of digital tools can lead to higher energy demands and contribute to electronic waste. These negative impacts necessitate a balanced approach where the benefits of digital applications are leveraged to enhance sustainability while mitigating undesirable outcomes. This balance is achieved by designing systems and frameworks that not only incorporate digital tools into circular business practices but also ensure that these tools are used in ways that prioritize environmental integrity and resource efficiency. For example, employing cloud computing solutions can decrease the need for physical infrastructure, reducing material use and energy consumption. As industries continue to integrate these technologies, it is imperative to continually assess their impacts, both positive and negative. By understanding and addressing these dynamics, businesses can more effectively harness the potential of digital technologies to drive the development of a more sustainable and economically viable circular economy. This approach ensures that technological advancements contribute effectively to environmental goals and the resilience of business operations. Source: OECD #circulareconomy #sustainability #climateaction #esg #circular #circularity

Because with wrong demand forecasting everything else falls apart... This infographic shows 10 red flags in demand forecasting and how to turn them green: 🚩 # 1 - Over-reliance on historical data How to Turn Green: incorporate external data like market trends, competitor activity, and consumer sentiment to enrich forecasts 🚩 # 2 - Ignoring promotions and discounts How to Turn Green: build a promotions-adjusted forecasting model, considering historical uplift from similar campaigns 🚩 # 3 - Forgetting cannibalization effects How to Turn Green: model cannibalization effects to adjust forecasts for existing products 🚩 # 4 - One-size-fits-all forecasting method How to Turn Green: use demand segmentation (for example, high variability vs. stable demand); do not treat all SKUs equally 🚩 # 5 - Not monitoring forecast accuracy How to Turn Green: track metrics like MAPE, WMAPE, bias, and forecast value-add (FVA) to improve over time 🚩 # 6 - High forecast error with no accountability How to Turn Green: tie accountability to S&OP (sales and operations) meetings 🚩 # 7 - Poor collaboration with sales and marketing How to Turn Green: hold regular cross-functional meetings to align forecasts with upcoming campaigns 🚩 # 8 - Over-reliance on intuition How to Turn Green: balance judgment-based inputs with statistical and AI-driven models 🚩 # 9 - Infrequent forecast updates How to Turn Green: move to a rolling forecast system that updates regularly based on the latest data 🚩 # 10 - Past sales (instead of demand) consideration How to Turn Green: make the initial predictions based on the unconstrained demand; not on sales that are impacted by cuts and out of stock situations Any others to add? #supplychain #salesandoperationsplanning #integratedbusinessplanning #procurement

🟨 Luxury customers actually EXPECT digital product passports in their luxury goods.. 👇 A recent survey* highlighted the growing demand for comprehensive product information by luxury customers. 📊 The study found that luxury shoppers want to know about: - product origins - materials - environmental impact - compliance with regulations This is a BIG opportunity for brands embracing digital product passports (DPPs)! 🔖 Digital Product Passports provide a wealth of data, traditionally found in receipts, certificates and labels, accessible via NFC chips in or QR codes on the product. These passports are by the way required by law for all fashion goods in the European Union by 2030, and promise to transform how luxury items are bought, maintained and resold. 🇪🇺 DPP's are part of the EU's Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation, aimed at making the fashion industry more transparent and sustainable. They function like standardized labels for fashion items, offering extensive info that helps consumers make informed choices, all in an easily accessible format, enhancing the post-purchase experience. ♻️ Consumers already express a significant interest in DPPs, with high demand for features like product authenticity, aftercare and repair instructions, warranty details, and resale options. The integration of DPPs can significantly enhance the resale process by providing authenticated product details, making secondhand luxury items more attractive and valuable. 🧳 Brands like CHANEL, Gucci, Hermès, Prada Group, Christian Dior Couture, and Louis Vuitton are expected to lead the way in adopting DPPs. The survey revealed that more than half of the consumers are already aware of DPPs, although there is still a need for further education on their full potential. 🚀 Early adopters of DPPs are likely to gain a competitive advantage by aligning their offering with consumer expectations and regulatory requirements. Brands like Coach and Tod’s have started incorporating digital IDs into their products, logging details about materials, environmental impacts, authenticity and craftsmanship. ❌ However, challenges remain in implementing DPPs: supply chain traceability & finding the right technology for linking product info are the biggest hurdles. Brands must also effectively communicate the benefits of DPPs to consumers. 🧪 Small pilot projects can help luxury brands navigate these challenges and align DPP offerings with consumer expectations. ➡️ Is this the #1 chance to reimagine luxury brands' relationships with customers through digital product passports? #innovation #digitalproductpassports #luxury #retail #fashion #dpp #future #tech #commerce #business *survey conducted by Authentique, in collaboration with The Ordre Group and the customer experience agency Me, the Customer and I