Insights

Insights & intelligence

Expert procurement analysis, market intelligence, and sourcing playbooks from the SUMEDIAN team.

Supply Chain
Critical Minerals: Power, Policy, and Procurement
Federal investments and surging lobbying by critical mineral firms are redrawing the procurement landscape. Learn what this means for sourcing, risk, and compliance as government and industry priorities collide.
SUMEDIAN Team28 days ago5 min read
MedTech
Section 232 Hits Medical Devices & Robotics
Two major Section 232 probes now target medical devices and robotics. Procurement leaders face real, time-sensitive risks—but also clear steps to map exposure and respond effectively before the October 17 deadline.
SUMEDIAN Teamabout 2 months ago5 min read
Automotive
IATF 16949 & Automotive Sourcing
Automotive procurement leaders face high stakes when supplier quality falters. Understanding IATF 16949 turns compliance into a strategic lever for risk control, reliable launches, and a resilient supply base.
SUMEDIAN Teamabout 2 months ago5 min read
Procurement
Section 301 Tariffs Update: Key Actions for Importers
USTR extends Section 301 exclusions to November 29, 2025. Importers must act on new port-entry fees and impending comment deadlines.
SUMEDIAN Teamabout 2 months ago5 min read
Procurement
AI vs Tariffs
U.S. firms are absorbing a new wave of import tariffs—some reportedly reaching ~50%—that are lifting landed costs and squeezing margins. In response, procurement teams are moving fast to apply AI across classification, sourcing, logistics, and contracts. Below is a practical playbook for how AI helps, what to watch, and how to operationalize changes without adding bureaucracy.
SUMEDIAN Teamabout 2 months ago5 min read
Automotive
Tier-1 Automotive Procurement in the USA
Discover key strategies for Tier-1 automotive procurement in the USA and how SUMEDIAN's solutions can enhance efficiency and compliance.
SUMEDIAN Teamabout 2 months ago5 min read
Procurement
Understanding Section 301 Tariffs and Exclusions
Learn about the latest extensions of Section 301 exclusions, updated US-China tariff rates, and strategic steps for procurement leaders.
SUMEDIAN Team2 months ago5 min read
Automotive
Navigating Potential Tariff Changes on Chinese EV Batteries
Understand the implications of potential new tariffs on Chinese EV batteries and critical minerals. Learn how to prepare procurement strategies accordingly.
SUMEDIAN Team2 months ago5 min read
Analytics
Top Solutions for Effective Supplier Risk Management
Discover key supplier risk management solutions to enhance resilience and ensure operational continuity in your supply chain.
SUMEDIAN Team2 months ago5 min read
Supply Chain
Mitigation Strategies for Texas Grid Challenges Fall 2025
Texas grid reserves will be tight this fall, impacting energy costs and production. Prepare with strategic risk management and supplier readiness.
SUMEDIAN Team2 months ago5 min read
Automotive
Navigating the U.S.–Japan Tariff Reduction
Explore the 15% tariff reduction on U.S.–Japan auto imports and necessary procurement actions.
SUMEDIAN Team2 months ago5 min read
Risk Management
From Firefighting to Foresight
Predict shocks, pre-wire options, outperform in turbulence.
Katarzyna Ludwig3 months ago15 min read
Sustainability
Sustainability ROI
Turn ESG into measurable margin and cheaper capital.
Katarzyna Ludwig3 months ago13 min read
Technology
AI-First S2P
AI-first Source-to-Pay that actually ships outcomes.
Katarzyna Ludwig3 months ago14 min read
Supply Chain
Control Tower vs. Digital Twin
Visibility vs. Simulation. Understand the key differences to choose the right supply chain tool for your business.
Kata4 months ago5 min read
Sustainability
The Scope 3 Data Collection Challenge
Primary vs. estimated data. A practical guide to collecting auditable supply chain emissions data for ESG reporting.
Kata4 months ago6 min read
Technology
Use Case: AI Negotiation Copilot
Let AI prep your next negotiation. A use case for data-driven tactics and 5-10% additional savings.
Kata4 months ago4 min read
Procurement
Mastering Tail Spend Management
Turn your unmanaged 'tail' into big savings. A framework for control, automation, and value creation.
Kata4 months ago5 min read
Analytics
Building a Procurement KPI Dashboard
Go beyond reports. A guide to building a KPI dashboard that drives real-time, data-driven decisions.
Kata4 months ago5 min read
Technology
Meet Your AI Procurement Agent
The future is now. Test drive our new agentic AI for procurement and automate your sourcing.
Kata5 months ago3 min read
Procurement
Strategic Cost Reduction Playbook
Move beyond tactical cuts. A data-driven framework for sustainable cost reduction.
Kata5 months ago5 min read
Sustainability
ESG Reporting for Procurement
ESG reporting is no longer optional. A practical guide for procurement on meeting CSRD and SEC requirements.
Kata5 months ago6 min read
Procurement
Developing a Supplier Scorecard
Stop relying on gut-feel. A supplier scorecard provides objective, data-driven insights to manage performance and mitigate risk.
Kata5 months ago5 min read
Procurement
The Future of Procurement Talent
AI is handling the admin. What's left? The high-value skills that procurement teams need to thrive in 2026 and beyond.
Kata5 months ago5 min read
Supply Chain
Use Case: Network Optimization
How a retailer cut logistics costs by 15% and improved delivery times by 20% by redesigning its distribution network.
Kata5 months ago4 min read
Technology
Building a Supply Chain Digital Twin: From Concept to ROI
A Digital Twin is more than a buzzword; it's a virtual command center for your supply chain. Learn how to build one to model risks, optimize inventory, and test strategies before you deploy them.
Kata5 months ago8 min read
Sustainability
The SEC Climate Disclosure Rule: A Procurement Guide
The SEC's new climate disclosure rule is here. It requires public companies to report on climate-related risks, including those in their supply chain. Procurement is on the front line of compliance.
Kata5 months ago7 min read
Analytics
AI-Powered Should-Cost Analysis: The Next Frontier in Sourcing
Stop negotiating in the dark. AI-powered should-cost modeling gives you a data-driven view of what a product *should* cost, transforming your negotiation power and unlocking deep savings.
Kata5 months ago9 min read
Supply Chain
The Business Case for Reshoring & Nearshoring to North America
Geopolitical risk and supply chain disruptions are forcing a rethink of global manufacturing. Here’s a data-driven look at the business case for bringing production back to the US or closer to home in Mexico.
Kata5 months ago8 min read
Procurement
Navigating US Tariffs: A Strategic Playbook for Procurement
With Section 301 tariffs on China and shifting trade policies, managing duties is now a core procurement strategy. This playbook shows you how to mitigate costs and de-risk your supply chain.
Kata5 months ago7 min read
Integration
Data Integration: The Key to Procurement Success
Your AI and analytics tools are useless without clean, connected data. A solid data integration strategy is the single most important investment for modernizing procurement.
Kata5 months ago5 min read
Integration
Case Study: Lean Supply Chain Automation with n8n.io
How an e-commerce company automated its inventory and fulfillment workflows using n8n.io, cutting manual work by 90% and reducing stockouts by 30%.
Kata5 months ago4 min read
MedTech
The Future of MedTech Supply Chains: 2025 Outlook
Facing unprecedented volatility, MedTech supply chains are evolving. Key trends for 2025 include increased visibility, regulatory pressures, and the push for resilience.
Kata5 months ago5 min read
Security
A Procurement Framework for SaaS Security
The explosion of SaaS applications creates a new universe of security risks. Procurement teams are on the front line of defense. Here's how to manage it.
Kata5 months ago4 min read
Analytics
The Analytics Advantage in Data-Driven Logistics
In today's complex logistics landscape, data analytics is no longer a luxury—it's the key to efficiency, cost reduction, and customer satisfaction.
Kata5 months ago4 min read
Procurement
Direct vs. Indirect Procurement: A Strategic Guide
They serve different purposes and demand different strategies. Understanding the distinction between direct and indirect procurement is key to optimizing spend and driving value.
Kata5 months ago4 min read
Sustainability
Tackling Scope 3 Emissions in Your Supply Chain
Scope 3 emissions often account for over 80% of a company's carbon footprint. Here's a practical guide for procurement teams to measure, manage, and reduce them.
Kata5 months ago5 min read
Automotive
The Automotive Circular Economy: A 2025 Snapshot
The automotive industry is moving from a linear 'take-make-dispose' model to a circular one. Here’s what’s driving the shift and how OEMs are investing.
Kata5 months ago4 min read
Integration
Use Case: On-Demand Procurement Analytics
A CPG company needed a unified view of its global spend but was held back by siloed data. See how a flexible data integration strategy provided real-time insights without a costly data warehouse overhaul.
Kata5 months ago4 min read
Security
Mastering Third-Party Risk Management (TPRM) in 2025
With regulations tightening and supply chains fragmenting, a mature TPRM program is no longer optional. Here's your guide to best practices for 2025.
Kata5 months ago5 min read
Technology
The Business Case for Blockchain in Supply Chains
Beyond the hype, blockchain offers real-world ROI for traceability, transparency, and trust in complex supply chains. Here's a practical look at the benefits.
Kata5 months ago5 min read
Procurement
AI-Powered SRM: From Tactical to Strategic Value
Artificial Intelligence is transforming Supplier Relationship Management (SRM) from a transactional function into a strategic, predictive powerhouse.
Kata5 months ago4 min read
Supply Chain
Geopolitical Risk: The New Normal for Supply Chains
From trade wars to regional conflicts, geopolitical instability is no longer a 'black swan' event—it's a constant. Here's how to build a supply chain that can withstand the shocks.
Kata5 months ago4 min read
Integration
Case Study: Automating TPRM with No-Code
How a global manufacturer cut vendor onboarding time by 68% and gained real-time risk visibility by building a TPRM workflow on a no-code platform.
Kata5 months ago5 min read
Analytics
Inventory Optimization with Predictive Analytics
Stop reacting to stockouts and overstocks. Use predictive analytics to anticipate future demand and build a smarter, more cost-efficient inventory strategy.
Kata5 months ago4 min read
Automotive
Sustainable Sourcing in the Automotive Industry
With regulations tightening and consumers demanding transparency, sustainable sourcing is now a competitive necessity for the automotive industry.
Kata5 months ago5 min read
Security
Cybersecurity in Your Supply Chain: The Weakest Link
Cyberattacks on supply chains are increasing. A proactive security strategy is no longer optional—it's essential for survival. Here’s your framework for resilience.
Kata5 months ago5 min read
MedTech
Solving MedTech's Top Procurement Challenges
In the highly regulated MedTech industry, procurement must balance cost, quality, and compliance. Here are the key challenges and how to solve them.
Kata5 months ago5 min read
Analytics
Use Case: Decoding Cost-to-Serve in Your Supply Chain
Revenue doesn't equal profit. A Cost-to-Serve analysis reveals which customers and products are truly profitable, enabling smarter strategic decisions.
Kata5 months ago4 min read
Technology
AI in Contract Lifecycle Management (CLM)
Automating contract workflows with AI doesn't just save time—it reduces risk and unlocks hidden value. Here's how to implement it.
Kata5 months ago4 min read
Integration
Case Study: Streamlining Procurement with Supabase
How we use a fast, open-source platform to bring structure, speed, and real-time visibility to sourcing operations. A look inside our tech stack.
Kata5 months ago5 min read
Technology
Case Study: No-Code Procurement with Lovable
A behind-the-scenes look at how we use a no-code tool to power real-world procurement workflows, accelerating sourcing and improving team collaboration.
Kata5 months ago5 min read
Technology
Case Study: Supercharging Procurement with OpenAI
SUMEDIAN fuses deep procurement know-how with OpenAI’s GPT models to slash sourcing time, sharpen risk visibility, and unlock double-digit cost savings.
Kata5 months ago5 min read
Sustainability
A Practical Guide to Circular Procurement
Circular procurement isn't just an ESG goal; it's a powerful strategy to cut costs, boost resilience, and gain a competitive edge. Here's how to get started.
Kata5 months ago3 min read
Technology
Harnessing Generative AI in Procurement
Generative AI is moving beyond the hype. This playbook shows you how to use it to draft RFx events, analyze specs, and script negotiations for real business impact.
Kata5 months ago1 min read
Supply Chain
Building Resilient Supply Chains: A Strategic Playbook
Supply chain shocks are the new normal. 'Just-in-time' is now 'just-in-case.' Here’s how to bulletproof your network without tying up cash.
Kata5 months ago1 min read
Sustainability
Sustainability in Procurement: Turning ESG into Competitive Advantage
Sustainability in procurement is no longer about compliance—it's about turning ESG mandates into a powerful competitive advantage. Here's how.
Kata5 months ago1 min read
Procurement
The Future of Procurement: AI and Automation
AI and automation are transforming procurement from a tactical function to a strategic powerhouse. Here’s a guide to capitalizing on the shift.
Kata5 months ago1 min read
Supply Chain
A Playbook for Supply Chain Risk Management
Global supply chains face a perfect storm of disruptions. This data-driven playbook helps you move from firefighting to building true resilience.
Kata5 months ago2 min read
Technology
Digital Transformation in Procurement: A 2025 Playbook
Digital procurement turns purchasing into a data-driven profit engine. This playbook shows you how to move from tactical buying to strategic value creation.
Kata5 months ago2 min read

Critical Minerals: Power, Policy, and Procurement

Section 232 Hits Medical Devices & Robotics

IATF 16949 & Automotive Sourcing

Section 301 Tariffs Update: Key Actions for Importers

AI vs Tariffs

Tier-1 Automotive Procurement in the USA

Understanding Section 301 Tariffs and Exclusions

Navigating Potential Tariff Changes on Chinese EV Batteries

Top Solutions for Effective Supplier Risk Management

Mitigation Strategies for Texas Grid Challenges Fall 2025

Navigating the U.S.–Japan Tariff Reduction

From Firefighting to Foresight

Sustainability ROI

AI-First S2P

Control Tower vs. Digital Twin

The Scope 3 Data Collection Challenge

Use Case: AI Negotiation Copilot

Mastering Tail Spend Management

Building a Procurement KPI Dashboard

Meet Your AI Procurement Agent

Strategic Cost Reduction Playbook

ESG Reporting for Procurement

Developing a Supplier Scorecard

The Future of Procurement Talent

Use Case: Network Optimization

Building a Supply Chain Digital Twin: From Concept to ROI

The SEC Climate Disclosure Rule: A Procurement Guide

AI-Powered Should-Cost Analysis: The Next Frontier in Sourcing

The Business Case for Reshoring & Nearshoring to North America

Navigating US Tariffs: A Strategic Playbook for Procurement

Data Integration: The Key to Procurement Success

Case Study: Lean Supply Chain Automation with n8n.io

The Future of MedTech Supply Chains: 2025 Outlook

A Procurement Framework for SaaS Security

The Analytics Advantage in Data-Driven Logistics

Direct vs. Indirect Procurement: A Strategic Guide

Tackling Scope 3 Emissions in Your Supply Chain

The Automotive Circular Economy: A 2025 Snapshot

Use Case: On-Demand Procurement Analytics

Mastering Third-Party Risk Management (TPRM) in 2025

The Business Case for Blockchain in Supply Chains

AI-Powered SRM: From Tactical to Strategic Value

Geopolitical Risk: The New Normal for Supply Chains

Case Study: Automating TPRM with No-Code

Inventory Optimization with Predictive Analytics

Sustainable Sourcing in the Automotive Industry

Cybersecurity in Your Supply Chain: The Weakest Link

Solving MedTech's Top Procurement Challenges

Use Case: Decoding Cost-to-Serve in Your Supply Chain

AI in Contract Lifecycle Management (CLM)

Case Study: Streamlining Procurement with Supabase

Case Study: No-Code Procurement with Lovable

Case Study: Supercharging Procurement with OpenAI

A Practical Guide to Circular Procurement

Harnessing Generative AI in Procurement

Building Resilient Supply Chains: A Strategic Playbook

Sustainability in Procurement: Turning ESG into Competitive Advantage

The Future of Procurement: AI and Automation

A Playbook for Supply Chain Risk Management

Digital Transformation in Procurement: A 2025 Playbook