Technology | SupplyChainBrain

Technology: Page 1212

The On-Demand World: Bringing Supply Management Into the Future

Analysts' Insights: As companies plan and strategize for long-term effectiveness in supply management, they must focus on one aspect to truly derive value out of their procurement and sourcing efforts: evolution. Organizations globally must look to the future and adapt their reliance on technology as solutions evolve for the better. Christopher J. Dwyer, senior research analyst, Aberdeen As organizations continue to adjust their technology footprint into the next decade, the question around SaaS is not if but how SaaS will be leveraged within the procurement enterprise. Constantine G. Limberakis, senior research analyst, Aberdeen

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Warehouse Management Systems: State of the Art

Warehouse-management system (WMS) software is hardly new, but users are increasingly on the lookout for new applications that can be implemented more quickly and less painfully, says Diego Pantoja-Navajas, president and chief executive officer of Logfire. Among the new features they are exploring is the software-as-a-service (SaaS) model, dubbed more recently cloud-based technology.

Importers, Manufacturers Highly Confident About Spring, Summer Retail Sales, Survey Says

Importers who sell to America's major retailers are preparing for a significant uptick in consumer spending this spring and summer, according to a recent survey conducted by Capital Business Credit (CBC), a non-bank lender that services the retail sector.

Global Transportation Solutions Help Companies Reduce Cost and Pay Invoices Quicker

Although organizations must connect suppliers and customers around the globe, managing worldwide supply chains can cause cost increases and operational challenges, However, Aberdeen Group's latest research, entitled 2012 Best Practices for Closing the Loop on Multinational Transportation Procure to Pay, identifies best-in-class behaviors that enable the top 20 percent of performers to reduce invoice cost, yet process and pay faster than competitors.

Global Supply Chain Forum Looks Back Over 20 Years

Initiatives such as the Global Supply Chain Forum, which resides at Ohio State University's Fisher College of Business, give the business world access to academic expertise and valuable research, says forum director Douglas M. Lambert. Such efforts are becoming more common, he says, adding that "the business community ought to be our laboratory."

In Wake of Japanese Earthquake, Companies Ask if Supply Chains Can Be Too Lean, Study Finds

A year after the Japanese earthquake and resulting tsunami, supply chain managers are reconsidering just-in-time strategies, according to a survey released by the Business Continuity Institute.

Juggling Priorities for CIOs in Retail

Analyst Insight: Retailers in 2012 will continue to implement analytic engines. The last two years have seen retailers and CPG companies streamline and rethink their multichannel and merchandising strategies. Improved performance is a reflection of this analytics focus. In 2012, retailers will learn through direct customer engagement through mobile, social and web (omni-channel information) to create products, and market to customers based on shopper insights. - Ann Grackin, CEO, ChainLink Research

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E-Commerce Causes Major Distribution Challenges for Retailers and Wholesalers

Analyst Insight: The rapid growth of internet retailing is creating serious challenges for supporting retail and wholesale distribution operations. The good news is that growth rates for e-commerce are significantly exceeding expectations for most companies. The bad news is that there are some very stressed distribution operations behind the scenes that are having difficulty keeping up with sales. - Marc Wulfraat, president, MWPVL International Inc.

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Hubspan Issues Six New B2B Apps for NetSuite Cloud-Computing Platform

Hubspan Inc., a vendor of business-integration software based in the cloud, has released six new business-to-business applications, built using the NetSuite SuiteCloud Computing Platform.

Encompass Global Logistics Creates Mobile App for Cargo Management

Encompass Global Logistics LLC, a third-party logistics provider specializing in the trans-Pacific trade, has launched a mobile application for cargo management, compatible with all Apple iPhone, iPad and iPod products.

Sustainability Execs Fear Shortages of Natural Resources Will Affect Their Supply Chains in Near Future

Ernst & Young reports that 83 percent of respondents to a recent survey say they are engaging their supply chain in sustainability. In addition to this, 76 percent anticipate natural resource shortages, including water, will affect their core business objectives over the next three to five years, according to the canvass of "corporate sustainability leaders."

Keep Your Supply Chain Up and Running with PLM and EAM

Analyst Insight: When a conveyor in your warehouse is broken, but you're not sure how to fix it, what part needs to be replaced, or who can provide it to you, you risk losing both time and money. Enterprise asset management (EAM) and product lifecycle management (PLM) functionality can come to the rescue. - Gabriel Gheorghiu, research analyst, Technology Evaluation Centers

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