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New Years is here. A time for reflection, confronting personal and organizational weaknesses, and making our commitments to improve. In our 2010 kickoff webinar recording, we share findings from our r... (more information)
by Bill McBeath
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Ariba LIVE 2011 in Nashville was well attended, with over 1600 attendees. Here are some highlights from the show.... (more information)
by By Bill McBeath
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Ford buys steel for its entire supply base. In the process, it has been able to rationalize the materials specifications for all of that steel resulting in consolidated spend, more efficient use of in... (more information)
by By Bill McBeath
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Throughout much of its history, Ford was a vertically integrated company, owning its own supply chain assets all the way back to raw materials facilities such as steel mills and rubber plantations. An... (more information)
by By Bill McBeath
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For technology companies in the international logistics arena, marketing to proprietary shippers has long been an uphill battle. They must sell into complex, bureaucratic organizations that are often ... (more information)
by Peter Tirschwell
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RFID technology is not so passive these days. Impinj today announced their new Monza 4 Passive RFID chip, setting the bar for performance in RFID read range, RFID read reliability and speed, and low-c... (more information)
by Bill McBeath and Ann Grackin
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Of all the RFID solutions in the marketplace today, Active RFID comprises one of the larger RFID market sectors of interest to major companies. Active RFID solutions are used in government, business a... (more information)
by Ann Grackin
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In the past, the majority of fixed RFID readers were either your standard issue 4-port "one-size-fits-all" readers or, at the other end of the spectrum, customized for a very specific application such... (more information)
by By Bill McBeath
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After significant negativity in the press, we decided to find out what the true story was -- was APS worth it?... (more information)
by Ann Grackin
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Recently Barry Briggs, the CTO for Microsoft IT, spoke at MIT about Cloud Computing in general and Microsoft's foray into Cloud with its Azure service offering. Here we discuss the broader framework f... (more information)
by By Bill McBeath
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B. Braun's implementation of SAP SRM 7.0 demonstrates that results need not take a long time when you allow opportunities for contribution wherever the talent exists across the organization.... (more information)
by By Bill McBeath
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The data may be big, but is the information important?
... (more information)
by Ann Grackin
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A look at the key role that carton-level RFID temperature tagging can have within today's pharmaceutical cold chains.
... (more information)
by Bill McBeath
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Social Networks, iPads, mobile apps, Motorola, Dell's new Android mobile, and Chatter highlight Salesforce.com's Cloudforce conference.... (more information)
by By Ann Grackin
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Social Networks, Teleconferencing, and anywhere that technology opens new challenges in Collaberation.
... (more information)
by By Ann Grackin
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Introduction to Ideas in a Global Work Space. ... (more information)
by By Ann Grackin
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Reverse auctions can generate double-digit savings year after year. Companies can build on those savings, including things that might normally not be considered auctionable, by defining completely and... (more information)
by By Bill McBeath
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My problem is best described as technology overdose. Specifically, I currently own more electronics technology than I can personally absorb in 5 lifetimes, and yet technology and I are far from finish... (more information)
by Lonnie Childs
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They are the best of friends. They are the worst of enemies. That is the paradox of the retailer-supplier relationship: that on the one hand only by a true, close, strategic partnership can both side... (more information)
by Bill McBeath
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The complexity of business today--working a myriad of partnerships with both the channel side and the transportation partners, as well as dealing with the challenges of fickle and surprising
markets-... (more information)
by Ann Grackin
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As goods traverse the suppy chain, various parties need to exchange information about these goods. This requires interoperability across the global network, creating the need for the EPCglobal Network... (more information)
by Bill McBeath
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As products commoditize, the battleground shifts to service excellence. Design engineers are being asked to make an increasingly complex set of trade-offs (cost, performance, serviceability, manufactu... (more information)
by Bill McBeath
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Reflecting on the value of forensics in the physical world, I began to see a parallel in the digital world that is the real virtuality of our age. Digital forensics, a subset of the science known as c... (more information)
by Carla Reed
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Cloud computing is Internet-based computing, whereby shared resources, software and information are
provided to computers and other devices on-demand, like a public utility.
Cloud, SaaS, O... (more information)
by By Ann Grackin
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In both retail and consumer-product-goods sectors, the gap between winners and losers widens every day. What is it about the winners that makes them more and more successful, extending their lead ever... (more information)
by Bill McBeath
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Integrating logistics, all the way from the source plant through the DC onto the store shelf, reduces errors, exceptions and transit times.... (more information)
by By Bill McBeath
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As enterprises focus on perceived "core functions," more activities are outsourced to third party providers of goods and services. This extended supply chain of manufacturers of products-- from raw ma... (more information)
by Carla Frances Reed
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No longer content with merely providing the dominant search engine scouring and indexing every square millimeter of the web, Google just launched a new addition to their Google Product Search for mobi... (more information)
by By Bill McBeath
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GS1, HP and Microsoft enter product recall space - but GS1 enters as a nonprofit. What is the impact to industry?... (more information)
by By Ann Grackin
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The RFID system market is maturing, beyond just devices and physical implementation, to providing users with more complete solutions. The vendors who offer well-thought-out solutions, based on solid e... (more information)
by By Bill McBeath
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Cisco's legal department has taken steps to move from being a gatekeeper slowing things down to being a business enabler of faster cycle times for contract approvals and greater operational efficienci... (more information)
by By Bill McBeath
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Cisco's legal department has taken steps to move from being a gatekeeper slowing things down to being a business enabler of faster cycle times for contract approvals and greater operational efficienci... (more information)
by By Bill McBeath
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If exploiting the new technology requires process redesign, new knowledge, and new skills, then the solution provider's ability to effectively transfer that domain expertise to the user team is a majo... (more information)
by Ann Grackin
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The former CEO and co-founder of PRTM is a keen observer of management cycles and philosophies. As he takes over the helm at i2, Michael McGrath talks about how the company is preparing for the next g... (more information)
by Sree Hameed
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Private vs. Public and Internal vs. External Clouds, security concerns and more from a panel discussion at MIT.
... (more information)
by By Bill McBeath
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Hybrid environments (cloud + on-premises) will be a reality for decades to come. Tools which manage environments that mix together legacy infrastructure (e.g. data centers, licensed applications) with... (more information)
by By Bill McBeath
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Right now you have to go look up these guys if you don't know who they are, and no apologies to readers who don't know. Not only are they considered great writers in the 20th century, but they offer a... (more information)
by Ann Grackin
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For years, pundits have predicted that the market for Location-Based Services is about to take off. So far that has been mostly wishful thinking. But there are many signs that now the time really is r... (more information)
by By Bill McBeath
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Lessons from American Eagle's devastating e-commerce site failure.
... (more information)
by By Bill McBeath
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The central theme at Manhattan's recent annual conference, Momentum, was "Platform Thinking." It may sound boring, but actually there were some important developments announced.
... (more information)
by By Bill McBeath
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One of the more interesting sessions at Manhattan's 2011 conference was on their Total Cost-to-Serve offering. Organizations looking for ways to increase profitability may want to take a look.... (more information)
by By Bill McBeath
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There is LOTS of data in the cloud. Here are some thoughts on how Microsoft is responding.... (more information)
by By Bill McBeath
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Here are the highlights of the top event we attended. We couldn't write about them all-but these are the ones that were most instructive.... (more information)
by Ann Grackin
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With RFID on the horizon, firms have the opportunity to improve their business information. However, in the Supply Chain we have a long way to go. In this mini report, the causes and costs of poor dat... (more information)
by Ann Grackin
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At the recent MIT Enterprise Forum, we heard about an open source mobile healthcare platform being used in developing countries, a personal healthcare system that includes mobile and social networking... (more information)
by By Bill McBeath
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In this final installment of our series on Mobile Healthcare Innovations, we look at the mechanical, electrical, and wireless innovations in a tubing-free, personal insulin pump for treating diabetes.... (more information)
by By Bill McBeath
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We explore a personal healthcare system with mobile and social networking components. ... (more information)
by By Bill McBeath
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net.com is going through a business and supply chain transformation. They have also implemented some next generation technology from Valdero to make it all work.... (more information)
by Lucy West
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The 90's were an era of major systems overhaul and investments. Y2K was upon us as well as significant changes in technology. The word integration took on a business meaning, as in processes that migh... (more information)
by Ann Grackin
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Hear how wholesale distributors are using NetSuite to grow their businesses.... (more information)
by By Bill McBeath
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This is Part One of a four-part series of reports on the findings from ChainLink research into the next generation of best practices for managing supplier relationships. This research examined hundred... (more information)
by Bill McBeath
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This is Part Two of a four-part series of reports on the findings from ChainLink research into the next generation of best practices for managing supplier relationships. The research examined hundred... (more information)
by Bill McBeath
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Retailers want to provide a great omni-channel experience. This requires a foundation of precise, real-time inventory visibility all the way from the supplier to the end consumer and everywhere in bet... (more information)
by Bill McBeath
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Whether it's booking a flight or requesting the status of a flight, or checking the status of an order or placing a new order, the frustration we endure while doing business can become massive. We've ... (more information)
by Laura Faught
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One promising e-sourcing technology to support outcome sourcing is expressive bidding™. Reverse auctions evolved to allow evaluation of a broader set of requirements beyond material price, such a... (more information)
by By Bill McBeath
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Seeking low-cost labor markets has lead to increased cycle times, transportation costs and uncertainty in supply markets. That means that in order to maintain control and prevent surprises, each compo... (more information)
by Ann Grackin
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A new generation of broadband, or "gigabit networks," can mean significant benefits to the United States, but our nation must act promptly to ensure that such an infrastructure is ubiquitous and avail... (more information)
by IEEE-USA CCIP
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Intelleflex and The Hartford recently formed an alliance to use RFID and temperature monitoring technologies to tackle the multi-billion dollar spoilage problem in the world's food supply chains. ... (more information)
by By Bill McBeath
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Supply Chain Management is a truly dynamic field. Over the last few years the fundamental structure of the chains has changed to the point where many of the working assumptions have to be re-evaluate... (more information)
by Ann Grackin & Sree Hameed
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On the cover of the 2000 i2 Technologies Annual Report, CEO Sanjiv Sidhu is quoted as saying, "i2 will add $75 billion of value, in growth and savings, for our customers, by 2005." Confident words, bu... (more information)
by Steve Geary, Shawn Winn
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Recent articles on Walmart's item-level tagging announcement dedicated a lot of print to privacy concerns. Is that the central story?... (more information)
by By Bill McBeath
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One of the suppliers making strides in complying with Wal-Mart's RFID mandates is HP. We can all learn some lessons from the experience of these kinds of supplier programs.... (more information)
by Bill McBeath
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The extended Consumer Supply Chain is driven by serving the demands of the ultimate customer. Since consumers have no obligation to present forecasts to their merchants, that means businesses need to ... (more information)
by Ann Grackin
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Understanding DoD RFID Policy and Data Requirements - What this session is about: This session is targeted to DoD Suppliers who are i
... (more information)
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Module Two - Understanding RFID Solutions Session A: RFID Technology Basics
(segment 3) ... (more information)
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Module Two - Understanding RFID Solutions Session B: The Science Behind RFID (segment 4)... (more information)
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Module Three - Getting Started
Session A: Understanding the DoD Supply Chain (segment 5)
Have you ever wondered how the DoD manages to move all the necessary supplies to the war ... (more information)
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While many manufacturers are adopting RFID by force of mandate, even more of them are seeking ways to use the technology to improve their operations. Our survey of 275 manufacturing companies across ... (more information)
by Bill McBeath
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This report contains research into current and planned use of RFID in Maritime. In discussion with shippers, carriers, port operators and technology providers, the report covers these areas:
... (more information)
by Ann Grackin
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RFID can, if implemented correctly, have a significant impact on retail performance. This report takes a look at what is being done by some early adopters. This report covers the type of RFID ... (more information)
by Laura Faught
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This report -- RFID Hardware -- is for two audiences. There is a primer for those who do not have RFID knowledge. Although we use the word primer, we think most people will still learn a bit ... (more information)
by Ann Grackin
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Authorities across the globe recognize the value of sharing patient and remedy data across a network of expert medical practitioners. The concept of "tele-medicine" has been positively received in sev... (more information)
by Carla Frances Reed
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This month we have a contribution by Dr. Peter Harrop, Chairman of IDTechEX out of the UK. Peter has shared with us some different perspectives on RFID and its evolution and growth in the Supply Chai... (more information)
by Dr. Peter Harrop
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Although there is extraordinary hype, with at least one industry show per week dedicated to RFID, it will take awhile before this turns into serious money for vendors.... (more information)
by Ann Grackin
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In spite of disillusionment about the RFID sector over the past couple of years (mostly by those who were swept up in the earlier wave of hype), the RFID Market is still receiving investments, such as... (more information)
by By Bill McBeath
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Recently I spoke at the National Retail Federation in the center of retail: New York City! The big buzz this year, no surprise, was about RFID.... (more information)
by Ann Grackin
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With the current level of security concern, it is interesting that there is not more focus on applications security. Numerous articles cite chilling statistics about security breaches, with the majori... (more information)
by By Contributing Author Stephen Primost
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The universe of SaaS/Cloud offerings just got bigger. Today's announcement of Epicor Express means a full-featured SaaS solution is available to small manufacturers who have had almost no SaaS options... (more information)
by By Bill McBeath
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Software-as-a-Service (SaaS), Application Service Providers (ASP), and traditional licensed models are all available today. Selecting the right software application involves evaluating not only the f... (more information)
by By Bill McBeath
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Highlights from the SAP Insider conference on interesting and innovative new developments in their procurement and supply chain capabilities. ... (more information)
by By Bill McBeath
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New developments in SAP's procurement portfolio, an inspiring use of their technology in rural South Africa, and Services Procurement-related enhancements, and more. ... (more information)
by By Bill McBeath
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SAP has had a reputation (especially as painted by their competitors) of being monolithic, painful to implement, difficult to use, hard to upgrade, and just not all that innovative. While some of that... (more information)
by By Bill McBeath
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We don't always think of SAP as an innovator. But they are doing a lot. Complex Event Processing based on real-time sensor data, social media to find the right skilled people, embedded analytics, and ... (more information)
by By Bill McBeath
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Among the many sessions from SAP's annual conference, we highlight SAP's new Supplier InfoNet and one of their customer's implementation of SRM 7.0.... (more information)
by By Bill McBeath
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The last decade has witnessed a substantial shift in emphasis on the part of many OEM manufacturers from a focus on the products they produce to a concentration on their customers and the value that t... (more information)
by Morris Cohen
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The accurate and timely sharing of strategy, planning, and execution information across the end-to-end supply chain has become critical. The elimination of trade barriers, and the move to massive outs... (more information)
by Carla Reed, Bill McBeath, Ann Grackin
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The vision of driverless intelligent vehicles on an Automated Highway System is compelling, but seems always to be decades away. However, benefits can be had today from incremental technology improvem... (more information)
by By Bill McBeath
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The way ahead is getting clearer. There is suddenly a 'pile-on' of announcements-by hotel chains, airports, cities, retailers, etc. We are Smart and Fast. If you are our customer, you will receive ins... (more information)
by Ann Grackin
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In our last article about growth we discussed why software companies don't grow. Supply Chain software growth strategies were discussed then in an overview format[1]. We got many letters for more idea... (more information)
by Ann Grackin
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Non-payroll jobs continue to rise (albeit slowly), manufacturing is up, auto sales are way up, and several software firms are predicting a return to reasonable growth for 2010. Many of our clients hav... (more information)
by By Bill McBeath
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Companies that are good at spend analytics realize a sizeable competitive advantage. But it is not easy to do. In this first article in our series, we look at how spend analytics has evolved.
... (more information)
by Bill McBeath
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The most common application of spend analysis is to identify potential cost savings. However, spend analytic systems can be and are used for much more than that. We explore here some of the common and... (more information)
by Bill McBeath
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Spend analytics can go way beyond just analyzing spend or managing suppliers. We look at some of the more novel uses of these systems.... (more information)
by Bill McBeath
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While people dream about integrating with their suppliers, StorageTek is doing it--and creating a win/win. Their network solution project with WorldChain is illuminating.... (more information)
by Bill McBeath
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At this year's SuiteWorld, NetSuite announced key architectural changes, their version of an omni-channel strategy, many new capabilities by vertical industry, and a new IDE for their SuiteCloud platf... (more information)
by Bill McBeath
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Like a summer reading list, this is a summer technology list. Spend some time contemplating and learning about the future...... (more information)
by By Ann Grackin
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Various forms of supply chain financing have been around for centuries. The use of networked platforms is a much more recent trend that enables dramatic reductions in the cost of capital compared with... (more information)
by Bill McBeath
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Network platforms that integrate trading partners, logistics processes, and visibility have enabled bold new approaches to payments and financing for participants in the supply chain. ... (more information)
by Bill McBeath
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Network platforms that integrate transportation carriers, shippers, consignees, and 3PLs can do more than provide transportation and logistics services. The connectivity and end-to-end visibility they... (more information)
by Bill McBeath
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Here we are in the New Year. So, what should the going forward picture be of the Supply Chain portfolio? Something old, something new, something from a service provider, something blue (figure 1). OK,... (more information)
by Ann Grackin
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ChainLink's Technology Adoption Model offers fresh perspectives on how technology matures and why some solutions are adopted, while others languish. Existing models generally focus on the point of vie... (more information)
by Ann Grackin and Bill McBeath
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RFID and wireless usage will drive up data transactions by ten fold over the next few years. It is likely that a significant re-addressing of the infrastructure will be required-in the enterprise and ... (more information)
by Ann Grackin
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Earlier this year, we brought to you some new SCM portfolio maps. A few key points we made about integration and integrative solutions would be useful to review, since as the year gets rolling, the ma... (more information)
by Ann Grackin
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This paper will articulate and validate the Future Logistics Enterprise (FLE) vision and objectives for readers such as industry suppliers and partners, members of Congress, members of other governmen... (more information)
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We examine the potential of very low-cost automatic identification (Auto-ID) for both improving supply chain operations-"playing the current game better," and enabling new services to customers of all... (more information)
by Duncan McFarlane, Yossi Sheffi
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We are moving from the era of silos to integration of functions and systems within the retail store. ... (more information)
by By Bill McBeath
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RFID middleware has a critical role to play in cleaving together and clarifying the signals and intelligence, bi-directionally from the device layer to the business applications, or out to the communi... (more information)
by Ann Grackin
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The merger of Airclic and AirVersent, two leaders in vertical industry/process-specific mobile supply chain applications, is a sign of the maturing of mobile platforms and the beginning of a strong gr... (more information)
by By Bill McBeath
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The impetus for this report came from global supply chain managers involved in managing and transforming supply chains who feel that many of the current industry member organizations and publications ... (more information)
by Ann Grackin
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When we reflect back on the SCM journey, we realize that the first decade and a half was more about the emergence of Advanced Planning Systems (APS) i.e., technology point solutions that were implemen... (more information)
by Sree Hameed
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The high tech industry has experienced a striking shift from traditional replenishment processes to Vendor Managed Inventory (VMI) replenishment for various products during the last decade. This has b... (more information)
by Bill McBeath
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GS1 and VICS' announcement of an item-level RFID initiative might appear to be the formation of "just another technical working group." But it is actually one more indicator that we are finally at the... (more information)
by By Bill McBeath
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Shoppers can scan the barcode of makeup in the store, take a picture of themselves, and see how the makeup they selected looks on them in a digital mockup rendition. Increased sales, reduced shrink, a... (more information)
by By Bill McBeath
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Google's VP of Search Product has shifted roles to take charge of their location services. This is just one more sign of the growing battle over services for locating people and things, with wireless ... (more information)
by By Bill McBeath
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