E2open Inc., a provider of cloud-based software for collaborative planning and execution across global trading networks, has entered into a strategic alliance with KPMG LLP, the U.S.-based audit, tax and advisory firm.

A new business network for procurement has been launched in Australia under the name Procurious.

The global supply chain management and procurement software market grew 7.3 percent to $8.9bn last year, with small vendors combined significantly outpacing the overall industry growth rate, according to Gartner. Supply chain investments remained a high priority even as IT budget decision makers continued to exercise caution.

There's a custom in Washington that U.S. defense contractors don't talk trash about their competitors, at least not in public. After fiercely competing for multibillion-dollar Pentagon contracts, the winner often placates the loser with a piece of the action. When Lockheed Martin was awarded the contract to build the F-22 fighter jet, it hired Northrop Grumman to build the plane's radar. Boeing won the contract to build the Air Force's KC-46 tanker plane and asked Northrop and Raytheon to contribute key components. Everyone ends up happy. It's how it’s always been done.

Stage Stores, which operates 880 small-town department stores under such names as Beall's and Peebles, has learned the value of having products delivered floor ready. Tim Duvic, vice president of distribution, explains how the company educates its suppliers on packaging and preparing orders for fast processing on receipt.

Whereas business interruption insurance covers lost profits and continuing expenses as a result of physical damage to a policyholder's own facilities, contingent business interruption insurance covers such losses stemming from damage to the premises of a supplier or customer. Large companies typically have both types of insurance as part of their property insurance policies; smaller companies may not have the contingent business interruption extension.