Cloud technologies have already improved insights into business, according to 66 percent of respondents in a recent survey of manufacturers by Plex. In addition, 31 percent are either evaluating their Big Data needs and opportunities or plan to do so in the coming year - and 35 percent believe data analysis is the most important skill set for the next generation of employees.

MatchBack Systems, Inc. has launched MatchPodium, software for analyzing data and providing systematic street-turn options to truck-fleet and container planners.

Of the all the burning issues discussed at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, earlier this year, one that got top billing was the promise and peril of the "Fourth Industrial Revolution."