Inventory optimization: Old in concept, but new in application. Chris Russell, vice president of Logility, discusses trends in the use of the practice, especially from a multi-echelon perspective.

JDA Software recently formed a new global 3PL business unit to focus on sales and product development for this market sector. Unit leader Peter van Merode discusses the strategy behind this move and shares views on the global 3PL market.

Healthcare providers are adopting a networked approach, both for procurement and distribution of supplies. Robert Colosino, vice president of business development with Tecsys, outlines the advantages and implications of that strategy.

UPS has developed a network of Field Stocking Locations to handle medical device shipments.

SAP SE has released version 2.0 of the SAP Demand Signal Management application.

A long-standing challenge in the electronics supply chain is the management of so-called "excess" inventory. When an OEM or EMS provider orders too much product, it is often sold in the open market to distributors that are not franchised by component suppliers.