Building true omnichannel merchandising capabilities requires the merging of previously siloed business functions. Footwear retailer Aerosoles has been omnichannel for about 10 years now, however, over the past 18 months the organization has decided to step up to manage the business properly.

Voice-based warehouse solutions continue to gain converts and to evolve, with the latest iterations bringing in smart phones, tablets and sensors. Jennifer Lachenman, vice president of product strategy at Lucas Systems, says these adaptations better serve a changing workforce.

No doubt about it - consumer packaged goods companies are drowning in data today.

Healthcare providers are playing catch-up, but they're beginning to incorporate operations forecasts in their supply chains, says Marie Fournier, director of marketing and business development with Tecsys.

"If you're driven by demand, you're probably being driven crazy." Rich Sherman, principal essentialist with Trissential LLC, explains that disturbing statement.