Some brand owners are working closely with retailers, but there's still a big disconnect between planning and reality, when it comes to getting the right product to the right stores, according to Prakash Arunkundrum, director of process consulting with i2 Technologies.

Even in a recession, companies aren't standing still. Geoff Sisko, senior consultant with Jack Kuchta LLC, talks about the steps that can be taken now to prepare businesses for economic recovery.

Al Gagnon, senior account executive with enVista, traces the history of labor-management applications in the warehouse, and talks about why and where the technology is catching on with companies today.

The battle between enterprise and stand-alone applications continues. Patti Satterfield, vice president of marketing and business development with Fortna, outlines some of the considerations companies need to take into account before choosing between the two.

Senior adviser Kevin Dooley traces the history of the initiative, and details its ongoing efforts in devising a standardized method of sustainability reporting for consumer product manufacturers.

Galen Killam, director of business development with EcoLogic LLC, discusses the development of an additive that makes plastic biodegradable in landfills, providing an alternative to consumer products companies when recycling isn't feasible.

Paul Tasner, vice president of supply chain and sustainability with the Reclipse Group Inc., challenges some of the assumptions that have grown up around the concept of "green" business operations.

The term "supply chain" doesn't say it all, according to Reclipse Group president Susan Rosin and CEO Nigel Johnson. They offer a new term which encompasses all of the business processes that are ripe for collaboration, both inside and outside the organization.

Lean strategies can be of great value in aligning supply with demand in uncertain times, but only if they are implemented in the correct way, says Chris Cookson, vice president of supply chain and operations with Verical.

It's an aspect of business that doesn't always get full attention from management, says Mike Perez, vice president of marketing and business development with NVISION. But the marketing supply chain offers lots of opportunities for cost savings and improved efficiencies.