There is a wealth of retailer data available to help consumer products companies become demand-driven, says Rob Byrne, president and CEO of Terra Technology. But many companies clearly need help in taking advantage of these resources.
Transportation and logistics companies need to be highly sensitive to customers' needs as the economy sags, says John J. Hill, executive vice president of Pilot Freight Services. And just what are cash-conscious customers looking for in logistics providers?
So different from those of the past, today's supply chains require new strategy, analysis and planning, says Steve Martin, vice president of supply chain excellence at Ryder System. He discusses current marketplace realities and their impact on sourcing, sustainability, and inventory optimization in the midst of unpredictable demand.
Following a number of recalls due to tainted products, the government is getting involved in the process of ensuring food safety throughout the supply chain. Tom Kozenski, vice president of product strategy with RedPrairie Corp., discusses how companies should respond.
John Caltagirone, vice president of supply chain strategy with The Revere Group, traces some of the major challenges that companies face as they prepare - or fail to prepare - for a resurgence in economic activity and customer demand.
There's a wealth of valuable data flowing through any company's supply chain. But managers within each discipline need a way to avoid being inundated with information that isn't critical to their job functions, says Steve Hensley, president of Blue Sky Technologies Inc.
Onboard systems for commercial trucks have evolved from "black boxes" monitoring driver behavior into sophisticated systems that enable the real-time flow of critical data on shipment status, security and safety throughout the organization, says Frank Moreno, vice president of marketing with Cadec Technologies.