"Planning for disruption" can seem like a contradiction in terms, but there are measures that food companies can take to protect themselves from the inevitable crises that threaten to derail their supply chains, however unpredictable they might be, says Brian Benjamin, senior director of strategic accounts with Havi Global Solutions.

There's no lack of data out there, to help companies balance supply and demand. The problem is what to do with it. Victor Allis, chief executive officer with Quintiq, offers a solution to the management of Big Data: Big Calculations.