Running the supply chain in real time is becoming not only more common but more important to distribution success. That's the view from Manuel Pietra, Descartes Systems Group Inc. chief executive officer and president.

At the company's recent users group, Pietra said the increasing use of real-time tools in the supply chain is the result of the convergence of three key software types – supply chain execution, mobile resource management and business document exchange.

"As technology continues to move forward, distribution-sensitive companies are looking to rapidly assess and make supply chain decisions based on dynamic visibility into inventory, orders, assets and shipments," says Pietra.

Through presentations and product demonstrations, Descartes illustrated how it is capitalizing on this opportunity, specifically with a newly launched solution called Logistics Network Operating System (LNOS). LNOS is a common architecture that will allow users to integrate the company's business document exchange and wireless applications with its end-to-end supply chain execution applications such as transportation management and inventory visibility.

Panel discussions were held with logistics and distribution executives from some of Descartes' customers, including Bobs Candies, CNF Inc., Watkins Motor Lines and the UK-based John Lewis department stores and Ocado.

Representatives shared success stories about Descartes' real-time management tools. For John Lewis and Bobs Candies, a transportation management system automated deliveries and made all orders and shipments visible. The home delivery grocer Ocado also discussed how a routing and scheduling solution increased its on-time deliveries to 98%.

In addition, representatives of Nextel Communications and PGT Industries discussed breakthroughs in wireless technology in the supply chain.