While the effects of the global recession took its toll on enterprise software markets to a large degree in the form of a double-digit revenue reduction, it does not appear that damage to the Transportation Management System (TMS) market was nearly as severe, according to research from ARC Advisory Group.

Conventional wisdom is that most companies today, particularly the larger ones, have adopted the practices associated with sound supply chain management. But that may not always be the case. New research reveals a clear gap between adopters and the laggards—or the “sophisticated” and “less sophisticated” practitioners. This article explains what differentiates the two groups on key dimensions, and tells what you can do enhance your level of sophistication.

Business prospects are improving. However, companies are still under terrific pressure to hold down costs. Many have done an admirable job, but continue to be daunted by one of our time’s most-vexing cost-management challenges: wildly fluctuating oil prices.

Although sales and operations planning (S&OP) has been practiced for several decades now, many companies still struggle to succeed with their programs. A big part of the problem is that the requisite building blocks to success are either faulty or lacking. The five success principles described here can get an S&OP program on the right track and delivering the kind of results expected.

Autonomous Guided Vehicles. Voice+Laser driverless vehicles have industrial grade laser guidance and incorporate voice-directed picking, leaving operators with their hands free to maximize case picking productivity.

Retailers today are struggling to manage demand across multiple channels while effectively controlling inventory levels. Vital to this process is the accuracy of their inventory systems. Cycle counting is the main technique used to curb inventory record inaccuracy (IRI), but it offers only a static perspective. This article provides clear evidence why retailers need to adopt a more dynamic perspective on their inventory picture.

When demand sags, inventory can all too easily pile up, putting pressure on the financial performance of the organization. The procurement team can do much to relieve the situation—and in the process exert a powerful impact on overall business performance. The six action steps outlined here can help supply management executives make that difference.

Equipped with voice-directed picking and labor management modules, the RDS 6.0 warehouse control system supports voice-over IP technology.

A.T. Cross was facing inventory management and demand forecasting challenges that threatened to stall growth and profitability. The solution: a fast-track S&OP initiative that resolved disconnects in planning processes, dramatically reduced finished goods inventory, sustained service levels, and lowered supply chain costs.

Last February, Longos Brothers Fruit markets, a 53-year-old family-owned grocery chain installed a voice-directed picking solution to improve productivity in its distribution centers in Mississauga, Ontario.