Mac News: SCM

Blue Pushes Green With Carbon Offset Modeler
May 22, 2008

Seeking to capitalize on the rapidly growing interest in sustainability and green business practices, IBM has launched a software tool that will help companies analyze the impact of their supply chains on the environment. IBM's Carbon Tradeoff Modeler will enable companies to manage their carbon footprint by giving them insight into how different decisions along their supply chains affect the environment, the company said.

E-Tailers, It's May - Do You Know Where Your Holiday Goods Are?
May 18, 2008

In 2008, the challenges e-tailers face seem to have risen to new heights: carrier rate hikes, major postal code changes, exploding fuel costs, heightened multinational shipping expectations and uncertain consumer demand in an uncertain economy. This spring, businesses need to re-evaluate their warehousing and shipping strategy to effectively plan for the holiday rush.

IBM Soups Up RFID-Ready Server
April 07, 2008

IBM is unveiling upgrades to its WebSphere Premises Server at Impact, its SOA event taking place in Las Vegas this week. The buffed-up SOA software -- Version 6.1 -- and IBM's RFID Information Center will be the two main product spotlights at the event. The cumulative effect of the improvements is that users will find it far easier to gather, analyze and act upon data.

The Electronic Invoicing Renaissance
March 18, 2008

The phone rings and John answers, "Accounts payable, how may I help you?" It's the fourth call John has received from ABC Supply this week. Why? ABC Supply wants payment for an invoice that was sent more than 60 days ago. How is this possible? Actually, it isn't surprising. There is tremendous variability with regard to the purchase to pay cycle. Just think of the typical steps required to pay an invoice.

Reports: RFID Ripe for Supply Chain
March 06, 2008

RFID has gained ascendancy in the corporate world more by fiat than through efforts to persuade suppliers that the technology could deliver internal returns -- at least, in the beginning. With the requirement to deploy it or lose contracts handed down by such entities as Wal-Mart and the Department of Defense, partners scrambled to comply.

Looking Outward for Supply Chain Management Services
February 21, 2008

The dam has burst in regard to the demand for supply chain management services in the small business segment, according to recent Aberdeen research. The results of a December 2007 outsourcing survey of more than 300 organizations reveal that small businesses -- with annual revenues of $50 million or less -- are reporting a major uptick in demand for SCM services.

Fulfillment: The Unexpected Key to Successful E-Commerce
February 11, 2008

Growing at more than 25 percent per year, e-commerce gives consumers a lot of what they want: broad assortment and convenient shopping any time from anywhere. To successfully compete with the bricks, all e-commerce has to do is stock the "long tail," ensure order accuracy, ensure nearly instant gratification with overnight shipping and keep shipping costs down.

Is Your Electronic Data Agreement Your Supply Chain's Weakest Link?
February 04, 2008

"Get it in writing" is a quaint concept in the electronic information age -- especially in B2B e-commerce, where a more suitable direction may be: "get in it cXML." Every industry has major players moving back-office functions from sourcing and procurement to invoicing and payment to the Web.

Easing RFID Integration With Microsoft BizTalk Server
January 24, 2008

Microsoft recently announced RFID enablement for its BizTalk Server software and numerous supporting RFID partner companies. These announcements and the use cases and solutions resulting from them reflect Aberdeen Group research, which shows that 62 percent of survey respondents now cite data integration as their chief cost concern regarding RFID.

Special Delivery: Bringing SMBs Into the Global Shipping Network
January 04, 2008

Of the Web's many attractions, the potential to tap into a global marketplace has perhaps been first and foremost for businesses. If you are a manufacturer, distributor or merchant, designing and launching a Web site is but one piece of putting together and solving the e-commerce puzzle, however.

Ramping Up for Holiday Shipping
December 20, 2007

Santa used to get months to check his list and prepare for peak season, but for online and television retailers such as Alibris and QVC, they need to take orders the make deliveries in a matter of days. The volume and complexity of online shipping and logistics continues to skyrocket, even as customer expectations grow more exacting.

The Greening of the Supply Chain
November 27, 2007

The trend toward environmentally friendly, or green, business practices is permeating just about every industry and, at a more granular level, specific operations within particular segments -- from high-tech server options to green building. The supply chain is no exception, according to a new survey conducted by Eyefortransport in June and July of 2007.

The University's Role in Advancing Data Encryption, Part 2
November 01, 2007

Research into encryption technology is on the rise at universities and colleges, spurred on by technological advances, pressing security needs, and new legislation and regulations. Investigators in both industrial and academic settings are now looking into a wide range of areas where encryption can be applied.

Tech Heavies Form IT Security Phalanx With SAFECode Forum
October 25, 2007

IT industry titans including Microsoft and Symantec announced Tuesday at the RSA Conference Europe the formation of the Software Assurance Forum for Excellence in Code, or SAFECode, a non-profit organization solely dedicated to fostering greater trust in information technology products and services by advancing proven software assurance methods.

RFID: Thinking Outside the Box, Part 2
October 18, 2007

RFID technology vendors are now seeing demand from a wider range of end users for a broader range of applications -- from ID and access control to asset tracking, traceability and supply chain management. Vendors and developers are looking forward to the day when process improvements and demand reach a point where competing suppliers will drive down costs and lever RFID growth to the next level.

RFID: Thinking Outside the Box, Part 1
October 11, 2007

Vendors and developers have invested large sums in RFID (radio frequency identification) and heavily promoted its use, especially in the retail, credit card and transportation industries, as well as across sectors for supply chain and inventory management. Retailers, among others -- small and medium-sized businesses, particularly -- haven't been keen to jump on the RFID wagon, however.