Collaborators or Competitors? — August,  2008
Exclusive Video Interview
Retailers and suppliers are supposed to be partners, but they’re just as likely to end up adversaries within a given supply chain. Bill McBeath, managing director in the Supply Chain Risk Intelligence Group of Marsh, talks about the issues that often lead to dysfunctional relationships, including the growth of private labels and increasing pressure on retailer margins. Supplier compliance is an especially thorny issue. Yet a well-managed compliance program, if properly managed, can be of substantial value to both parties. Private labels, too, don’t have to cause a rift in retailer-supplier partnerships – there are ways in which both sides can win. Finally, McBeath answers the critical question: When should you trust your trading partner, and when should you withhold information? [Run Time (Min): 15:03]

What Keeps Supply Chain Pros Up at Night? — August, 2008
Exclusive Video Interview Rising fuel prices and potential supplier failures are the top two security issues worrying supply chain managers, according to a recent market survey by AMR Research. Noha Tohamy, research director at AMR, outlines other supply chain risk concerns and discusses strategies that companies are taking to mitigate possible disruptions in supply. [Run Time (Min): 8:15]

Big Changes Within the Four Walls — August,  2008
Exclusive Video Interview

The new breed of warehouse-management system (WMS) software applications offers a wealth of opportunities for companies looking to boost efficiency and perform additional tasks. Brad Wyland, senior research analyst of supply chain management with Aberdeen Group, talks about how companies can take maximum advantage of the latest WMS technology. He offers a number of tips on successful implementation, including the need for training and communication among all employees. Engineered labor standards are growing in popularity, but companies must know how to approach this sensitive issue. Wyland also discusses the need for companies to match new systems with their unique needs, and avoid buying technology that’s overqualified for the task at hand. [Run Time (Min): 12:40] 

Companies Stretch Dollars with Sourcing and Procurement Solutions — August, 2008 
Exclusive Video Interview
A recent spending survey conducted by AMR Research shows that companies are increasing their investments in sourcing and procurement solutions. That’s no surprise, says AMR Research Director Mickey North Rizza. As the economy causes budgets to tighten, companies turn to these technologies to help make their dollars go farther. Rizza explains the key sourcing and procurement capabilities that companies are acquiring and outlines the steps that enable supply management transformation. [Run Time (Min): 11:31]

The Three R’s of Sustainability — August , 2008
Exclusive Video Interview
John Davies, vice president of sustainability and the environment at AMR Research, discusses how Resources, Regulation and Reputation are driving corporate sustainability initiatives. These three macro factors are shaping business initiatives to reduce energy use and eliminate waste, ensure environmental compliance across trading partners and introduce new products that are sustainable from both an environmental and financial perspective. [Run Time (Min): 10:40]

Is Your Supply Chain Financially Vulnerable? — August , 2008
Exclusive Video Interview
The global credit crunch and widespread inflation are de-stabilizing global supply chains and creating new supply chain risks, says Beth Enslow, senior vice president for supply chain risk management at Marsh Inc. Enslow describes the less obvious ways in which supply chains are being affected by these macro-economic factors and explains how leading companies are responding. [Run Time (Min): 10:47]