Inovis, a provider of software and services for business-community management, has made available a new social networking service for supply chains. The tool is modeled after familiar consumer websites such as Facebook and LinkedIn. According to the vendor, the Inovis Social Network creates secure online communities for retailers and suppliers to communicate and exchange organization and contact information. Users sign into a private website to view their contacts at various trading partners. They can update their own contact information and their companies' trading profiles. In the event of an error or problem in a purchase order or shipment, a supply-chain manager can go online to identify and contact the proper person at the supplier, third-party logistics provider or contract manufacturer for resolution of the problem. In the process, users can resolve issues before they cause delays or supply-chain errors. Companies can also use the system to send email updates to the appropriate individuals for notification of key issues, changes and information. Contact data and organization details can flow into back-office systems, integrated by Web services, according to Inovis. The offering is provided via a software-as-a-service (SaaS) model.
Inovis