The Open Group has launched the Open Trusted Technology Provider Standard (O-TTPS) Accreditation Program, one of the first accreditation programs aimed at assuring the integrity of commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) information and communication technology (ICT) products worldwide and safeguarding the global supply chain against the increasing sophistication of cybersecurity attacks.

An integrated setting for managing demand, supply and inventory involves working with people as much as with technology and information, says Todd Gallant of VF Corp. He explains how the Timberland division of VF is improving collaboration and communication among its associates up and down the supply chain.

The global information technology industry is likely to experience moderate growth in 2014, some 3.4 percent, with upside potential of 5.9 percent, according to the IT Industry Outlook 2014 released by CompTIA, the non-profit association for the IT channel. The U.S forecast is slightly lower: 3 percent, with upside potential of 5.4 percent.

From defense to medical, nLIGHT makes very bright lasers that have applications across a swath of industries. Corporate master planner Arvind Arumbakkam discusses the value of S&OP in this high-tech, build-to-order environment.

When Fujitsu noticed diminishing returns in its ongoing efforts to improve forecast accuracy, it adopted a new strategy of product segmentation, changing inventory policies for difficult to forecast items. Barry Chapman of Fujitsu explains how this strategy was implemented and the benefits that the company is reaping.

Data from sources like social media, along with powerful analytic software, are giving companies insights into customer buying habits that never before were possible, says Raj Devarajan of Symphony Analytics. He discusses this and other implications that big data holds for supply chain management.

The way most companies evaluate forecasting performance tells them the magnitude of their error, but does little to identify causes of the error or potential for improvement, says Michael Gilliland of SAS. Gilliland explains how the addition of a few simple analytic tools can provide fuller and more useful evaluations.

Providing medical implants for upper-body surgeries is a critical, time-sensitive business. Raymond Allen of Biomet Microfixations explains how his company forecasts and manages demand so as to never disappoint the patient.