The use of aero-robots, or drones, in the supply chain may be nearer than you think, and potential applications extend far beyond delivery of small packages, says Jonathan Evans, CEO of Skyward. Evans discusses the technology behind commercial drones and Skyward's role in helping build a digital airspace infrastructure.

Stage Stores operates 850 small-footprint department stores across the country, including the Peebles, Bealls and Goodys chains. Gough Grubbs, senior vice president for distribution and logistics, explains why the company adopted a centralized distribution strategy and how that strategy is supporting corporate growth.

By now, most people know that collaboration is key to success in any line of business. This holds true in the private label industry where retailers, manufacturers and suppliers are constantly competing with premier brand names. In fact, in a recent Nielsen report, "The State of Private Label Around the World," a Nielsen consultant says that a collaborative mindset is essential to compete in the private label space.

The venerable factory is an important competitive weapon in the digital economy, according to Smart Manufacturing - The Path to the Future Factory, a report from research firm IDC Manufacturing Insights.

DIRECTV’s service depends on equipment imported from Asia and forward-positioned in 250 locations to support home installations. Having long used Microsoft Excel to forecast demand, the company had a rocky journey to an automated forecasting system from SAP. Randy Sullivan discusses lessons learned and ultimate benefits.

Backward-looking KPIs, especially those on safety stock, are a necessity in successful S&OP processes, says Erik Hjerpe of TreeHouse Foods, a private-brand food manufacturer. He explains why this is so and how TreeHouse employs a variety of safety stock strategies.