Most can agree that cloud ERP, and certainly manufacturing cloud ERP, is in its infancy. Interestingly, while analysts project that the adoption rate for cloud HR is more than 60 percent and for cloud CRM over 75 percent, the present adoption rate of cloud ERP for manufacturers is less than 10 percent (versus 90 percent of on-premise ERP). Yet, there is a general consensus that by 2023 most of the installed MFG ERP systems will be cloud-based.

The increasing use of mobile apps to conduct key invoice processing functions from anytime and anywhere; expanding use of social media platforms to collaborate with colleagues, suppliers and partners; and the growth of the cloud as an enabler of automation for companies of all sizes, will power growth in e-commerce in 2013.

Laura Dionne, director of worldwide operations, and J.P. Swanson, systems architect, at TriQuint Semiconductor, describe how the installation of RapidResponse from Kinaxis is helping the company transform operations planning and improve inventory control.

Two gun distributors-American Tactical Imports (ATI) and AmChar Wholesale-are installing a radio frequency identification solution from Annapolis, Md., logistics-management software firm AdvanTech Inc. to help them track firearms passing through their facility.

Some RFID label manufacturers, as well as vendors of goods tracked via radio frequency identification, are taking advantage of a new technology developed by LPKF Laser + Electronics AG that enables the laser-printing of an antenna and circuit board for RFID transmission.

After working from 2007 to 2011 to transform its own supply chain, Celestica took what it learned to the market, offering managed supply chain services that complement its contract manufacturing business. Erwin Hermans, vice president of supply chain solutions, explains Celestica's strategy.

Back in the fall, Macy's spokesman Jim Sluzewski said his company would consider further expansion of its ship-from-store initiatives after it evaluates its 2012 holiday sales figures. The chain already expanded the project to more than 290 stores before the holiday season began.