As a supply chain manager, you can build and deploy the best supplier collaboration system available, but if your vendors are not onboard, it's about as useful as an empty warehouse. The success of your collaboration project is directly tied to supplier willingness to use the system.

Product lifecycle management (PLM) and product design have been applications that have been slow to move to the cloud, for a number of reasons. But as companies increasingly switch on to the flexibility, scalability and affordability that cloud platforms offer, so adoption has increased.

SATO, a leader in barcode printing, labeling and EPC/RFID solutions, has introduced the CL4NX series of industrial thermal barcode printers.

Analyst Insight: Visibility continues to be cited as a critical must-have to manage supply chains. Globalization and growing awareness of the risks induced by outsourcing has exacerbated the need to understand complex events. Yet most companies can only peer into the mist. Large blind sides exist across the chain. Fortunately, solutions are evolving to eliminate these blind sides, providing more clarity and the tools to manage multiparty coordination and seize upside opportunities. – Ann Grackin, CEO, ChainLink Research

Analyst Insight: As supply chain complexity increases, together with an accelerating pace of business, supply chain visibility becomes critical. Some companies boast of immediate access to any information they need within their four walls; but this is simply no longer a competitive capability. In the quest for faster go-to-market and time-to-customer, real-time – or near real-time – continuous access and visibility is necessary not only within the four walls but across the extended supply chain. This remains an elusive goal for many companies. – Robert Eastman, Senior Analyst, Technology Evaluation Centers

Analyst Insight: With the rise of e-commerce, higher customer expectations and skyrocketing transportation costs, the business case for automation has changed. It's not just about accuracy and labor savings anymore. It's also about the incremental revenue and competitive advantage that comes from improving customer service and better managing inventory. – Frank Jewell, Food & Beverage Industry Leader, Fortna Inc.