The focus of RFID in the supply chain has shifted from case tagging to item tagging, says Ann Grackin, CEO of ChainLink Research. Grackin explains why this is so and details other areas of the supply chain where RFID is being embraced.

The biggest barrier to innovation in global supply chains is the inability of companies to identify and then quickly react to opportunities, says Corey Rhodes, vice president-Americas at Amber Road. He discusses the reasons behind these shortcomings and steps to remedy them.

Retailers, particularly big box stores, are demanding more customized packaging of products, which increases demand for contract packaging services, says Dave Mabon, president of contract packaging at Genco. With margins that average 30 to 40 percent, this presents a huge opportunity for service providers.

Providing parts and sub-assemblies to automotive production lines is a highly complex activity, requiring rapid, automated sequencing and sophisticated error proofing. Bo Cheng, director of the automotive business at Comprehensive Logistics, explains how his company is keeping pace as automotive volumes return to pre-recession levels.

In the fast-developing world of machine-to-machine communications, subscriber management platforms might be the answer to achieving optimal connectivity. Nigel Chadwick, chief executive officer of Stream Technologies, explains why.

Chad Eschinger, research vice president with Gartner, reveals the results of the firm's annual survey of what’s driving companies to make changes in their supply chains, and which technologies they're employing to achieve that goal.

IGear Online LLC has developed Always On, a new software platform for global manufacturers.

Marquis, a specialist in energy and agricultural commodities, needed a new approach to supply-chain planning and optimization. Bart Pieper, director of business technology and integration, tells how the company found the right technology vendor for the job.