Shippers today want more from their execution vendors, who are responding with systems that address outsourcing, security, data flow and new trade regulations.

Retailers have been investing in supply chain technology for some time. Now they need to take it to the next level: the store. New technology advancements are making it possible for retailers to cut logistics costs significantly while dramatically improving customer service.

A large industrial-products manufacturer works to bring its supplier base into the 21st Century, but not through the use of expensive EDI systems.

Though the market advantage has shifted away from shippers, DuPont still manages to acquire ocean services that provide competitive advantage across its supply chains.

IT budgets are increasing, but few of those dollars will make their way to the supply-chain arena. The focus there will continue to be on leveraging existing technology.

The concerns and priorities differ somewhat in each sphere, but some providers feel they can make a case for managing each type of shipment with a single, comprehensive system.