While retailers are facing challenges in delivering the reporting functionality that business users need to enable data-driven decision-making, they are optimistic about Big Data's ability to provide breakthroughs in analysis capabilities across a number of retail processes, says a study by 1010data Inc. In fact, almost all surveyed executives (96 percent) agreed that Big Data initiatives are important in helping retailers stay competitive. They said Big Data insights are most beneficial for merchandising (53 percent) and marketing (48 percent), followed by store operations (42 percent), e-commerce (42 percent), supply chain (27 percent), finance (23 percent), and loss prevention (21 percent).
Behind the scenes the electronics industry is leaping into brave new worlds of printed electronics, electronic inks, and laser Nano and other innovations. Quite frankly we don’t think any of these innovations will mightily impact the current trajectory of RFID as we know it today. But in our life time there will be radical changes.
Analyst Insight: There needs to be a clear line of sight between what is in the contract (and the contractual obligations of both parties), the performance metrics or KPIs, and the relationship, including a 360º perception of the relationship. However in practice this is rarely the case. – Alan Day, Chairman & Founder, State of Flux
Analyst Insight: Alignment is the number one strategy to increase business value. Alignment is realized when the business strategy, functions, employees, business processes and technology are optimized for growth and profitability resulting in substantial shareholder returns. Procurement’s opportunity for excellence begins with alignment to the business and the broader enterprise strategy. – Mickey North Rizza, BravoSolution
Analyst Insight: Consumers now demand that their software solutions be flexible, configurable and are able to accommodate business changes without much business impact. Enterprise software vendors have been forced to shift their dated SOA and legacy-based architecture to more adaptable and configuration-friendly solutions that allow consumers to adjust to changing business practices and processes. – Dylan Persaud, Managing Director, Eval-Source
Vnomics Corp., a provider of fleet-management technology, has joined with SkyBitz, Inc., the vendor of remote asset-tracking and information management tools, on development of an integrated tracking system aimed at for-hire and private truck fleets.