Analyst Insight: Supply chain complexity and turmoil is on the rise due to growing global markets, increasing customer expectations, rising costs and more intense competitive pressures. Progressive companies understand that supply chain performance has a significant impact on the bottom line and shareholder value, and they must reinvent their supply chain networks on a regular basis in order to remain competitive. However, the traditional way of designing supply chain networks with a focus on cost optimization is giving way to more progressive thinking. - John Spain, Executive Vice President, Tompkins International

Handheld Group, a manufacturer of rugged mobile computers and smartphones, has launched a new rugged handheld, the Nautiz X4.

Distribution center design has always been a key aspect of supply-chain management. Now it's becoming a "science." Russ Meller, vice president of research and development with Fortna, explains what that means.

Analyst Insight: Years ago in the consumer products industry, the "supply chain of the future" looked much like today's supply chain. Industry change was gradual and incremental. But the pace of change today demands a more proactive and aggressive approach to future logistics planning. Market and competitive forces are completely reshaping how supply chains need to operate in the future. There are several opportunities for companies to improve their market position by improving internal operations. - Charles Trimarco, Managing Consultant-Supply Chain Management, Capgemini Consulting

E2open has made available version 11.2 of E2 Planning and Response.