One Network Enterprises, a U.S.-based provider of technology to enable supply-chain collaboration, has expanded its market presence into Africa.

Oracle Corp. has developed version 20.2 of AutoVue, its software for data and document visualization throughout business organizations.

Damco has launched a new service allowing customers easily to re-plan shipments in line with changes in delivery date, product cost or carbon footprint.

LogFire, a provider of warehouse-management system (WMS) software in the cloud, has created new transload and deconsolidation functionality, designed to meet the warehouse-management needs of third-party logistics providers.

Webgistix Corp. has unveiled SmartFreight, a package of software and services aimed at mid-sized electronic-commerce retailers.

There has been a recent renewal of interest in collaboration among supply-chain partners, according to Ann Grackin, chief executive officer of ChainLink Research. Reasons include a greater reliance on outsourcing and the general trend of globalization of trade. Yet another element is the desire to draw on sophisticated technology, including video, teleconferencing and social networks, to link all players throughout the chain. With such factors in mind, says Grackin, "you need working relationships with trading partners to be successful."

Determining the best way to store and ship products is a crucial part of your business. There are a number of options for doing so, and two of these are becoming increasingly popular: drop shipping and third-party order fulfillment.