Point of sale is "where the facts are" that help retailers readjust orders to accommodate sales peaks and valleys that may be predictable but aren't always intuitive.

Is vendor-managed inventory a boon to suppliers or another problem for them to overcome? Regardless of where you come down on that question, analysts say a confluence of forces is whipping up renewed interest in VMI.

Terrorists are well aware of the opportunity that global supply chains present to deliver a devastating attack on the U.S. It's up to both the government and U.S. importers to protect us all.

Major ERP players are poised to give best-of-breed vendors in supply-chain management and execution a run for their money as the economy gains steam and companies once again begin to invest in technology.