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

Rosslyn Analytics, a provider of business-intelligence software, has made available a new tool for conducting analyses of supplier risks. RA.Pid Supplier Risk Profile allows finance, procurement and supply-chain organizations to collaboratively evaluate, monitor and mitigate supplier-centric risks in real time in five business days, all from a single screen, the vendor claimed.

LeanLogistics, a vendor of transportation-management system (TMS) software, is releasing version 12.1.0. of its On-Demand TMS package.

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."

Zonar Systems has added fuel as an additional dimension to its suite of tools for electronic fleet inspection, tracking and operations management. Up to now, Zonar's vehicle telematics platforms have utilized four dimensions - latitude, longitude, time and odometer - of global positioning system (GPS) reporting.

The worldwide supply chain planning (SCP) market is forecast to grow 44 percent over the next five years, representing a compound annual growth rate of 7.6 percent, according to a new ARC Advisory Group study. With the global economic downturn now predominantly in the past, capital spending on information technology has rebounded vigorously. The SCP market has participated in this rebound, as suppliers have reported recent revenue growth rates well above the long-term trend.

The increased complexity of global supply chains has led to longer lead times, more pipeline inventory, and the need to control downstream an upstream logistics, according to Supply Chain Visibility Excellence: Mastering Complexity and Landed Costs, a report from Aberdeen Group.