With so many channels to juggle, merchandisers today are finding it difficult to manage multiple pockets of inventory, and satisfy customers regardless of how they order product. Burton White, vice president of industry supply chains with Chainalytics, shares some tips on how this goal can be met.

Many would be surprised to learn the extent to which slavery is still present in global supply chains. Gary Barraco, senior director of supply chain solutions with Amber Road, discusses the problem, and offers guidance on how companies can eliminate all forms of forced labor from their global operations.

C.H. Robinson has introduced Freightview, cloud-based transportation-management system (TMS) software for small and midsized businesses.

Transplace, the provider of transportation-management and logistics services and technology, has launched a supply-chain consulting practice.

Retailers increasingly are using customized packaging to meet the preferences of customers in specific stores, regions or channels, says Jason Tham, CEO of Nulogy. This work often is outsourced by brand manufacturers and Nulogy has developed software to link and streamline the process.

Today's businesses need to go beyond visibility to full transparency, says Nancy Marino, partner at Columbus Consulting, whose clients are mostly retailers. This means using technology to focus the performance of independent silos on corporate KPIs, thus improving performance, she says.

Warehouse operations can be the throttle or the chokehold of a supply chain, a truth that has become more evident with the growth of e-commerce, says Robert Carver Jr., IBS director of sales. Carver discusses how technology is helping companies address challenges and opportunities in today's warehouse.