Challenge: Our customer was struggling with unstable demand and lack of visibility across its five manufacturing plants in a mixed MTS/MTO environment. The firm needed to improve planning processes and get everyone collaborating on one set of numbers.

Emcien Corp. has released a new version of EmcienPatterns, its application for analyzing customer buying patterns by retailers, distributors and consumer packaged goods manufacturers.

Liaison Technologies, a provider of cloud-based integration and data-management services, has acquired Hubspan, the business-integration software vendor.

Epicor Software Corp. has formed a new alliance with Tour de Force CRM (Customer Relationship Management) Inc.

Cheetah Software Systems Inc. has teamed up with Efreightsolutions to offer customers an integrated logistics intelligence application.

Cadec Global, a vendor of technology for truck-fleet management, has expanded its Performance Management Scorecards as part of its PowerVue system.

Zepol Corp., a provider of trade intelligence products, has developed a new database for U.S. exporters.

DAP Technologies has introduced a rugged Windows-based tablet with a 9.7-inch, multi-touch display.

Scott Webb, assistant professor of logistics at Georgia Southern University, shows how companies can avoid "cannibalizing" their existing product lines - and how they can strategically employ the practice as well.

Kewill Plc, a provider of software for managing global trade and logistics, has launched the Kewill Universal Carrier Module.