Hubspan Inc., a vendor of business-integration software based in the cloud, has released six new business-to-business applications, built using the NetSuite SuiteCloud Computing Platform.
Encompass Global Logistics LLC, a third-party logistics provider specializing in the trans-Pacific trade, has launched a mobile application for cargo management, compatible with all Apple iPhone, iPad and iPod products.
With ever-changing business challenges such as transportation costs, volatile demand and an evolving customer base, supply management organizations are exploring new and unique ways to use collaboration in their supply chains. One such effort is turning traditional vertical collaboration strategies on their side and may change the way organizations view their supply chain - and their competitors.
Inttra, provider of an independent platform for booking and managing ocean freight, has created what it says is the industry's first standardized electronic bill of lading.
With $12bn in brand revenue, Ralph Lauren was facing the challenge of coping with rapid growth, both at the wholesale and retail levels. Complicating matters were the apparel leader's broadly diverse customer base, geographic coverage and product array.
Analyst Insight: It is common for high-tech companies to have established processes to ensure they are not overly dependent on too few suppliers. Far less common are processes or intelligence to ensure they are not overly dependent on a specific geographic region. But recent events have pushed the issue of risks from geographic concentration of the supply base to the forefront. - Bill McBeath, Chief Research Officer, ChainLink Research
Modern spend analysis systems are capable of incorporating a huge variety of types and sources of data - everything from supplier data to contracts, purchasing transactional data, financial data, risk data, and much more. However, the power of these systems is often limited by the availability, completeness, and quality of spend-related data from source systems.
Analyst Insight: In recent years, an increasing number of organizations have sought to make their supply chains more environmentally friendly. According to APQC's Open Standards Benchmarking in procurement, 48 percent of organizations initiated "green" procurement policies as of fall 2011. As organizations feel more pressure to monitor their environmental impact, they must consider the potential effect of enacting green procurement policies on their bottom line. - Becky Partida, knowledge specialist, APQC
Airclic, a provider of cloud-based mobility software, has released a new version of its Food Perform product for the food-distribution industry. The tool eliminates paper manifests and allows for clean invoicing.