Since their inception, ERP systems have demonstrated their value in connecting business functions by bringing together data and making it accessible within an organization. However, with the globalization of supply chains and the increased need for collaboration, the ERP systems that once promised to be the "do-all" solution are proving insufficient when it comes to aligning business functions outside of the four walls of an organization. Sales and operations planning (S&OP) is one of those functions.

Gone are the days when outsourced manufacturing was a supplement to your business. Today, it is your business. Building quality products quickly, while remaining nimble to address market feedback or unexpected manufacturing snafus, can be the difference between success and failure.

A strong, enduring team is key to warehousing success. Since its inception, WERC has supported the warehouse associate as a professional and logistics as a viable career choice. We wanted to know: Do companies utilize outreach programs to "sell" the profession? What methods are used to announce job openings? How do companies determine candidates as a good fit? What about "diversity" – language issues, hiring disabled individuals? – Michael Mikitka, CEO, Warehousing Education and Research Council

Analyst Insight: Visibility continues to be cited as a critical must-have to manage supply chains. Globalization and growing awareness of the risks induced by outsourcing has exacerbated the need to understand complex events. Yet most companies can only peer into the mist. Large blind sides exist across the chain. Fortunately, solutions are evolving to eliminate these blind sides, providing more clarity and the tools to manage multiparty coordination and seize upside opportunities. – Ann Grackin, CEO, ChainLink Research

"The more things change, the more they stay the same." The proverb from the 19th Century French journalist Jean-Baptiste Alphonse Karr suggests that change does not affect reality on a deeper level but only cements the status quo. In our era, however, change is not only happening, the evolution of change continues to be fast.

A short window to arrange transportation and warehousing threatened receipt of a donation of a million pairs of shoes, but the charity, Samaritan's Feet, found the right 3PL partner to make the operation work.

Why are CEOs allocating more of their valuable time to thinking about their supply chain?

Since computers and data automation first entered the workplace, integrating systems and information has been a constant challenge - and often a costly one.