Kewill has developed a new version of its Web-based application for order management. The update of EasyTrade Web Edition allows open-community collaboration between companies and suppliers, enabling the electronic exchange of orders and e-invoices.

Thrive Technologies Inc. has released Firstcast, a demand-forecasting service.

An IDC MarketScape report from IDC Retail Insights finds that product lifecycle management has evolved to become a central lynchpin for retailers to conduct customer-centric, efficient and effective brand management. The new study, IDC MarketScape: Worldwide Retail Product Life-Cycle Management (PLM) Applications 2012 Vendor Assessment, examines the impact of retail PLM and its ability to improve return on capital and brand equity, while reducing risk. Vendors evaluated in this report include: Centric Software, Core Solutions, Dassault Systemes, Gerber, Lectra, NGC, PTC, SAP, Siemens and TradeStone Software.

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

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

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.

Proenza Schouler has chosen the product specification, material management and calendar management modules of the Centric 8 product lifecycle management system for apparel and luxury goods companies.

The business consultancy Accenture has agreed to acquire Octagon Research Solutions Inc., a provider of clinical and regulatory information-management services and software to the pharmaceutical industry.