Good forecasting is a blend of both art and science, according to Thomas Schleicher, senior director of measurement science, at the National Consumer Panel. He discusses the scientific measurement aspects of forecasting as well as the art of collaborating across functions to make informed assumptions.

An integrated setting for managing demand, supply and inventory involves working with people as much as with technology and information, says Todd Gallant of VF Corp. He explains how the Timberland division of VF is improving collaboration and communication among its associates up and down the supply chain.

Overall, holiday sales were weak, but from a mobile perspective, the results were phenomenal, with mobile traffic reaching 48 percent of all online traffic while mobile sales grew 40 percent to reach 29 percent of online holiday sales, according to data from IBM.

Campbell Soup is expert at understanding buying patterns and demand signals for its traditional category, but as it expands into new categories with different types of products the company is having to adapt its forecasting methods. Allyson Hatfield, senior demand planner, discusses these challenges.

From defense to medical, nLIGHT makes very bright lasers that have applications across a swath of industries. Corporate master planner Arvind Arumbakkam discusses the value of S&OP in this high-tech, build-to-order environment.

The threat of cyber-attacks is all too common, so the Retail Industry Leaders Association is launching an initiative to combat them.

America's 23 million small businesses should represent a giant market for big companies, particularly as small businesses leave the Great Recession in the rear-view mirror and look to invest in new equipment. One problem: Main Street doesn't seem to like large corporations much.

Data from sources like social media, along with powerful analytic software, are giving companies insights into customer buying habits that never before were possible, says Raj Devarajan of Symphony Analytics. He discusses this and other implications that big data holds for supply chain management.