The Philippines-based logistics service provider took a concept born in manufacturing, and applied it to the services sector. The result: a significant bump in service quality and customer satisfaction.

Infor has developed an update of Infor Sales and Operations Planning (S&OP) 10x.

From banners to jerseys, flags to face paint, the World Cup illustrated just how important a brand is for firing up fans. As brands come to mean more to everyday consumers, so, too, do the processes – from procurement to distribution – needed to fulfill a brand’s promise.

The maker of wireless infrastructure opted to outsource its manufacturing to Asia. In the process, it was confronted with a host of problems related to a lack of visibility and poor communications with the chosen partner. It was time to automate the process, and get everybody on the same page.

NeoGrid has released two new supply-chain applications: NeoTPM for trade promotion management, and NeoS&OP for advanced sales and operations planning.

Logility Inc. has made generally available version 8.5 of Logility Voyager Solutions.

S&OP has never been more important or more confusing. For the supply chain leader, it is growing in importance and is on the top of the list for a 2014 focus. However, the market for technology solutions is confusing. We count more than thirty-five solution providers claiming to provide S&OP solutions with a range of capabilities. Here we share insights on why it matters. - Lora Cecere, CEO and Founder, Supply Chain Insights

Analyst Insight: The sales and operations planning process has fairly deep roots in most companies. Research by SCM World shows that many have been able to extend the process across most internal functions. However, few companies have extended the process externally to trading partners. The incentive structure of buyers and sellers tends to set these groups at cross-purposes. Flexibility pricing can shift the incentives in a direction that forces companies to negotiate the value of flexibility. - Barry Blake, Vice President, Research, SCM World