Agility Logistics Solutions and Rockfarm Supply Chain Solutions have formed a joint venture, Agility Domestic Solutions (ADS).

ProTrans, a provider of third-party logistics, freight consolidation and freight-management services, has expanded operations in two locations.

ThomasNet.com, provider of a free supplier-discovery and product-sourcing platform, has launched a new version of its Supplier Discovery application.

Zebra Technologies Corp. has agreed to acquire the Enterprise business of Motorola Solutions Inc.

JDA Software Group Inc. has released JDA Flowcasting, an application for supply-chain management and collaboration among manufacturers, distributors and retailers.

Despite talk of the importance of collaboration in shaping demand, many companies have yet to achieve that ambitious goal, says Scott Roy, collaboration planning manager with Wells Enterprises Inc.

Time to shed old ideas about demand planning, and embrace the concepts of demand sensing and shaping, says Charlie Chase, chief industry consultant for demand solutions with SAS Institute Inc.

Less automated "standard" material handling solutions are perfect for new or smaller companies that do not require highly automated DCs. Klaus Wurm, vice president and managing director of Schaefer Systems, discusses the benefits of integrating standard elements to help such companies get their products to market quickly without big investments or lengthy implementations.