Today’s procurement organization is scarcely recognizable from what it used to be.

Vendors that provide flexibility and the easiest connectivity options will be the ones that come out on top over the single-minded, rigid vendors.

Ultimately, mesh networks can handle fluctuations in supply and demand, optimize routes, and create transparency and accountability in the supply chain.

To make the most of available resources, provide more delivery choices, and achieve maximum efficiency, it is essential to effectively manage multi-carrier operations in real-time.

Jey Yokeley, vice president sales with TransImpact, details the way that technology — especially in the form of artificial intelligence and machine learning — is aiding how both parcel carriers and shippers make key decisions in an increasingly complex industry.

With the smart data fabric in place, an enterprise will have developed an innate ability to more accurately predict demand and supply chain trends.

Wholesale distributors have long been masters of product inventory management, but now they must also take charge of another type of inventory.

The tool allows suppliers to upload their files to the Akeneo PIM platform or fill out a template that can be downloaded, filled out and re-uploaded to the PIM platform.

Shippers and logistics providers are confronting the challenge of acquiring the right data and using it to optimize the supply chain, says Nate Endicott, senior vice president of growth with Enveyo.

Brendan Galla, chief product officer with Exiger, describes 1Exiger, the company’s platform for proactive risk and supply chain management, and automation of decision flows