When Fujitsu noticed diminishing returns in its ongoing efforts to improve forecast accuracy, it adopted a new strategy of product segmentation, changing inventory policies for difficult to forecast items. Barry Chapman of Fujitsu explains how this strategy was implemented and the benefits that the company is reaping.

Tupperware's unique house-party business model presents interesting demand management challenges. Omar Campbell, director of marketing operations, talks about the importance of demand planning vs. forecasting and how Tupperware is working to improve its demand planning processes.

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.

Auto parts supplier ADVICS Manufacturing Ohio Inc. of Lebanon plans to invest $100m in a building expansion and new equipment, the company's single largest investment in its 25-year history in Warren County, company officials tell this newspaper.

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.