Once the "low-hanging fruit" is gone, how do third-party providers and their customers find new ways to create value and strengthen their partnership? There are many ways, but only one rule: It takes two.
A conversation with Hector Granda, director of global procurement policies and learning and development within the Integrated Supply Chain at IBM, Armonk, N.Y.
Castrol's European operation faced a common supply-chain conundrum: excess inventory and poor customer service. A new planning department separate from execution, coupled with technology from ToolsGroup, got the company's supply chain back on track.
As the cost and complexity of wireless solutions comes down, even the smallest companies are taking advantage of mobile communications, while early adopters are finding new ways to leverage their wireless networks.
IT budgets are increasing, but few of those dollars will make their way to the supply-chain arena. The focus there will continue to be on leveraging existing technology.