Is vendor-managed inventory a boon to suppliers or another problem for them to overcome? Regardless of where you come down on that question, analysts say a confluence of forces is whipping up renewed interest in VMI.

In recent years the trucking industry has experienced rapidly rising costs in a rapidly falling economy. Now, with business up and capacity down, the industry may find the leverage it needs to improve profitability.

Major ERP players are poised to give best-of-breed vendors in supply-chain management and execution a run for their money as the economy gains steam and companies once again begin to invest in technology.

With a re-energized effort under way to formalize Collaborative Transportation Management, lots of people are looking at ways to make carriers part of the collaborative process.

Even if you are not among Wal-Mart's top 100 suppliers, the retail giant's push for RFID labels at the case and pallet level by January 2005 deserves your attention. The mandate will have repercussions throughout the supply chain.

A wireless revolution in trucking that began more than a decade ago continues unabated today, delivering improved productivity and enhanced visibility that extends beyond the truck to the shipments inside.