European aerospace service provider Spectech has been offering radio frequency identification functionality as part of its parts-management solution to European companies for the past nine years. This summer, the company is opening a new office in Seattle to better access new North American customers.

Competition within the supply chain industry is fierce. Internal executives, third-party providers and industry consultants all have their own special sauce strategies to navigate the twists and turns of the supply chain. Touting a company's strength is important for shareholders and marketing efforts. But value can be generated by recognizing operational deficiencies, and seeking out partner companies with complementary competencies. By this initiative, both companies capture or retain the ultimate prize - the customer. Sometimes a company's best choice for a partner is the least expected or desired - a competitor.

The buzz surrounding big data shows no signs of slowing. But as federal government and industry take steps to harness big data one group is lagging behind - state and local government. According to a new report, "The State and Local Big Data Gap," state and local agencies need to double their storage and computational power, and triple their personnel to successfully leverage big data.