2011 Readers' Choice: Supply Chain Execution
The combination of JDA Software Group and i2 Technologies in January 2010 was well received by CGT’s readers this year based on the fact that the new JDA jumped five steps ahead of its No. 8 rank last year (i2 was No. 6). And the good news continues for the rest of this market as Kimberly Knickle, Practice Director, Emerging Agenda; Sustainability; AOVC, IDC, thinks that investments in supply chain execution are high on the list for supply chain modernization and fulfillment excellence over the next year.CGT: What trends in this area are worth exploring?
Knickle: One trend we see continuing is the push for greater visibility, especially to provide clarity around traceability, supplier management and responsiveness. Although everyone acknowledges visibility is important, it’s easy to slip into hype. We suggest maintaining a sense of reality by thinking about visibility in terms of costs and benefits. Another trend we expect to continue is related to reducing lead times without increasing the total cost as part of a profitable proximity strategy. While much of this work will be related to supply planning and sourcing decisions, we also think it will extend to execution efficiencies. And the final trend I’d like to point out is improving responsiveness. If there’s one thing the global recession taught us, it’s that demand fluctuations are hard to predict. While improving forecasting capability is important, it’s equally important to respond quickly to unanticipated changes to that forecast.
CGT: Has sustainability faded as a driver for supply chain execution deployments? What has taken its place?
Knickle: I don’t think sustainability was genuinely the primary driver for execution deployments. I think energy savings and the resulting cost savings were more important, with sustainability as the side benefit. And I don’t have a problem with that thinking, because when it comes to sustainability, I just want it to be in the equation of every decision. As for what is driving investments in execution, I think affordable and segmented customer service is going to be critical.
BREAKOUT FAVORITES
Customer Experience: Logility
In 2010, Logility launched Logility Voyager Solutions V8 to enable companies to more strategically evaluate, optimize and manage the growing complexity of today’s global supply chains while reducing costs and boosting customer service.
SMB Market: Oracle
“Oracle’s supply chain products, including the Demantra suite, played a significant role in enabling us to develop a demand-driven supply chain — critical for customer service and financial success in the food and beverage industry.” -- Dave Jackson, CIO, Welch Foods Inc.