Manufacturing

In a digital and omnichannel world, consumers have access to more information than ever before, and consumer goods companies have to keep up with content they need for all of their brands. That is why this month, CGT asks EnterWorks CEO Rick Chavie about creating consumable content through a robust product information management platform.

About 12 years ago, McCormick & Company, Inc. embarked on an initiative to develop close, collaborative relationships with a number of its retailers and national food wholesaler customers. This initiative evolved into its customer collaboration platform, which has allowed McCormick to develop formal vendor managed inventory relationships today, among many other unexpected benefits along its supply chain.

Most consumer goods companies have traditional R&D organizations that are driven by marketing and operations and completely focused on new product innovation. Yet, the word innovation has become more of a charter or strategic goal as companies strive to innovate in process areas across the business, even challenging fundamental business models. This months Straight Talk takes a look at how innovation can lead to success beyond product extensions and how new thinking can disrupt the status quo.

Did you know that only one in three companies is satisfied with its demand and supply chain planning solution? Here, Supply Chain Insights Founder Lora Cecere shares insights on how to avoid the pitfalls.

In 2012 Cali Bamboo introduced a new product that spiked growth trends and increased potential for dynamic expansion, but its EDI system could not keep up. So, the company made a strategic decision to go with a new solution to support multi-channel fulfillment.

Fruit of the Loom struggled with the management of multiple EDI platforms used across its businesses to support its retailer partners, so it enlisted a solution to help improve efficiency and responsiveness to retailers, 3PLs and the consumer.

Experts break down the retail execution myths to achieve improved store performance.

Chris Hobson, vice president, Global Business Technologies at VF Corporation, writes about the companys latest complex technology project Acadia. With more than 30 brands, 63,000 associates, 1,500 retail stores and $12.4 billion in revenue, VF is highly diversified across brands, products, distribution channels and geographies. Here, the company creates one comprehensive technology platform that powers its back-end processes for all eight of its outdoor and action sports brands.