Latest Trends in SCM Technology

I attended the SMART conference in Darling harbour this week. Attendance was down by 2/3rd's on the previous event 2 years ago but i feel the quality was up in terms of attendee's, solutions and technology on show.

A few trends of note :

- Low cost visiblity solutions for tier 2 and 3 companies now available

- good mobile solutions for truck and container tracking

- New ( to me at least) fatigue solutions for drivers

- Green Supply chain focus is on the increase

- All the usual IT SCM vendors there with great products.

- A few notiable companies missing

- Rapid build ERP solutions

and more

Top 10 Business and Technology Challenges

An interesting report from Gartner on the Top 10 business and Technology challenges for CIO's.

How does this compare to your companies needs ?

Retail Technology Subject Topics

If you're interested in any of these retail technology topics and would like to know more then contact me :)

Assisted Selling , Branding , Convenience Stores ,Customer Psychology , Customer Service , Digital Signage , In-Store Media , Loyalty Programs, Merchandising , POS , RFID , Self-service , Store Layout and Design , Supermarkets/Grocery Analytics and Measurement , Department Stores , Display Technology , Interactive Displays Kiosks, Marketing Point-of-purchase ,Psychology, Retail - Apparel , Retail - Electronics, Retail - Online Retail - Specialty, Self-Checkout , Signage Technology, Vending, Digital Signage , Measurement & Analysis , Digital Merchandising, Customer Experience ,Content Design & Aesthetics , Retail - Digital Signage,

The Smart Supply Chain Technology Show

The Smart Supply Chain Technology Show (SSCT) is the biennial exhibition for supply chain and logistics professionals to find out what’s new in supply chain products and services, network with colleagues, clients and business partners and build new business relationships. The theme for 2009, “Meeting the Challenge – Logistics Innovation for Operational Efficiency”, recognises the opportunities and demands presented by the current business environment, and identifies innovation as a key to meeting these challenges.

I hope to see you there :)

IBM :Turning Customers into Advocates

A good pdf document from the IBM retail team. ( see link).

The premise is the while retailers are heeding the daily drumbeat of pundits on the importance of focusing on the customer experience, a gap remains between what retailers are delivering and what shoppers expect.

Retailers can close this gap by systematically integrating knowledge of what their best customers want and expect from their brand into every core operational decision.

This is where the bar will be set for retailers - to turn shoppers into advocates and create a sustainable, differentiated advantage.

This is what RSC is all about: making advocates of your customers for your company.

ARC Advisory Group ranks Manhattan Associates as leading supplier of warehouse management systems

Manhattan Associates: WMS solution achieved first place ranking in 15 categories.
ARC Advisory Group released its “Warehouse Management Systems Worldwide Outlook, Market Analysis and Forecast Through 2013” today, with global supply chain optimization provider Manhattan Associates, Inc. ranking as the leading supplier of total warehouse management software (WMS) and services.

ARC Advisory Group produces the annual forecast which follows more than 80 suppliers of WMS solutions and gives a detailed analysis and forecast for the marketplace through 2013. The Manhattan Associates’ WMS solution achieved a first place ranking in the following categories:

Total WMS Software and Services
Suppliers of WMS Software
Base WMS Software
WMS Add-on Software Modules
WMS Implementation Services
WMS Maintenance Services
WMS in North America
WMS in the Middle East & Africa
WMS in Asia
WMS to Tier 1 Customers
WMS to Tier 3 Customers
Pharmaceutical & Biotech Manufacturers
Wholesale/Distributors
Apparel Retailers
Department & General Merchandise Retailers

"Manhattan is the largest supplier of WMS solutions in the world. The company emerged as the leading supplier of WMS in Asia this year for the first time," says Steve Banker, service director, supply chain management for ARC Advisory Services. "Manhattan also made huge strides in EMEA this year, moving up from the #6 WMS provider to the #2 provider of WMS in the region. Not only did Manhattan Associates increase their global footprint, but they increased their solution footprint significantly by introducing some compelling WMS add-on modules — Supply Chain Intelligence (SCI) and Workforce Schedule Optimization. In a marketplace where it is sometimes difficult to differentiate solutions, Manhattan has continued to extend the runway with science-based applications built exclusively for distribution centers."

"Manhattan's ranking in ARC's “Warehouse Management Systems Worldwide Outlook” underscores our commitment to developing the type of solutions that give our customers a short term path to success while also delivering long term value," says Eddie Capel, executive vice president, global operations, Manhattan Associates. "Our entire suite of distribution management solutions is designed to give our customers flexibility and the ability to add complementary solutions such as Supply Chain Intelligence, Total Cost-to-Serve or Labor Scheduling as their supply chain network continues to grow and mature."

Foot note: In my Opinion if you need a SCM/WMS with the lot then MANH is the group to talk too...

Oracle - Beehive Collaboration Software

Oracle announced enhancements to its recently launched Beehive collaboration software in hopes of positioning it more strongly against long-established offerings from Microsoft and IBM. Oracle also slashed its entry-level price for Beehive from $120 to $50 per user, while announcing prices for a cloud-based version.
According to independent analyst Peter O'Kelly, Beehive represents Oracle's fourth attempt to crack the collaboration market, which has been long dominated by Microsoft and its Exchange and SharePoint products, and IBM with its Lotus Notes and Domino software.

Despite its late entrance to the market, Oracle's senior vice president of collaboration technologies David Gilmour asserts that things will be different for Beehive. "The market leaders are groupware products that have grown up," he said. "Collaboration was layered on after the fact, not designed that way in the beginning. Beehive is almost the complete inverse of that."

Warehouse Management Systems - Outlook to 2012

The ARC group has recently published a Five Year Market Analysis and Forecast through 2013. An overview of the report can be found at http://www.arcweb.com/StudyBrochurePDFs/Study_wms.pdf

The outlook is for slow growth off the back of a drop in 2009.
For many suppliers, strategies must be focused on survival rather than growth.

In putting together their strategies, the following kinds of questions need answers.

• How much will the market consolidate?
• How will 2009 compare to 2008?
• When will the market begin to grow again?
• What types of core WMS solutions and add on modules will sell well during the downturn?
• What regions and industries should suppliers focus on?

WMS is often sold as part of a larger supply chain or enterprise suite. How important is that suite? How does the suite offered by leading suppliers need to change so that leading suppliers can maintain and grow their market share?

The full report can be downloaded from this address : http://www.arcweb.com/Research/Studies/Pages/WMS.aspx
There are also similar reports for TMS, planning, Global Trade, SCE etc

Blue Sky - Insight SCM Visibility

Insight™ is a supply chain visibility application that provides the ability to measure key indicators, monitor process improvements, and maintain supply chain performance across the extended supply chain. By linking information between disparate systems, substantial efficiencies can be gained generating a better return on your supply chain investment. Insight also identifies root cause relationships which allows for improved decision making.

http://www.blueskylogistics.com/insight.html

Great product , sits on multiple WMS applications. Contact me for details...

Growing busines via your Networks - Ivan Misner

I came across a great website and blog by Ivan Misner today: http://networking.entrepreneur.com/. On his website Ivan says ( and i concur).. I “refuse to participate in a recession,” .

He has co-written an e-book on business and success that helps people learn how to go about doing just that. The book was co-authored with 11 of the world’s foremost authorities on business. It’s called The Way Out!–Your GPS “Guided Path to Success,” and it is a road map for how to steer clear of the recession and drive toward success and prosperity. It was published by iLearningGlobal with the goal of giving people everywhere turn-by-turn directions to help navigate away from challenges such as the current economic state, and toward the destination of their personal, professional and financial goals.

You can download the ebook for free from this URL :

http://www.bni.com/LinkClick.aspx?fileticket=xQ3M02K%2bECU%3d&tabid=64

The contents of the ebook reflect many of the ideals and business rules RSC ahere too.

Top 20 Software Vendors in Retailing - Dec 2008

Oracle
SAP
Microsoft
Celerant Technology
Micros Retail
Escalate Retail
Tomax
PCMS
Datafit
ECR Software
Retalix
MicroStrategy
IBM
Magstar
Manhattan Associates
Lawson Software
SAS
Epicor
Radiant Systems
JDA
Software Reflexis

The 6 Laws Of Customer Experience

BRUCE TEMKIN has a great blog site : http://www.experiencematters.wordpress.com/

A recent whitepaper by Bruce lists and discusses the 6 Laws Of Customer Experience.

1) Every interaction creates a personal reaction.
2) People are instinctively self-centered.
3) Customer familiarity breeds alignment.
4) Unengaged employees don't create engaged customers.
5) Employees do what is measured, incented, and celebrated.
6) You can't fake it.


THE BOTTOM LINE: WHEN IT COMES TO THE 6 LAWS OF
CUSTOMER EXPERIENCE, IGNORANCE IS NOT A VALID DEFENSE.

Check out his website and blog for more details and a full white paper

TESCO to re-launch loyalty scheme24 Apr 2009

Tesco in the UK is set to re-launch its Clubcard loyalty scheme in the next few weeks, in an effort to further build brand loyalty. The re-launch is reportedly likely to be based around the things customers can do with Clubcard and features a significant investment by Tesco’s own admission. The move is part of the retailer’s strategy to get a balance between price and loyalty programmes, as a means of rewarding customers. The chain will likely be looking to ramp-up both its marketing communications of Tesco Clubcard, as well as the analysis of its shopper behaviour data. Industry sources suggest Tesco will need to expand its Clubcard marketing to digital channels as part of the re-launch.

Tesco's focus on Loyalty and multi-media is testiment to the uplift retailers can obtain and retain with a solid focus on Loyalty & multi-media channels marketing.

What is your retail strategy in this area ?

Want to know\ learn\discuss more - then contact me :0)

Planet Retail - Daily News Feed

Planet Retail

Every day, thousands of professionals turn to Planet Retail as the most trusted authority on global retailing. From in-depth company profiles and market analysis to virtual tours and breaking news, our market leading intelligence service can deliver immediate value to your business.Why Planet Retail

I find the website and daily news feed provides a useful incite into the world of retail and retail trends and activites ..

http://www.planetretail.net/

Supply Chain Technology Market to Grow to US$9.2B in 2012

AMR Research estimates the supply chain management (SCM) applications market will grow by seven percent annually for the next five years, despite the gloomy economic conditions of 2008. Now a $6.5B market, it is forecasted that steady growth will bring the SCM applications market close to $9.2B in 2012.
Based on its analysis, the company predicts there is a high likelihood that the economic challenges of the coming years will offer greater opportunities for supply chain technology adoption.“The supply chain, and the technologies that support it, will play an important role in helping companies deal and thrive in an economy that is going to be quite unlike anything we’ve seen in the post-war era,” said John Fontanella, vice president of research at AMR Research.

The study named five major forces that will be at work in the economy and society in the foreseeable future, and how the supply chain and the technologies that support it will help companies in the next five years.
High inflation – Inflation will force supply chain managers to play an important role in protecting product and company margins through cost control and increased efficiencies in their operations. Rising commodity prices – Pressure from higher commodity prices will bring supply more in line with demand and reduce inventory levels from raw materials to the finished product. Threats to brand security – Counterfeiting, the gray market, and questionable quality standards will make brand protection a top priority.

Companies will look to adopt risk mitigation and global trade technologies as well as analytics to monitor distribution channel buy-and-sell patterns. Sustainability becomes a component of corporate decision making – Public sentiment will force substantive measures by industry to become more environmentally friendly.
This will present opportunities to more directly connect product development efforts with supply chain management to minimize waste and material usage. Cash is king – Capital spending will come under scrutiny as companies preserve cash.
Technologies that increase the velocity of cash collection, including B2B e-commerce, will become a critical component of future initiatives.
The report also found that SAP, Oracle, and Manhattan Associates were the three largest SCM vendors by revenue in 2007, with a market share of 13 percent, 10 percent, and five percent respectively. AMR, www.amrresearch.com

Ad.Wright ! - Singapore based

AdWRIGHT is a full service interactive and ideas agency encompassing Branding, Advertising, Marketing, Communications and Web 2.0.

http://www.adwright.com/ is headed up by MARTIN HENWOOD Originally from the UK, Martin moved to Asia back in 2000 and fell in love with Singapore's cross-cultural life style. Martin started out in the Print and Reprographics industry, working with UK Agencies, his early adoption of web technology has been his true passion, always looking for the edge.

As a founding Director of Ad.WRIGHT Communications, Martin has had a unique exposure to IT, agency and business challenges, gaining valuable experience that is used to help Ad.WRIGHT's clients achieve their ultimate business and marketing objectives.

The website is excellent - please check 'em out..

Customer Experience - Loyalty research in 2009 - Bruce Temkin

I found this blog report on customer loyalty which i must share with you.


What Research Was Hot In Q1 2009? April 8, 2009
Posted by Bruce Temkin in Customer experience.

For the ninth straight quarter, Bruces reports had the highest level of readership across all Forrester analysts. So, needless to say, customer experience remains a hot topic — even in the downturn.
To get a better sense of what’s hot, he compiled the following list of his 20 research reports that have had the most readership by Forrester clients in Q1 2009 (along with their publication dates):
Customer Experience Correlates To Loyalty (February 2009)
Voice Of The Customer: The Next Generation (February 2009)
The Customer Experience Index, 2008 (December 2008)
Customer Experience And Loyalty: A Closer Look (March 2009)
The Customer Experience Journey (September 2008)
Obstacles To Customer Experience Success, 2009 (February 2009)
Customer Experience Index 2008 Snapshot: Retail (February 2009)
Customer Experience Index 2008 Snapshot: Banks (December 2008)
Eight Steps For Keeping Customer Experience Momentum During An Economic Downturn (April 2008)
The Business Impact Of Customer Experience (March 2008)
Engage Gen Y Online With Immediacy (November 2008)
Experience-Based Differentiation (January 2007)
Customer Experience Index 2008 Snapshot: Wireless Carriers (December 2008)
A Closer Look At Customer Experience And Loyalty (August 2008)
Banks’ Cross-Channel Experience, 2008 (July 2008)
Customer Experience Index 2008 Snapshot: Internet Service Providers (March 2009)
Customer Experience Index 2008 Snapshot: Airlines (March 2009)
How Consumers Research, Buy, And Get Service (March 2008)
The Gen Y Design Guide (December 2007)
Wells Fargo Uses Ethnography To Improve Customer Communications (October 2008)

He have a few observations from this list:

There’s a lot of interest in connecting customer experience to business results (e.g., loyalty)
People want to see results from their specific industries
Companies are still trying to figure out how to reach Gen Y
Experience-Based Differentiation remains the blueprint for customer experience excellence
Looking Ahead To My Q2 Research

How Loyal Are Customers? Not Very. This report examines how three areas of loyalty vary across industries and companies: The willingness to repurchase, the reluctance to switch, and the likelihood to recommend.

Headcount - Rent don't Buy Expertise

In these downtimes where companies are shedding fulltime jobs , "downsizing" and "watching the bottom line" it’s still important to protect top line revenues, maintain customer satisfaction and provide adequate support and internal expertise.

So how do companies achieve this with headcount freezes in place?

The answer is to rent the required expertise. There are many very experienced part-time & consultant based resources in the market place today and while companies cannot afford to hire them fulltime they are available for part-time, contract or retainer based engagements.

So if you have a business to run but can't hire then look towards a more flexible, cost effective arrangement. You may be surprised with the level of expertise and the skills available in today’s market place.

Smart SaaS

I'm becoming a big fan of SaaS companies and this blog by Kevin Dobbs provides some incite into how SaaS companies need to be setup, funded and run.

What are Venture Capitalists Saying About SaaS? by Kevin Dobbs

Flat is the New Up:

One phrase that was uttered more than once is that ‘Flat is the New Up’. Although when it comes to Software as a Service… it appears that ‘Up is still Up’. Even in 2008, most publicly traded SaaS companies have bounced back from their lows by an aggregate of 20%, which is much better than the S&P 500. Apparently Wall Street likes SaaS companies and now are valuing them at 3 to 3.5 times their recurring revenues, unfortunately at the beginning of 2008 that number was closer to 8x. Keep in mind that this is better than a lot of public firms that are currently trading at their cash values. Other Wall Street analysts are valuing SaaS firms at 12x their cash flow but it is difficult to understand if there is a consistent valuation metric that firms or investors should be using.

Customer Acquisition Costs:

When building your SaaS business model, it is important to assume that for every dollar of recurring revenue you will probably need to invest $.50 to $1.00 in your Customer Acquisition Costs (CAC). It is important than ever to have an active program of testing various CAC channels and tactics to maximize your investments. Then you need to have a smart statistical framework that you can explain to your investors.

Key take aways:
1 You need to still need to have a great idea, product and team but you might need to have reduced risk for your potential investors.
2 Demonstrate your company knows how to stretch a dollar as far as possible. Fewer employees is better… think Craigslist.
3 Show traction. Number of transactions, members, customers, revenues, profits.
4 Shop carefully for your potential investors and don’t waste time with Zombies.

GPS Solution - Telogis - Check it out ..

Leading Global Platform for Location Based ServicesTelogis’ product portfolio consists of a comprehensive wireless fleet management solution for fleets and a robust, proprietary mapping solution for fleet management companies and other telematics OEMs, enterprise users and systems integrators.OnTrack, the Company’s GPS-based fleet productivity and management platform is a scalable, easy-to-use, Software as a Service (“SaaS”) solution for fleets.

Its ease of use has allowed OnTrack to achieve a significantly high adoption rate among its fleet management customers. OnTrack enables fleet managers to improve productivity and reduce operating costs by providing secure, remote access to real-time GPS vehicle and driver information as well as providing dispatch and route optimization and handheld products for fleet optimization. OnTrack has an extremely open architecture and can integrate with a wide range of fleet management, CRM software, or mobile resource management systems.

OnTrack can communicate with and import data from other applications as well. Telogis application programming interface (API) tools and software development kits (SDK) are also available to provide an additional level of customization. As an example, many customers customize OnTrack and layer in vertical-specific data, such as gas lines and power lines etc.OnTrack Workforce is a wireless location-enabled application that allows businesses of all size to increase regulatory compliance, streamline operations, and improve customer service while eliminating paperwork and manual dispatch functions. OnTrack WorkForce can be run on any Windows CE device.Highlights of OnTrack WorkForce include: Voice prompted turn-by-turn navigation using premium NAVTEQ map data, an hours of service module for regulatory compliance, and real-time instant messaging.

OnTrack Workforce increases regulatory compliance, streamlines operations, and improves customer service.The navigation functionality enables drivers to route themselves to known customer locations as well as new locations entered on the fly. Stops can also be dispatched by the back office via OnTrack; Telogis' web-based fleet management application. The seamless integration of web-based and mobile applications is a natural extension of Telogis' technology portfolio.The real strength of OnTrack comes from the platform it is built upon.

The platform, another product set sold by Telogis, is GeoBase.GeoBase is the company’s market-leading geospatial platform and mapping solution for application developers, systems integrators, enterprise users and other peers, including telematics OEMs. Features include rich and detailed maps, navigation, geocoding, reverse geocoding and route optimization.

The strong demand for a geospatial mapping platform was initially derived from other peers in the AVL and GPS location industry. Users embed GeoBase maps in their web-based AVL and GPS software applications.

http://www.telogis.com/