The internet of things (IoT) is no longer a term that only tech-minded experts know. Worldwide spending on IoT is constantly growing, and is forecast to reach $745bn this year, an annual increase of almost $100bn.The vast majority of that spend is by businesses looking to improve operational efficie

If you’re reading an online supply-chain information resource, you probably don’t need anyone to sell you on the benefits of an enterprise resource planning (ERP) system.A good ERP, offering visibility into all areas of the chain, automation of repetitive processes, and a central source

What many economists view as a growing gap between rich and poor in America is being reflected in online retailing trends.Just as the middle class finds its fortunes dwindling, forcing members either upward or downward on the economic scale, traditional mid-tier department stores such as Sears and J

Retailing as a business model is being challenged by e-tailers and demands for an ever-improving customer experience.Despite the pressure of e-commerce, traditional retail is still delivering some of the best customer experiences, leading to return business and an accompanying need to maintain the s

Organizations stand to realize multiple benefits from moving their software and computing infrastructure to the cloud.IDC forecasts that by 2025, the global datasphere will exceed 163 zetabytes (a trillion gigabytes), roughly ten times the size it was in 2016. Companies risk falling even further beh

(Editors’ note: This is the second of a five-part series of articles about the journey to creating an enterprise-to-enterprise (E2E) business network that enables demand-driven supply capabilities.)Emerging digital technologies and the consequent need for new capabilities are disrupting all as

It’s the obvious solution for avoiding the squeeze of a mounting U.S.-China trade dispute: move production to other East Asian nations.Some companies have already picked up stakes and moved manufacturing to other locations in Asia. For many others, however, this is not a viable option.The achi

Summer is officially here, and for many people, that means planning trips to the beach or backyard cookouts. For those running an e-commerce business, however, it means preparing for the next peak season, whether it’s Back-to-School, Halloween or the holiday shopping season.Warehouses and fulf

Factory audits alone are not sufficient to prevent labor abuses in global supply chains. Technology must also be applied to the problem.That’s the conclusion of a recent report by Deloitte LLP’s Monitor Institute, a consulting team that works with private companies and other organization

(Editors’ note: This is the third of a five-part series of articles about the journey to creating an end-to-end business network that enables demand-driven supply capabilities.)How do companies manage the arduous journey of end-to-end digital transformation, while keeping the business operatin

To compete in today’s market, it’s imperative that companies employ digital technology that can mirror business processes both internally and externally. Management of the modern-day supply chain requires a “digital twin” to detect threats, simulate possible outcomes, and mod

In today’s modern business landscape, many companies have multiple locations and remote employees. This makes any paper-based or on-premise process difficult to manage and properly execute, which can cause inefficiencies in nearly every department. In the area of expense management, errors suc

It’s the one element that poses the greatest challenge to the continued growth of online commerce: package theft.Not every home has a place where a package ordered online can be left securely if the buyer isn’t there to receive it. Hence the problem of endemic theft. According to a 2017

Chances are you’ve heard about blockchain’s potential to upend every industry it touches. A quick Google search will tell you that blockchain is already being heralded as an industry-transforming concept. But the truth is that many organizations are still trying to understand exactly wha

It’s an unfortunate truth that in 2019, newsfeeds are constantly filled with revelations about once-respected public figures and organizations involved in shocking and unethical behavior. But associated entities are feeling the effects as well.Statistics from Cone Communications show that over

As the trade war between the U.S. and China heats up, it’s becoming clear that the dispute won’t end in a quick resolution. Nevertheless, importers must take action now, to protect themselves from the disruption that’s sure to result.In the immediate future, importers are facing ta

Since the early 2000s, logistics, freight and delivery companies have been outfitting their fleets with GPS systems to monitor the location, movement and status of their vehicles. But for many companies, GPS tracking is where the technological aspect of logistics begins and ends. They’re inves

With the rise of the omnichannel comes the idea that consumers aren’t just telling retailers what to sell them, but how to do sell it to them as well.An online transaction consists of more than an exchange of goods for money. The seller must weigh considerations of price, speed of delivery, re

The U.S.-China trade war is causing irreversible damage. It's creating new business opportunities, too.One such opportunity is for small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) to move their production facilities to an alternative country, which offers lower production costs than China.Tariffs

Ten years ago, the word “sustainability” was a whisper when it came to business practices. Now, no matter what industry you’re in, sustainability is a focus, not an option.Not only have environmental regulations tightened up, consumers expect sustainable practices from the business