Technology to Streamline Supply Chains
Companies presented a number of solutions to help retailers streamline supply chains and bolster the bottom line at the Retail Systems 2002 Conference in Chicago, reports ComputerWeekly. SAP announced new merchandise management, planning, and forecasting functionality for its mySAP Retail technology. Syncra Systems and Manhattan Associates also unveiled supply chain technology tailored for the retail industry.
“The enhancements to mySAP Retail aim to enhance the core merchandising functionality
to improve inventory management, allocation, planning, and pricing optimization,”
according to Hunter Harris, vice-president of retail business development at
SAP. SAP also announced a new modular forecasting and replenishment solution
designed to allow retailers to improve on-shelf availability, reduce inventory,
and optimize the supply chain. The solution, which will be embedded in mySAP
Retail, pairs SAP’s business application development with SAP’s automated forecasting
technology.
Syncra Systems unveiled the next generation of its supply-chain visibility and collaborative platform. Syncra XtTM Version 4.0. offers improvements in both scalability and core functionality designed to support large-scale deployment, according to company officials. It includes a multi-dimensional, ad hoc analysis and reporting tool and exception management capabilities. Version 4.0 also integrates Syncra’s replenishment planning and demand modules to provide collaborative order planning and demand forecasting.
Manhattan Associates introduced PkMS, the latest version of its supply-chain execution system designed to provide greater control to those companies who rely on the technology to manage distribution centers. PkMS will also allow organizations to improve collaboration with their partners and customers through tighter integration with complementary enterprise applications, company officials say. Major enhancements include an improved yard management system to allow distribution centers to expand inventory tracking beyond the center.
Moderator Comment: What technologies offer retailers
and CPG manufacturers the greatest return on investment?
Training programs. People have the ability to make the
greatest bottom line difference. [George
Anderson – Moderator]