2009 Logistics Technology Roundtable: Navigating the Storm

The supply chain management software and technology investment research that’s been trickling in during the past few months (logisticsmgmt.com/software) has revealed that while times have certainly been tough, a percentage of savvy shippers continue to strategically invest in new implementations and upgrades.

That really shouldn’t surprise anyone considering the challenging transportation market over the past year; and the fact that increased trade regulations are putting even more pressure on global shippers for data at a time when nearly every logistics staff is doing more with less. For the vast majority of shippers who told us that their hands have been tied by upper management in terms of technology spending, the following panel discussion may offer you a clearer path through the current nasty weather.

Click here to read what the following four leading supply chain management technology analysts have to say on helping shippers to better harness existing systems and a make a stronger case to the C-suite:

1. Adrian Gonzalez, director of ARC Advisory Group’s Logistics Executive Council, discusses rising interest in Transportation Management Systems (TMS) and Global Trade Management (GTM)
2. Belinda Griffin, global supply chain executive program manager for Capgemini, discusses the growth of network optimization software
3. Greg Aimi, research director for AMR, shares tips on optimizing your current Warehouse Management System (WMS)
4. Brad Wyland, senior research analyst for the Aberdeen Group, wraps things up by helping shippers overcome technology adaptation issues

10 Ways to Reduce the Cost and Risk of Global Trade Management

In today’s uncertain times, one thing remains certain: There will always be changing global trade rules and technologies. The following are 10 of the top ways we believe companies can ensure they are being as efficient, safe and cost-conscious as possible in the short run while building a sound infrastructure for future needs.

With the goals to reduce cost and risk in the supply chain, automation and working closely with partners are the two most practical areas of opportunity.

Below are the abbreviated 10 ways to reduce cost and risk in global trade management. For the full version, visit the Journal of Commerce website

1. Companies must validate more things.

2. Importers and exporters have more direct accountability.

3. Electronic submission is required.

4. Savings opportunities can be realized by having proactive plans.

5. Enabling scalability so companies can expand their trade management capabilities gracefully.

6. Build a virtual network of partners, vendors, agencies, etc.

7. SaaS-based systems are cheaper and easier to work with.

8. Supply chain security is critical.

9. Keeping the entire trade picture in view.

10. Part of corporate social responsibility reporting.

Managing global trade will continue to be laden with complexities and changes from all sides of the puzzle: governments, trading partners, service providers and related partners, nongovernmental interest groups and consumers. As such, importers and exporters are challenged to provide global trade processes that incorporate all the collaborating parties, changing laws, new and historical data and accomplished work from the virtual network. Utilizing automation and partners is more necessary than ever to streamline processes while ensuring the highest levels of safety and compliance.

Demand for Supply Chain Execution Software Will Stay Strong

The economy may be down and businesses may be cutting back, but supply chain execution (SCE) software packages are expected to sell briskly throughout 2009. That's the consensus view of leading analysts who follow the supply chain software market for a living.

As for why these applications would be bucking sales trends, it's all about managing costs. In an economic downturn, companies are looking to pare warehousing and transportation expenses wherever they can. And that's precisely what tools like warehouse management systems (WMS), transportation management systems (TMS), and global trade management systems (GTM) are designed to do.

For the full article, visit http://dcvelocity.com/articles/?article_id=2182&ref=toc.

When It Comes to GTM, the Accent's on Management

Quite a few enterprises are into global trade, but many of those are unable to step back and assess their performance. There are many issues to deal with, including governmental and regulatory compliance, containing costs, and improving one's competitiveness. With cross-border trade transactions amounting to more than $10tr in 2007, global trade management is nothing to take lightly, says Marisa Brown, APQC senior program manager. But there has to be a coordinated management approach to GTM that encompasses all company departments—logistics, tax, finance, legal and operations.

To view the article and video interview, visit SupplyChainBrain at http://www.supplychainbrain.com/content/nc/logisticstransportation/global-trade-management/single-article-page/article/when-it-comes-to-gtm-the-accents-on-management