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

Supply Chain Technology: TSM - Still Growing

Tough economic times haven’t stopped shippers from investing in new systems or upgrading their existing Transportation Management Systems (TMS). And that trend makes perfect sense because the technology has long been known as a tool to increase supply chain visibility and cut redundant costs. A tool that can make companies work smarter, better, and faster in the best of times—and in the worst of times. Analysts agree that the TMS option fits well in that equation with its ability to eradicate repetition, increase supply chain visibility, and cut redundant costs.

According to Adrian Gonzalez, director of ARC’s Logistics Executive Council and author of the new study “Transportation Management Systems Worldwide Outlook,” 2007 was a banner year for almost all TMS vendors. And while the study revealed a few changes in market share rankings among the vendors, Gonzalez says “the reality is that most vendors continue to grow their revenues and client bases. In short, there are plenty of TMS sales opportunities available in the market.

To view the full article, visit Logistics Management at http://www.logisticsmgmt.com/article/CA6635275.html