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.

Hey! You! Get on the Cloud!

Mick Jagger had it wrong. You don't want to get off the cloud; these days, you want to get on the cloud and stay there. The cloud I'm referring to isn't cirrus, stratus, or cumulonimbus; it's cloud in the sense of "cloud computing," the latest information technology buzzword. If you haven't heard much about cloud computing yet, you probably will this year. Major software companies like Microsoft are expected to announce initiatives in this area.

What is cloud computing? In simple terms, it's the sharing and storing of information over the Internet (the cloud is a metaphor for the Internet). Under this setup, applications and data are stored on servers on the Internet, where they are accessible via desktop computers, sensors, monitors, smart phones—practically any electronic device anywhere on the globe.

To view the full article, visit DCVelocity at http://dcvelocity.com/viewpoints/?article_id=2170&ref=toc

The Secret SaaS

A new benchmark report, "The Secret SaaS: On-Demand Supply Chain Management" from Aberdeen Group explores whether a Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) application deployment is a long-term, viable option to enable different process areas of supply chain management. In the report 5 process areas are benchmarked and discussed: B2B Connectivity, Sourcing and Procurement, Supply Chain Execution, Supplier/Customer Collaboration, Supply Chain Planning/Manufacturing.

In the current economic climate with increasing supply chain complexity, new application investment decisions are met with a high degree of scrutiny. In addition to upfront and ongoing costs, the ability to integrate the application with current processes and extend it into the extended supply chain, as well as the need for simple integration and non-complex process architecture are top factors in the decision making process.

To view the full article, visit SupplyChainBrain at http://www.supplychainbrain.com/content/nc/technology-solutions/saas-on-demand-systems/single-article-page/article/the-secret-saas-on-demand-supply-chain-management/

Companies Debate the Merits of Software-as-a-Service

Can you trust your software vendor with critical data and applications that are sitting in a server at a remote location? The model offers numerous advantages—and some caveats as well. A dozen years ago, Gregory Bostick wouldn’t have considered buying business software that was installed and maintained off-site. “I would have said, if the internet gets up to the speed of a mainframe, it would be a great idea,” says the vice president of transportation with Pinnacle Foods Group. Six or seven years ago, when that goal was essentially reached, Bostick still had concerns about the level of vendor support for hosted software. Today, however, it’s a whole new ball game.

To view the full article, visit SupplyChainBrain at http://www.supplychainbrain.com/content/headline-news/single-article/article/going-outside-the-walls-companies-debate-the-merits-of-software-as-a-service/