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

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