2013 Readers' Choice: Supply Chain Execution
CGT’s readers rank the top 10 technology companies that provide a suite of software or point solution for supply chain execution, including WMS, TMS, load optimization, etc.
Download the full Supply Chain Execution Report
The results in this category remain fairly consistent year to year. But the market is anything but stagnant. JDA and RedPrairie agreed to merge in 2012, which may spur even more market consolidation and innovation. Kimberly Knickle, practice director, Emerging Agenda for IDC Manufacturing Insights, provides her take on the future of this market.
How would you describe investment activity in this area?
Knickle: In recent surveys we have conducted, “reduce overall supply chain costs” was selected by the majority of the respondents as a top priority over the next 12 months. This reflects that the focus for the supply chain organization remains efficiency and elimination of waste. Reducing procurement costs and reducing transportation and logistics costs are significant drivers behind reducing supply chain costs. Supply chain execution projects are a key enabler for driving those cost reductions and efficiency gains. Some of the manufacturers we spoke with are focusing on specific use cases, like supply chain traceability, more extensive supplier scorecards and revised service-level agreements.
Can you comment on the recent JDA/RedPrairie merger?
Knickle: From our perspective, the JDA/RedPrairie merger aligns with the reality that manufacturers and retailers need to operate in an omnichannel environment, with a seamless experience for customers and consumers. Consumer goods manufacturers and retailers are increasingly conscious that they need to be able to plan for and execute down to the shelf, with localized assortments. This level of performance requires an interconnected supply chain, and a JDA/RedPrairie solution covers all of this ground. Expect the rest of the market to respond to this event by ensuring their solutions are equally robust and communicating this to the market.
How will Big Data and mobility change the supply chain execution game?
Knickle: What IDC refers to as the “Four Pillars” (cloud, Big Data, mobility and social business) have a significant impact on supply chain execution. Manufacturers and retailers are leveraging technologies, like cloud and mobility, to extend the visibility of the value chain in all directions, and there is notable activity in the analytics area surrounding Big Data as companies find new ways to aggregate and transform a multitude of data into business value. Sustainability remains a driver — not necessarily the top driver — but definitely still part of the decision process.
BREAKOUT FAVORITES
Customer Experience Leader: Manhattan Associates
The largest consumer goods companies in the world, including Whirlpool, Avon Products Inc. and VF Corporation, trust Manhattan Associates with their supply chain execution technology. Manhattan Associates says it invests more in supply chain R&D than any company in the industry.
SMB Market Leader: Oracle
A leader once again in SMB supply chain execution, Oracle’s extensive offering of solutions now includes logistics analytics, global trade management and fleet management. These new capabilities further enhance Oracle’s transportation and warehouse management applications.