SAP America

Even though the growth of supply chain software has cooled significantly since the hey day of the explosive growth seen in 2000, there is still a huge opportunity for vendors to adjust offerings to better suit the needs of clients, according to a 2004 AMR Research report.

Even though the following IT firms did not land a coveted spot on this year's Reader's Choice list, Consumer Goods Technology would be remiss by not bringing them front and center.

There is no doubt that 2004 proved to be a more than challenging year for consumer goods (CG) companies.

Consumer goods firms are only as sharp as the products they release.

How to drive value from integration, forecasting and new product development

In an effort to get closer to its customers, optimize its supply chain and become a low-cost supplier, Diageo North America tapped into a collaborative planning, forecasting and replenishment (CPFR) program with its distributors.

Heineken is taking its promotions to a more responsible level by including a message on all Heineken brand bottles and cans worldwide that invites consumers to visit a newly developed responsible consumption Web site.

With projected annual sales of more than $9 billion, Kellogg Company is evolving far beyond its core business of being the world's largest producer of cereal.