Editor's Note -- July 2004

It amazes me that failed technology implementations that occurred years ago continue to make headlines today. Just as the tabloid press revels in the art of exposing the "real" side of celebrities, it seems that certain business media outlets are no different in some respect, forever circling high-profile companies, waiting for them to falter before swooping in for the kill. Exposing the bad side of business is sometimes a good thing, especially when it helps rid the world of "creative" accounting practices that were famously introduced by Enron execs. But when it comes to revisiting a visionary IT project that might have missed its mark... what's the point? Do we really learn anything new by revisiting yesterday's headlines?

It certainly makes sense to avoid the missteps of others but at Consumer Goods Technology, we firmly believe that the real power behind business improvement means exposing the people, processes and technology that boost efficiency and the bottom line. Last month, for instance, we profiled the "The 25 Most Influential", the movers and shakers of the consumer goods industry that are on a mission to inspire cultural and technological change within their organizations. This month, "Power Users" stands as the ultimate sequel by serving up a crop of companies that are harnessing the power of specific tech tools to reap outstanding results. Simply turn the page to find out why Nike leads this year's pack of prominent IT champions that include Procter & Gamble, The Scotts Company and Perry Ellis. Also keep an eye out for Deloitte's take on product introductions (pg. 10), our Special Report on price optimization (pg. 12) and a successful CRM story from Birkenstock (pg. 22). As always, feel free to drop me a line at: [email protected].