Customer Relationship Management (CRM)

E. & J. Gallo Winery uncorks account hierarchies to seize up sell opportunities

Adidas-Salomon Canada consolidates IT to boost customer service

Making better use of retail data to reduce cycle times and inventory

Business Intelligence (BI) wasn't the hottest topic of conversation amongst IT types in 2004, and to be perfectly honest, it likely won't be the belle of the ball in 2005 either.

Technology that helps consumer goods (CG) manufacturers manage promotions and get a clearer picture of consumers who use their products are the hot CRM items of the moment, say analysts, who also predict expanding investment in CRM technology by CG companies in 2005.

In trade promotions management technology, integrated analytics tools that provide for precise tracking of promotions dollars are currently drawing the most attention from consumer goods (CG) companies, analysts say.

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.

According to AMR Research, trade funds investments can account for 15 percent of a consumer goods (CG) company's revenue, and the total spent on advertising, marketing and promotions by CG companies is an estimated $250 billion annually.