Supply Chain

Last month, AMR Research humbly pointed out that its prediction in RFID spending for Wal-Mart's Top 100 suppliers was off its mark.

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

The supply chain is a critical and influential component of your overall business strategy -- typically impacting 75 percent of operating results.

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.

Supply chain execution software has re-entered the investment spotlight as supply chain partners face heightened pressures.

The past year was one of struggle and experimentation in consumer goods companies' use of Radio Frequency Identification (RFID), with lingering standards, product immaturity, cost and return on investment issues clouding the ability to reach Wal-Mart's January 2005 mandate.

If your mandate plate isn't full enough, don't fret.

Even though most diet fads come and go faster than a Britney Spears wedding ceremony, there appears to be one universal mission statement about health that rings true from sea to shining sea: A well-balanced diet and plenty of exercise are key ingredients to a quality life.