Supply Chain Management

A comparison chart of solution providers to the consumer goods industry in 2011. Plus, industry experts address market trends and challenges, like demand planning, downstream data and S&OP.

Many years of success brought Patagonia to a juncture where it became necessary to review the effectiveness of business processes and infrastructures in a way that would allow it remain true to its mission of supporting the environment.

The need to evaluate market scenarios and drive supply chain decisions based on a clear understanding of what will drive profit and then align that to brand, category and target consumer profile strategies has never been more important.

Newell Rubbermaids Sales and Operations Planning (S&OP) process has been the subject of an intensive improvement effort over the past two years. In fact, an S&OP initiative launched in 2008, generated 30 percent more cash for a total of $603 million in 2009.

VMI programs have been in place at CG companies for years, but leaders are just now asking: How can I gain more value? The Dannon Company Inc. seems to have the answer as it pursues VMI as a strategic initiative to strengthen retailer relationships and grow sales. Get the inside scoop here.

P&Gs global product supply officer retires; the company announces current vice president product supply, global operations, as his successor.

In the first three months, Kimberly-Clark has already realized $10 million in additional revenue by avoiding out-of-stock scenarios.

IBM is working with more than 2000 global and local brands such as global food producer Danone and 1-800-FLOWERS to ensure they are marketing to the right audience at the right time.