Are data extraction tools the next big thing? Is Oprah having an effect on your supply chain. This and more in today’s lunch links:
Data Extraction Tools: Next Big Thing?
Spend analysis company Rosslyn Analytics is the latest company to have dusted down its crystal ball to produce five predictions for 2010.
It believes that data extraction tools will surge in popularity as companies look to leverage their existing investments in ERP systems. This is a solid argument – there are many organisations that have already pulled out of expensive ERP consolidation projects, so the ability to extract information from a sea of meaningless data cost effectively is a compelling argument.
Supply Chain Failure ‘Key Risk’ for Global Retail Industry
The current economic slowdown, damage to reputation and disruption or supply chain failure are the top three risks facing global firms, new research reveals.
Aon Analytics’ 2009 US Retail Industry Report noted that preparedness for risk in the retail industry was demonstrated by having in place a plan to address the risk or having undertaken a formal review of that risk.
The “Oprah” Effect – A Negative for Supply Chains?
While an Oprah endorsement can delight a CEO and marketer, it can agonize a supply chain manager who needs to ensure that the product is available for purchase when a customer wants it. Even the largest supply chain can be strained under an Oprah endorsement, and even when it has early warning. For example, Amazon was stocked out of the Kindle within a week of Oprah’s October 24 endorsement of the Kindle and was subsequently out of stock for most of the 2008 holiday season.
Is a Post Tender Negotiation Acceptable?
“I have seen a key project fall down because sealed bid tenders did not produce savings anticipated (and promised up the chain) and so the buyer tried to negotiate with the winning bidder – whilst it reduced the cost of the project it caused service levels to be compromised and opened leeway into the specification.”
