Description: Companies are increasingly outsourcing manufacturing and distribution processes to contract manufacturers, third-party logistics providers (3PLs) and other service partners. Despite the increased number and scope of trading partner relationships, most companies still use manual communication methods such as phone, fax and email to exchange critical inventory, order and shipment data. These methods cannot keep pace with the high volumes and dynamic conditions present in most supply networks, causing inefficiencies that negate many of the gains outsourcing promises. |