Feature Articles

51. ERP, WFM, And Time Clocks: Critical Integration 2/20/2014

    Retailers are increasingly searching for single platform applications that incorporate their enterprise resource planning (ERP) and human capital management (HCM) requirements into a unified environment. Many retailers grapple with separate application suites that don’t talk to each other. Their accounting, supply chain, inventory, and POS management functions are isolated from their talent, compensation, scheduling, employee benefits, and workforce management systems.

52. Five Reasons Why RFID Is Ready For Prime Time 2/13/2014

    It’s been more than 10 years since the term “RFID” burst into the public lexicon, and in those early days, the word “hype” was truly an understatement. Every technology company or services provider suddenly realized they were an RFID company, providing an integral piece of the RFID value proposition. “RFID experts” crawled out of the woodwork — presenting at every conference on how RFID would change the world.

53. Advantages Of Rugged Devices For The Manufacturing Workplace 2/10/2014

    Randy Helm of Motorola Solutions lists three key factors manufacturers must consider when deciding between rugged or consumer devices for their workers.

54. JCPenney Turnaround Tied To Online Sales And Inventory Refresh 11/22/2013

    Following JCPenney’s third quarter financial results, CEO Myron Ullman seems optimistic about the turnaround effort that’s been underway for the past year or so. He says, “We’re making significant strides toward restoring JCPenney to its rightful place in retail… It’s hard work with no quick fixes, but our team’s rising to the challenge, and our customers tell us they love the progress we’re making.” It’s happening slowly, but JCPenney is beginning to see positive sales momentum, reporting slightly increased comp store sales. For the quarter, the comp sales improved by 710 basis points, reflecting sequential improvement in each of the three months in Q3’13. Similarly, the company reported positive comps in October, a huge achievement for the retailer, as it had been nearly two years since the company had seen such increases.

55. The XYZ’s Of BYOD 10/16/2013

    Everyone knows the ABCs of BYOD – but it’s the details that matter.

56. Vendor Compliance 104: Advancements In Vendor Compliance 10/3/2013

    As discussed in previous articles, retailers have used vendor compliance programs since the 1980’s to reduce supply chain variability, normalize receiving operations and highlight areas of opportunity in all aspects of the retail supply chain.  Even now, after more than thirty years of vendor compliance programs, many retailers still consider vendor compliance programs to be about shipping and logistical compliance. 

57. Retail Margin Risk: Step 5: “Over-communicate” With Your Vendor Trading Partners 10/1/2013

    In part five of our five part series on mitigating retail margin risks, we will examine the importance of over communicating to your vendor partners and some best practices leading retailers are utilizing today to collaborate with their vendors.

58. Sophisticated Stealing: A New Criminal Enterprise 9/26/2013

    Already widely recognised as a growing criminal trend, ORC is going global with rising rates of thefts being reported across all geographic regions around the world. As a result, retailers are under greater pressure to complement technology with processes and investigative resources that can help prevent, deter and reduce the impact of the problem.

59. How A Single View Of Multiple Systems Can Improve Your Customers' Shopping Experience 9/17/2013

    Opportunities abound throughout the market to increase your revenue. The promise of new sales and larger volumes from channels like web stores, Amazon or eBay make companies see dollar signs swirl around their heads.

60. Transform Your Forklifts: The Complete Solution For Materials Handling 9/11/2013

    In today's distribution centers, forklifts are becoming sophisticated information technology hubs.