Automated supply chain management

Manufacturers are entering a new age of information systems. No longer will large monolithic database applications be the only answer for operational support. The next-generation of applications are decision-support systems that use computing power to generate and evaluate the many courses of action available to an enterprise. Enterprises will use these systems everyday to streamline operations, lower inventories, decrease costs, and increase customer serviceability. These new systems will load data into memory and search for optimal answers. Multiple users will be able to work concurrently but still be connected via distributed computing. These applications will not only help enterprises pre-plan their operations but they will enable the smooth handling of day-to-day anomalies. These intelligent systems are available now and provide distinct competitive advantages to those who exploit them