We use cookies to provide you with a better experience. By continuing to browse the site you are agreeing to our use of cookies in accordance with our Cookie Policy.
  • INDUSTRY PRESS ROOM
  • ABOUT
  • CONTACT
  • MEDIA FILE
  • Create Account
  • Sign In
  • Sign Out
  • My Account
Free Newsletters
  • MAGAZINE
    • Current Issue
    • Archives
    • Digital Edition
    • Subscribe
    • Newsletters
    • Mobile Apps
  • TRANSPORTATION
  • MATERIAL HANDLING
  • TECHNOLOGY
  • LIFT TRUCKS
  • PODCAST ETC
    • Podcast
    • Webcasts
    • Blogs
      • One-Off Sound Off
      • Global Logistics and Risk
      • Empowering Your Performance Edge
      • Analytics & Big Data
      • Submit your blog post
    • Events
    • White Papers
    • Industry Press Room
      • Upload Your News
    • New Products
      • Upload Your Product News
    • Conference Guides
    • Conference Reports
    • Newsletters
    • Mobile Apps
  • DCV-TV
    • DCV-TV 1: News
    • DCV-TV 2: Case Studies
    • DCV-TV 3: Webcasts
    • DCV-TV 4: Viewer Contributed
    • DCV-TV 5: Solution Profiles
    • Parcel Forum 2022
    • MODEX 2022
    • Upload Your Video
  • MAGAZINE
    • Current Issue
    • Archives
    • Digital Edition
    • Subscribe
    • Newsletters
    • Mobile Apps
  • TRANSPORTATION
  • MATERIAL HANDLING
  • TECHNOLOGY
  • LIFT TRUCKS
  • PODCAST ETC
    • Podcast
    • Webcasts
    • Blogs
      • One-Off Sound Off
      • Global Logistics and Risk
      • Empowering Your Performance Edge
      • Analytics & Big Data
      • Submit your blog post
    • Events
    • White Papers
    • Industry Press Room
      • Upload Your News
    • New Products
      • Upload Your Product News
    • Conference Guides
    • Conference Reports
    • Newsletters
    • Mobile Apps
  • DCV-TV
    • DCV-TV 1: News
    • DCV-TV 2: Case Studies
    • DCV-TV 3: Webcasts
    • DCV-TV 4: Viewer Contributed
    • DCV-TV 5: Solution Profiles
    • Parcel Forum 2022
    • MODEX 2022
    • Upload Your Video
Home » Not just another song and dance routine...
inbound

Not just another song and dance routine...

May 23, 2011
DC Velocity Staff
No Comments

What does a dysfunctional supply chain look like? How about one that's perfectly coordinated and runs like clockwork? Ask any of the 700-plus attendees at software company RedPrairie's 14th annual RedShift user conference, and they'll probably tell you that there are a lot of rubber balls involved.

The opening session of the conference, held in mid-May in Scottsdale, Ariz., began with a kinetic demonstration of different stages of supply chain management. "Remember when supply chains were simple and linear?" asked a narrator, while a line of dancers placidly passed red rubber balls across the stage. But as time passed, the narrator continued, there suddenly seemed to be "a lot more balls in the air," such as international sourcing, demands for data, and increased speed to market. More dancers appeared, and balls began to fly everywhere; the panicked performers attempted to catch, throw, and juggle them all—a situation, the narrator said, that made it "easy to drop the ball" in your supply chain.

But then technology entered the picture, in the form of red-suited acrobats outfitted with springs on their feet. These high flyers fostered "agility, velocity (our favorite), responsiveness, and collaboration." Under their direction, the dancers on stage moved into a new formation, handing off the balls in a complex but perfectly synchronized web pattern. The scenario ended with everyone on stage lifting their balls to the sound of a triumphal, Wagnerian climax.

So the next time your boss asks you why you need to buy supply chain software, go out and buy a bunch of rubber balls ...

Technology
KEYWORDS RedPrairie
  • Related Articles

    Let the elephant dance.

    it's not just about transportation anymore

    Trimble says 10-4 acquisition lets it track freight, not just trucks

Recent Articles by DC Velocity Staff

Kearney launches “supply chain institute” as more companies seek resilience plans

Trucking industry lobbies for leverage in transition to zero emissions

Safety will be top of mind on National Forklift Safety Day 2023

You must login or register in order to post a comment.

Report Abusive Comment

Most Popular Articles

  • Wireless technology could help electric trucks charge more safely, efficiently

  • Thoma Bravo completes $8 billion buyout of Coupa Software

  • What’s shaping omnichannel fulfillment strategies?

  • WMS feels the squeeze

  • Fast DCs require layers of automation

Now Playing on DCV-TV

Ce1e8b83 026c 4709 8554 43eef6c78213

Will the Silicon Valley Bank Fallout Affect Your Supply Chain? And Our Salute to the Women Supply Chain Leaders

DCV-TV 4: Viewer Contributed
The developments with Silicon Valley Bank and other financial institutions have gotten everyone’s attention. Will these banks be “isolated incidents” or do they portend a contagion with dire economic consequences? Candidly, I think the verdict is still out.That said, we’ve heard from some shippers and columnists who...

FEATURED WHITE PAPERS

  • The Future of Fleet Management: 5 Trends and Influences That Will Drive Logistics in 2023

  • The five best applications for robotic lift trucks in warehouse environments

  • Fulfillment Facility Improved Efficiencies by 4x

  • 3PLs: Complete Orders Faster with Flexible Automation

View More

Subscribe to DC Velocity Magazine

GET YOUR FREE SUBSCRIPTION
  • SUBSCRIBE
  • NEWSLETTERS
  • ADVERTISING
  • CUSTOMER CARE
  • CONTACT
  • ABOUT
  • STAFF
  • PRIVACY POLICY

Copyright ©2023. All Rights ReservedDesign, CMS, Hosting & Web Development :: ePublishing