TEC Products

Outsourcing Evaluation Center http://outsourcing.technologyevaluation.com/ Outsourcing IT Infrastructure Software Evaluation Reports http://rfp.technologyevaluation.com/rfi.asp?modelid=165&catid=OSE Outsourcing RFP Templates http://rfp.technologyevaluation.com/store.asp?catid=11

No One Said Sourcing Overseas Would Be Easy

by P.J. Jakovljevic ... Cultural and language differences are other hurdles to outsourcing successfully, and ... items along with high volumes of low-cost accessories sourced directly ... http:/.../Research/ResearchHighlights/SCM/2007/08/research_notes/TU_SC_PJ_08_17_07_1.asp - 28k - 2007-08-17 Summary: The many challenges and risks that retailers face when sourcing globally could be mitigated with the right software tools. Yet the sad fact is that few information technology systems fully support the complexities and unique requirements of global trade.

Consumers Shop Everywhere: Understanding Multichannel Sales

by P.J. Jakovljevic ... Selling accessories and installation services in-store when customers pick up goods they bought on-line or via the phone, even allowing them to redeem ... http:/.../Research/ResearchHighlights/Scm/2005/04/research_notes/TU_SC_PJ_04_12_05_1.asp - 24k - 2005-04-12 Summary: Multichannel retailers must be able to flawlessly execute a full range of services to engage, transact, and fulfill on Web placed orders. Hence, most successful multichannel retailers of today had to either build a complete set of the services in-house or outsource some or all of them.

Where Has All the Service Gone?

by Carla Reed ... history. Accessories are recommended to accompany new selections, the whole interactive experience creating an illusion of intimacy. ... http:/.../Research/ResearchHighlights/Scm/2004/11/research_notes/TN_SC_XCR_11_02_04_1.asp - 13k - 2004-11-02 Summary: For some reason, once a product moves into the retail channel, most manufacturers lose control. The retailer abdicates responsibility. When faced with a problem, the consumer is alone! What happened to the lifetime value of the customer? This article examines the lapses and promises in providing service

The Anatomy of Retail Sourcing Processes

by P.J. Jakovljevic ... has outlets in major cities across several continents—one that targets young shoppers by offering a full line of moderately priced clothing and accessories. ... http:/.../Research/ResearchHighlights/SCM/2007/08/research_notes/TU_SC_PJ_08_15_07_1.asp - 24k - 2007-08-15 Summary: The most successful retailers are those that continually focus on driving the very best performance from each of their suppliers, and that work collaboratively to improve performance in areas such as on-time delivery, product quality, and regulatory compliance.

The Fashion and Apparel Retailers' Conundrum

by P.J. Jakovljevic ... with global outsourcing, retailers need to be extra vigilant about design changes, where-used implications (that is, tracking fabric, accessories, trims ... http:/.../Research/ResearchHighlights/SCM/2006/06/research_notes/TU_SC_PJ_06_29_06_1.asp - 22k - 2006-06-29 Summary: Retail remains a very tactile industry, focused on the hand, drape, and durability of fabrics and trim besides which, designs are still being sketched on paper and pinned on size models or mannequins.

Merging Disparate IT Systems and Exploiting Multichannels

by P.J. Jakovljevic ... In 2003, it orchestrated a ten year, $1.6 billion (USD) IT outsourcing deal with Computer Sciences Corporation (CSC), and it also signed a licensing deal with ... http:/.../Research/ResearchHighlights/Scm/2005/04/research_notes/TN_SC_PJ_04_20_05_1.asp - 23k - 2005-04-20 Summary: Astute IT strategies should help any company develop a strong competitive advantage whether it be improved time-to-market, better insights about customers behavior and preferences, or to devise a more efficient supply chain. This should be embraced by Sears Holding and Federation/May.

The Gain and Pain of Global Retail Sourcing

by P.J. Jakovljevic ... growing competition too), low-cost country sourcing (and even outsourcing of some ... high stock-keeping unit (SKU) counts of low-cost accessories sourced directly ... http:/.../Research/ResearchHighlights/SCM/2006/06/research_notes/TU_SC_PJ_06_27_06_1.asp - 21k - 2006-06-27 Summary: The appeal of global sourcing for many industries is certainly understandable, given the potential lower cost benefits, but without careful elimination of all the hidden challenges, the entire process may turn out to be only a costly 'siren song' adventure.

Linking Planning and Execution Systems for Retailers Nirvana ...

by P.J. Jakovljevic ... comparison and review, live help by phone, recommended accessories lists, and ... things, and given the increasing globalization and outsourcing practices, one ... http:/.../Research/ResearchHighlights/Scm/2005/04/research_notes/TU_SC_PJ_04_11_05_1.asp - 24k - 2005-04-11 Summary: Linking an APS to an ERP system, although simple in principle and worth the trouble, is nonetheless a major integration project.