Software Solution Offers Insight Into Supply And Demand

Compiled ByTraci Purdum Blue Agave Software Inc.'s Active Performance Management (APM) solution enables consumer-goods and electronics manufacturers to gain real-time insight into unexpected shifts in supply and demand, according to the Cambridge, Mass.-based software solutions provider. APM's three core applications -- ActiveResponse, ActiveInsight and ActiveContinuous Improvement -- provide an end-to-end framework for identifying demand and supply issues, monitor key aspects of the business against plan and provide root-cause analysis. ActiveResponse, which is currently available, identifies breakdowns -- revenue at risk, orders at risk, stock-outs, excess inventory and material shortages -- and directs actionable recommendations to shift production, inventory, logistics or delivery rapidly and cost-effectively. ActiveInsight and ActiveContinuous Improvement will be available in the first half of 2004. "Customers like Wal-Mart, Target, and Kroger are clearly leading the way in requiring suppliers to ensure near-100% fill rates, which we strive to achieve, regardless of how much demand suddenly peaks or drops," says Bill Martin, corporate vice president and COO of Hartz Mountain Corp., Secaucus, N.J.-based pet-products manufacturer. "Blue Agave makes sure that we stay ahead of the curve in a fast-moving business that shifts by the hour; the proof is that we've captured additional revenue and are able to meet today's demand for outstanding customer service." The solution, which is a server-based application that runs on Microsoft or Unix/Linux platforms, can leverage information from ERP, APS and SCM applications, including Oracle, SAP, Manugistics, PeopleSoft and i2.