E2open launches real-time supply chain monitoring

   Foster City, Calif.-based E2open, which provides cloud-based collaboration systems, has launched its the E2open Business Network V 8.0.
   The new release include the developer’s new E2 Collaboration Center and Supply Dashboard, which provides cross-network, real-time visibility of orders, inventory, logistics, and system-made forecasts across multiple tiers in a network, the company said.
   E2open said a key development for the dashboard is to present quick views of important key performance indicators relevant to the user, such as supplier responsiveness, cost-to-serve, inventory liability, and updated gross margin. The dashboard monitors data across global trade networks, noting their operations in real-time and providing event alerts related to risk, cost, and shortages.
   The company said it collected and addressed customer concerns, specifically trying to alleviate the common complaint of a single source for management information and decision-making within multiple trade networks.
   “Multi-tier supply chain visibility can have a positive impact on the bottom line for many companies,” said Ray Barger, research director at Gartner. “The ability to view information – transactions, status, and content – can improve supply chain operations, support real-time problem resolution, and reduce supply network risk.”
   The dashboard relies heavily on images to deliver these quick messages, focusing on charts and graphs to show trends, financial information, metrics, and operating unit information.