Unlocking the Power of Supply Chain Software: Key Takeaways from NRF ’25
The National Retail Federation meeting in New York City is the premier event for supply chain software suppliers to showcase their latest capabilities. This year’s conference did not disappoint, with several key players sharing their latest developments and insights.
Manhattan Associates: Harnessing the Power of Generative AI
Manhattan Associates, a leading provider of supply chain management software, unveiled its latest generative AI capability at the company’s Momentum conference last spring. According to Adam Kline, senior director of product management, about half of Manhattan Associates’ customers are now using the generative AI capabilities in Active, the company’s supply chain management platform. Kline emphasized that the tool is not a magic button, but rather a powerful technology that requires careful implementation and training.
Blue Yonder: End-to-End Visibility and Connectivity
Blue Yonder, another major player in the supply chain software space, rolled out an upgraded platform that represents the culmination of two years of effort and the integration of 8,000 workstreams. Lesley Simmonds, vice president of industry strategy for retail softlines and hardlines, highlighted the platform’s end-to-end capabilities, which enable customers to collaborate and share data with vendors in real-time. This connectivity, made possible by Blue Yonder’s acquisition of One Network, provides a competitive advantage in the market.
Magnus Technologies: The Evolution of TMS
Magnus Technologies, a TMS supplier, may not have been present at NRF, but Jay Delaney, director of product management, shared his thoughts on the state of technology for transportation management systems. Delaney emphasized that TMS is not dead, but rather undergoing an evolution through the cloud. He highlighted the benefits of a SaaS-based system, including faster updates and greater use of APIs, which enable computer systems to talk to each other and share data.
Common Themes: Connectivity, Generative AI, and the Cloud
Across the three companies, several common themes emerged. Connectivity and collaboration were key, with Blue Yonder’s end-to-end visibility and Manhattan Associates’ internal datasets providing a strong foundation for supply chain management. Generative AI was also a major topic, with both Manhattan Associates and Blue Yonder highlighting its potential to drive efficiency and innovation. Finally, the cloud was a recurring theme, with all three companies emphasizing its role in enabling faster updates, greater flexibility, and increased collaboration.
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