I was recently reminded of the story from the 1980s or 1990s where a software company started paying its programmers to find and fix bugs. If I recall the story properly, the incentive program was halted rather quickly (within a week or two) after at least one programmer received a hefty bonus through purposefully creating and finding extra bugs.
In my EDI career, I reported to at least four departments. These include IS, Technology/Development, Finance and Operations. Some of my direct managers included a CFO, a CTO, VP of Operations and IS Director. In fact, I reported into three different departments within one company in the span of just two years. My wife sometimes says to me “You’re weird.” Perhaps the schizophrenic EDI life has something to do with it.
Continue reading "EDI - The Rodney Dangerfield of the Enterprise" »
Bell Rings. Dog Salivates. Food is served.
Bell Rings. Dog Salivates. Food is served.
Bell Rings. Dog Salivates.
Retailer implements “compliance requirement”. Suppliers squirm. Minimal necessary steps are taken for supplier to meet the new requirements.
Retailer implements “compliance requirement”. Suppliers squirm. Minimal necessary steps are taken for supplier to meet the new requirements.
Retailer implements “compliance requirement”. Suppliers squirm.
I’m quite committed to rational, well thought out use of emerging technologies within businesses today. Unfortunately I think lots of companies go overboard in assuming a new technology will be the silver bullet for whatever it is that’s ailing them. For instance, each business needs to consider the context within which RFID should be implemented and then integrate it into the appropriate existing business processes and associated systems. In many ways, RFID is just another visibility tool for many supply chain applications, and as such, should be tied into existing logistics visibility and track and trace solutions – starting with the ASN. At RFID World and in other venues, I have seen RFID solution providers promoting their RFID visibility networks as if supply chain visibility never existed before.
Continue reading "B2B RFID in Perspective; Worries About RFID Pet Tags" »
Merriam-Webster OnLine provides 3 definitions for integrity:
1 : firm adherence to a code of especially moral or artistic values
2 : an unimpaired condition
3 : the quality or state of being complete or undivided
In my current role at GXS, I define the go-to-market strategy for GXS’ B2B e-commerce and integration solutions globally for retail and CPG, and within the US for high tech. Previously, I was vice president of technology strategies for the Kodiak Group, a boutique e-business consultancy and provider of B2B and global data synchronization services. I have also held positions with AppNet, Commerce One, Value America, Comdial, BT and McDonnell Douglas.
I enjoy writing—both for professional and personal purposes—and have published articles in the Journal of Trading Partner Practices, eCommerce Connexion, The Handbook of Technology Management and Public Administration, and was the author of a monthly column in Deduction and Chargeback Management. I speak fairly frequently at industry conferences, including CompTIA’s Breakaway Conference, RFID World, Hardlines Technology Forum, VCF events, NEECOM and many others. I also am an advisor to both The National RFID Center and The National RFID Institute. Way back when, I earned a bachelor of arts from the University of Virginia in Economics and Anthropology.
Though some might not believe it, my time away from work is most important to me. I have a lovely wife, Laurie, and six wonderful four-footed kids – two English cocker spaniels (Polly and Chester), one chocolate lab puppy (Piper), one horse (Echo) and two donkeys (Stardust and Juan Valdez). We reside near the Adirondacks in upstate New York. When the opportunity arises, I like to fly fish. And I am an avid birdwatcher.
