The SAS Institute is expanding its line of
business-intelligence software to help users apply in-depth
analytics to their supply chain processes.
SAS will ship two applications designed to exploit its analysis
capabilities in the supply chain arena, and has set up a supply
chain analytics consulting group to help companies install the
applications. Both modules are available on a limited basis now and
are due for general release by the end of the year.
SAS senior manager of business planning strategy Dennis McCarron
said the applications would complement existing supply chain
management systems, such as the ones sold by SAP and i2
Technologies. The goal is to help users cut costs while optimising
their quality-control efforts.
To that end, McCarron added, SAS will offer a
demand-intelligence package that provides an integrated view of
inventory, price optimisation and product demand processes.
Companies will be able to use the software to tailor their supply
chains to address market needs and to adjust pricing and
promotions. The application is, initially, being developed for the
retail and consumer goods industries.
SAS is also working on a manufacturing process analysis
application to help companies find ways to improve product quality
and reduce time to market. That product will, initially, target
semiconductor and other high-tech companies.
While SAS already sells some supply chain analysis components,
it is now creating an end-to-end offering that covers both the
supply and demand sides of supply chain processes, said Aberdeen
Group analyst Bob Moran. The software will let users examine how
events at one point in a supply chain could affect other segments.
Moran said that could be a key capability for companies that try to
get by with the thinnest of profit margins.
Cognos and Hyperion Solutions have also said they have
been working to add supply chain analysis tools to their
business-intelligence product lines.
Scott Lawrence, director of analytic applications at
Cognos, claimed his company's software would give users the ability
to analyse their supply chain operations fully.