IBM recently announced that it is improving its Smarter Commerce initiative by adding cloud-based solutions through its acquisition of DemandTec. This will help organizations utilize more efficient pricing, assortment and promotion planning software to drive profits skyward, IBM said.
"IBM Smarter Commerce [in the] cloud gives companies broader insights about customer merchandising and pricing preferences to better market, sell and deliver their products and services," said Craig Hayman of IBM. "With IBM and DemandTec, marketing and sales executives in retail, [consumer packaged goods] and other industries will be able to deliver the best prices and product mix based on consumer buying trends."
This is because organizations will be able to utilize efficient cloud-based analytic and transaction management solutions that will allow decision-makers to spot trends and insights easier. For example, managers at manufacturing facilities in charge of the supply chain can communicate with retailers to understand elasticity and set more competitive prices.
IBM improved the Smarter Commerce initiative's B2B integration and supply chain management capabilities through previous acquisitions, as well. This was completed through the purchase of Sterling Commerce in 2010 and Emptoris in 2011.