Best practices, technology, and new takes on critical business topics from ChainLink Research If you are having trouble viewing this, click here to view in your browser Thursday April 10, 2014 -- Published twice monthly.   Integrating S&OP By Ann Grackin Tuesday April 8, 2014 We explore the success that several companies have achieved through automating and integrating their S&OP process. [ Read: Integrating S&OP ] Suppliers: A Proven Competitive Weapon You May be Overlooking By Thomas W. Bower Thursday April 10, 2014 Some authors have suggested that strategic sourcing is often done in a win-lose style, without true collaboration between buyer and seller. Nothing could be further from the truth, as a win-lose relationship is the antithesis to strategic sourcing done the right way. Strategic sourcing, done right, can become a real competitive advantage. [ Read: Suppliers: A Proven Competitive Weapon You May be Overlooking ] Spotlight on Direct Materials Procure-to-Pay By Bill McBeath Thursday April 10, 2014 The procure-to-pay process (P2P) for direct materials resists standardization and automation. As the critical execution phase of source and procurement, it is where the rubber meets the road for inbound materials. This is the first in our series on direct P2P, based on recent research. [ Read: Spotlight on Direct Materials Procure-to-Pay ] Business Priorities 2014 By Ann Grackin Thursday April 10, 2014 What users want now! [ Read: Business Priorities 2014 ] For additional information or questions please contact ChainLink Research • 617-762-4040 www.ChainLinkResearch.com • © 2012 ChainLink Research, Inc.