Managing GloballyManaging Globally

Frictionless Commerce Inc. this week is launching a version of its software to help companies improve global supply management. Frictionless Sourcing 3.0 includes new modules to create and manage contracts and track how much is spent with each supplier and in aggregate.

Companies can run the system in native languages, currencies, and time zones. Interfaces for integrating with back-end systems also are available. A supplier-management portal lets businesses share scorecard performance with suppliers.

Global supply management is a top priority because companies are giving more responsibility to suppliers at the same time they're trying to squeeze costs out of the supply chain (see "Supply Siders"). It's estimated there are as many as 100 vendors in the burgeoning market, but none yet offers the full range of capability needed for complex strategic sourcing processes.