In the early 90's retailers focused on ECR to drive costs out of the supply chain and improve profitability. Now they are focused on improved marketing and merchandising to win today's consumer.

Service demands and capabilities emanated around these two areas: Demand Generation and Demand Fulfillment Services. Supply Chain brought the broad use of EDI, and the emergence of VMI, cross-docking, special pallets, UCC labeling, and CPFAR.

Winning with the consumer has created the need to integrate customer business planning, trade promotion management, shopper insights, category management, co-marketing, special packs, and a whole new perspective on retail merchandising.

Actual service requirements and needs vary by customer and company business. Which service capabilities will improve your business performance?

To better understand the needs of your retail customers, CMS provides CustomerTrac, a customized retailer research capability. This service provides perspective on the customers' current and future needs overall and by retailer.