Business process flexibility versus the cost of technology in the supply chain is an ongoing debate within many companies. Jane Thomson, MD of Softworx, an EOH company and distributor of Infor in Sub-Saharan Africa, says savvy manufacturers have recognised the effectiveness of an integrated Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system in enabling effective response to change and, reducing long-term IT costs. 18 Jul 2008
Results of the latest MasterCard Worldwide Index of Consumer Confidence for the second half of 2008 show that South African consumers remain stubbornly optimistic, despite a significant decrease over the last six months. The survey shows that Johannesburg consumers are more optimistic than those in Durban and Cape Town. 18 Jul 2008
Being "connected" sucks. It is highly overrated and getting old fast. 18 Jul 2008
Not too long ago, it seemed as if "smart appliances" would be everywhere by now. The technology certainly is there, but the desire - on the part of both manufacturers and customers - simply isn't. Too bad, because the customer relationship is suffering as a result, experts say. 18 Jul 2008
Nintendo continues to innovate with its motion-sensing Wii controller, displaying a few new options at E3 this year. With WiiMotion Plus, the controller more accurately reflects the user's movement for functions like swordplay. 'Wii Music' allows gamers to play virtual instruments, though the results can be a little rough on the ears. 18 Jul 2008
Addressing the media on Wednesday, MEC for Housing Paul Mashatile announced that plans for the establishment of the Jewellery Manufacturing Precinct as part of the OR Tambo Industrial Development Zone were at advanced stages, with the business plan for the precinct have already been developed. 18 Jul 2008
Digital Mall, one of South Africa's longest standing online retailers, is set to launch a host of new stores on its site with the addition of consumer electronics and IT goods to its product offering. 17 Jul 2008
Gauteng Finance MEC Paul Mashatile says the R3bn Heineken plant and depot which is being constructed in Sedibeng, southeast of Johannesburg, will be a catalyst for economic growth as it would inject about R7bn into the provincial economy. 17 Jul 2008
Retail sales fell by an annual rate of 3,6% in May — its steepest fall in nine years — backing evidence that consumer spending has slowed sharply and weakening the case for another interest rate hike this year. 17 Jul 2008
As the world's best loved statesman and South Africa's hero and former president turns 90 this Friday, 18 July 2008, Nando's will join in the celebrations by dishing out presents on Madiba's behalf to every citizen over the age of 90. 17 Jul 2008
Statistics South Africa (Stats SA) has defended itself from recent allegations that miscalculations it could have made, have led to an overestimated inflation figure. 17 Jul 2008
Over 50% of emerging and small businesses in Johannesburg, Cape Town and Durban experienced one or more incidents of crime in the past year. 17 Jul 2008
The Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species (CITES) standing committee on Wednesday, 16 July 2008, authorised a decision taken last year for a once-off sale of ivory. 17 Jul 2008
Former Samsung Chairman Lee Kun-hee saw the suspension of his prison sentence in a tax-evasion conviction on Wednesday, a move that confirmed South Koreans' view that tycoons are immune from jail. 17 Jul 2008
US company Conwed Global Netting Solutions has recently launched its new environmentally-friendly Vexar Compostable Netting product - and it is environmentally friendly: it breaks down and becomes compost. 17 Jul 2008
The insurance industry, perhaps more than any other sector, is focused on understanding and mitigating global warming, and for good reason: a changing environment could amplify risks, resulting in lower underwriting profits. Yet despite their heightened interest in climate change, few insurers are wholly committed to building a green IT environment. 17 Jul 2008
Swiss-based luxury goods group Richemont says its sales at actual exchange rates have grown 13% to €1.428 billion for the three months ended June. Sales at constant exchange rates grew 20% in the first quarter. 16 Jul 2008
Retail trade sales at constant (2000) prices for May decreased year-on-year for the third consecutive month, recording a drop of 3.6% from a revised -0.1% in April (-0.3%), figures released today by Statistics South Africa show. 16 Jul 2008
After the close of the mainstream Nederburg Auction, the charity sale will take place on Saturday, 20 September 2008. All the funds raised will be divided equally amongst the three beneficiaries of the Nederburg Charity Trust - the Hospice Palliative Care Association of South Africa, Organ Donor Foundation and an HIV/AIDS-support NGO, Mothers2Mothers (M2M). Wine aficionados can look forward to bidding on two special imports that will be on the block at the event. 16 Jul 2008
Over a hundred informal traders recently gathered at the University of the Witwatersrand in Johannesburg to get more information about registering their businesses. 16 Jul 2008
