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sales force automation (SFA): Technology used to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of the sales force by streamlining and speeding up processes and eliminating errors. It allows the sales force to access up to date information of customer accounts and pricing. It also eradicates errors involved with placing orders.
server: A computer, or softtware package, that provides a specific kind of service to client software running on other computers. The term can refer to a particular piece of software, for example a Web server, or to the machine on which the software is running. A single server machine could have several different server software packages running on it, thus providing many different servers to clients on the network.
supplier relationship management (SRM): Evolving set of applications enabling enterprises to create a more comprehensive lifecycle view of suppliers' operational contribution to the top and bottom lines. Strategic sourcing and spend management would be some of SRM parts.
supply chain management (SCM): The design, planning, execution, control, and monitoring of supply chain activities with the objective of creating net value, building a competitive infrastructure, leveraging worldwide logistics, synchronizing supply with demand, and measuring performance globally.
supply chain planning (SCP): The determination of a set of policies and procedures that govern the operation of a supply chain. Planning includes the determination of marketing channels, promotions, respective quantities and timing, inventory and replenishment policies, and production policies. Planning establishes the parameters within which the supply chain will operate.
supply chain execution (SCE): Execution-oriented software applications for effective procurement and supply of goods and services across a supply chain. It includes manufacturing, warehouse, and transportation execution systems, and systems providing visibility across the supply chain.
supply chain inventory visibility (SCIV): Software applications that permit monitoring events across a supply chain. These systems track and trace inventory globally on a line-item level and notify the user of significant deviations from plans. Companies are provided with realistic estimates of when material will arrive.
strategic sourcing: The development and management of supplier relationships to acquire goods and services in a way that aids in achieving the immediate needs of a business. It is entirely aligned with the sourcing portion of managing the procurement process.