DALLAS--Shoppers are more demanding and difficult these days. It used to be that they wanted something new and hip. Now they want it new, hip and customized. In order to satisfy consumer needs, shoemakers launch websites that allow individuals to buy self-designed footwear, cosmetic manufacturers sell custom blended makeup, and consumer electronics manufacturers offer a vast array of personalized items. Even confection makers offer personalized candy, with the consumer’s initials printed on one side and company logo on the other. These are just a few examples of mass customization that are transforming consumer goods companies and redefining the meaning of shopping spree.

While customization keeps consumers happy, increasing the pace of variety and innovation has challenged consumer goods companies who must deliver mass production efficiency in order to maintain an attractive price point. Bringing new products to market with increasing frequency in a timely manner also requires increased supply chain efficiency.

Executives at i2 Technologies, Inc. (Nasdaq:ITWO) can offer tips and strategies for transforming a company’s supply chain to address these challenges, without compromising the product price or diluting the brand. These executives include:

Steve Estrada – Senior Vice President and General Manager, i2 Consumer Industries

• Estrada is responsible for overall planning, strategy and go-to-market execution while working closely with customers in the Americas, Europe, Middle East and Africa to help them achieve supply chain excellence.
• He can offer commentary around topics such as the impact of continuous product innovation on supply chain operations. He can also comment on the streamlining of core processes associated with new product innovation and launches such as forecasting, production, sales and operations planning and vendor managed inventory.

Mohan Balachandran, Vice President, i2 Consumer Industries

• Balachandran is responsible for the group’s overall strategy and market direction and has deep expertise understanding the supply chain needs of various consumer-focused companies.
• He can shed insights on key factors that consumer goods companies must take into consideration in order to successfully design and manage fast-paced supply chains. A key area of his current focus is the impact of the “long tail” of demand on supply chains.

To speak with these executives or learn more, please contact Kirsten Monberg at 469-357-4966 or kirsten_ This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .

i2 is a premium sponsor of upcoming Consumer Goods Technology Fall Conference Oct. 22 - 25 and will provide information and demonstrations of its new-generation supply chain management solutions. Attendees can stop by or arrange for meetings at the i2 table during each day of the conference. For more information or to meet with i2 during the event please send an email to This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it .

About i2

i2 helps business leaders make better supply chain decisions. i2's flexible next generation solutions are designed to synchronize demand and supply across ever-changing global business networks. i2's innovative supply chain management tools and services are pervasive in a wide cross-section of industries; 20 of the AMR Research Top 25 Global Supply Chains belong to i2 customers. Learn more at www.i2.com.