Constellation recently published our “State of Enterprise Technology” series of research reports. These reports assess the state of enterprise technologies Constellation identified as essential to digital transformation. These reports also describe the future usage and evolution of these technologies. Constellation will continue to publish reports in our State of Enterprise Technology series throughout Q1.

My contributions to “State of Enterprise Technology” series focus on Matrix Commerce (retail and commerce technologies). In my report, The State of Retail in 2015 and Beyond  I identified seven trends impacting retail. This report is designed to help you set benchmarks and prepare for your retail future.

Here’s an excerpt from the report:

The Customer–Retailer Relationship Becomes More Cooperative

From conversations with clients, prospective buyers, systems integrators, partners, and vendors, Constellation sees a number of retail themes. These trends all revolve around the continuing amplification of the consumer voice in the retail supply chain. As consumers gain more influence within the retail supply chain, retailers will continue to focus on areas that allow for greater cooperation among all entities. Savvy retailers realize they can no longer expect to dominate the relationship but instead should allow for an atmosphere of cooperation.

About Matrix Commerce

Matrix Commerce Addresses the Buyer in Digital Transformation

The theme of Matrix CommerceTM analyzes the disruptive pressures influencing the commerce paradigm. Commerce faces rapidly changing business models and new payment options that are often misunderstood and poorly integrated.

Matrix Commerce means the fusing of demand signals and supply chains in an increasingly complex world of buyers seeking frictionless buying experiences. Friction in this new world originates from new regulatory requirements such as sustainability, taxation, and privacy.

As the world revolves around the buyer, channels, demand signals, supply chains, payment options, enablers, and Big Data will converge to create what Constellation coined in 2011 as Matrix Commerce. Matrix Commerce spans across disciplines as people, process, and technologies continue to transform today’s commerce models.

Download the report snapshot and table of contents of The State of Retail in 2015 and Beyond.