What to do with unprofitable stock remains a challenge for distributors. They don't want to just give it away - or do they? Well, compared to the alternatives, donating stock might be the most profitable way to handle unsold items.

Within complex global supply chains, there are more opportunities than ever before for disruption, especially with regard to the health of key suppliers. Companies must find ways to keep tabs on those crucial partners, with an eye toward heading off disaster.

A conversation with corporate thought leaders about the growing awareness of the need for a vigorous supply-chain risk-management effort, and how they're working to achieve that goal.

There's no lack of creative options for managing cash in the supply chain today. So why aren't more companies taking advantage of them?

Ten years ago, Continental Tire realized that manual, paper-based communications with suppliers weren't getting the job done with efficiency and accuracy. So it turned to an EDI-based business network for help.

With the goal of building up a worldwide network of medium-sized freight forwarders, BuyCo For Growth sought a link to ocean carriers that would provide instant access to schedules, rates and other data critical to the movement of its customers' cargo.

Blount International, a maker of farm, forestry and gardening equipment, needed to get a handle on its global logistics spend. A performance-management tool from Trax Technologies cut costs and helped the company to take a long-range, strategic view of operations.

If our annual 100 Great Supply Chain Partners is about anything, it's about sending a giant thank-you note, in a very public way, to a business partner that has demonstrably helped your business. Whether the partner you single out for recognition is involved in logistics and transportation, technology or in some other aspect of supply chain management, their efforts helped you immeasurably while you concentrated on your core business. And they deserve a shout-out and a public salute.