Every company in the hyper-competitive automotive sector is challenged to continuously reduce costs and add value without decimating razor-thin margins. The supply-chain is a target in all of their sights.

The need for vigilance against global terrorism and unauthorized technology transfer combines with the search for new supply-chain efficiencies. • Fifth in the Best Practices series.

Despite lingering concerns over standards, reliability and cost, Wal-Mart, DOD and other major retailers are pushing ahead on first-stage mandates that will eventually lead to RFID-enabled supply chains.

Leading universities and other researchers reveal trends that show how 3PLs and their customers need a better understanding of each other's needs to build more successful relationships.

Today's supply-chain marketplace has little room for generalists. It's specialists that are in demand, with buyers of both software and services looking for industry-specific solutions and deep domain expertise.

Company operated vertical exchanges that take a one-to-many approach are stealing the spotlight from the many-to-many e-marketplaces which proliferated last year. It is these private exchanges that will handle the bulk of B2B internet commerce in coming years, analysts say.