Some companies are adopting new returns management processes to gain competitiveness and reduce costs. It isn't magic, but most organizations still haven't caught on.

Afraid to let safety stocks get too low, companies often get overwhelmed by their inventory. New ideas, processes and technologies in inventory management can solve that.

While many companies curb investments in new supply-chain systems and process change, some take the long view. They're spending now, to realize big payoffs later.