Analyst Insight: Selection of service providers in the area of reverse logistics is getting more complex for the companies that are following the "triple bottom line" philosophy. Additional criteria in the selection process are required to ensure that the relationship between the customer and the service provider increases sustainability efforts and enhances the value of the network both upstream and downstream.

Analyst Insight: Continued globalization and increasing leverage of third-party services for manufacturing, distribution and returns keeps the warehouse and logistics sector strong. Though the growth of warehouse space slowed due to poor sales of consumer and commercial goods in the U.S. over the last year, technology sales continue to thrive though growth for some was not robust in the last year.

Analyst Insight: With online retail sales projected to reach 17 percent of total company sales in 2010 and double-digit growth expected each year through 2012, retailers must take measures to offer next-generation retail. That would create a model that focuses on consumers and their experiences up to and through the purchase, or moment of truth. While most retailers have invested in some form of online capabilities, few (7 percent) have built the appropriate supply chain infrastructure to support a true, seamless, cross-channel experience for the customer.