Analyst Insight: Inventory working capital reduction is a wonderful concept; however, it is important to understand all of the potential financial impacts before beginning. - Ralph Cox, principal, Tompkins International

Analyst Insight: Recently, Big Pharma went through a significant period of mergers and acquisitions to gain a global market presence and product offering expansion. Now it appears the tides may be shifting. A segment of Big Pharma is shedding non-core business units and focusing on core profitability. But the acquisition strategy is not dead. These diverging paths are both focused on increasing flexibility and profitability to adapt to market uncertainty. Supply chain planning and adaptability have moved forward as integration of business units has increased in all regions of the globe. - Brian Hudock, partner, Tompkins International

Analyst Insight: Volatility is a huge factor for business today. From the stock market to local economies, these volatile times impact world events and play havoc on supply chains. Companies that do not learn to manage the volatility of their supply chains will continue to be at the mercy of external influences. - Bruce Tompkins, executive director, Tompkins Supply Chain Consortium