Counterfeit products are becoming ever more prominent across a number of industry sectors. This is especially the case where, for the criminals involved, the returns are great. High-volume industries, such as tobacco and manufacturing components, and high unit-price industries, such as perfume and cosmetics, are widely targeted by counterfeiters. According to statistics published by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, handbags and wallets accounted for 40 percent of all seizures during the fiscal year for 2012.

Analyst Insight: Supply chain challenges were plentiful during Superstorm Sandy. Both physical and electronic supply chain operations were disrupted. Private sector operators responded with creative solutions, and public sector entities were better prepared than in previous disasters, but recovery will be a slow and arduous process. Approaches to ensuring resiliency in the face of such events cannot be singular in nature. Actions taken during response and recovery have far reaching implications for supply chains. - Jock Menzies, President, American Logistics aid Network

A recovering housing market, record level U.S. exports and improved unemployment numbers are all key factors pointing to a slow but steady economic recovery in the United States. But while companies are celebrating their profits and looking at improved sales in the months and years ahead, far greater concerns loom on the horizon for shippers as the ever talked about driver shortage becomes a reality.

Analyst Insight: During 2012, high-tech industry executives recognized that optimizing supply chain operations is directly related to profitable growth, higher operating margins and capital efficiency - each of which helps create value. While new products matter, factors such as selection, price, availability and service also enhance the buying experience. - Gene Tyndall, Executive Vice President, Tompkins International

Nearly three out of four leaders within the manufacturing industry have either expanded their product or service offerings in the past year, or plan to expand them in the coming year, according to a survey conducted by Travelers Companies.

Analyst Insight: India has one of the world's fastest-growing economies. Based on the country's 12th Five-Year Plan, manufacturing in India is expected to grow at a healthy CAGR of 9.5 percent. However, according to a World Bank Survey, India ranks 46th in global trade logistics performance and 13th in GDP growth worldwide. Despite the generally positive economic outlook, estimates indicate that the country's inefficient supply chain results in an approximately $65bn loss per year. - Neelam Singh, Senior Analyst, and Steve Banker, Service Director, Supply Chain Management, both of ARC Advisory Group

Analyst Insight: With the government of India recently liberalizing foreign investment into the country's retail sector, many global retailers are eyeing the country as the next expansion opportunity. The experience of early entrants into India's organized retail has shown that supply chain inefficiencies are among the top hurdles to profitability. The unique Indian context requires creative sourcing approaches and significant investment in training and retaining local skilled supply chain talent. - Viktoria Sadlovska, Chief Research Officer, Prameya Research