We are living in a world of speed, immediate accessibility and instant gratification. To keep up with the demand, manufacturers have to procure raw materials, build components, assemble finished goods and physically ship them across the world. Yet they are challenged with shorter and shorter lead times, an unlimited range of finished goods SKUs, selling goods and procuring materials globally and the unending pressure to do more with less. This concept of speed when applied to material replenishment has come to be known as "Inventory Velocity". There are some principles and practices on how to improve inventory velocity in this complex environment.

Parcel and LTL shipping is now viewed as a strategic component of the supply chain.