Companies large and small are gradually coming to recognize the important of measuring their supply-chain performance. But trust among partners is also a key factor in the effort, says Karl Manrodt, associate professor at Georgia Southern University.

These interconnected networks that allow companies to manage all of their resources in motion are the next big thing in the supply chain, according to Art Mesher, CEO of Descartes Group.

Collaborative forecasting between retailers and manufacturers is moving beyond short-term, tactical activities to more strategic, longer-term planning, says David Johnston, senior vice president of JDA Software Group.