Analyst Insight: We have entered an era of radically changed weather patterns which will have a much more pivotal and dominant impact on commodity prices. Smart commodity managers will increasingly draw on weather expertise and weather related-instruments when formulating their hedging strategies.

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: From a strategic perspective, warehouse managers are faced with balancing competing objectives. They need to get orders out of the door faster, keep inventory moving amid fluctuating demand, and minimize costs. It will require not only process efficiencies within the four walls but better collaboration with both upstream and downstream partners to keep these competing pressures in check.

Analyst Insight: Not sensing the upturn in the economy is almost as bad as being hit with the downturn. Value chains have slashed inventories in their effort to remain cash-positive. Some are already scrambling as their sales pick up but their inventory coffers are empty. It's not surprising that sales and operations planning initiatives have grown in importance.