In a world of constrained supply, manufacturers and suppliers are challenged to manage risk by balancing inventory availability and working capital commitments. Here are five factors to consider when embarking on the effort to optimize supply networks.

Logistics technology startups are getting attention, and financial backing, from some tech sector heavyweights.

If only the fashion industry were as up-to-date with its supply chain as it is with consumer trends in apparel.

Congestion and inflation appear to be easing and schedule reliability has improved, but market signals suggest more of a lull in the current supply chain chaos than an end in sight.

The difficult job of rebuilding communities pummeled by Hurricane Ian is expected to be made even worse by a problem that’s lingered since the early days of the pandemic: snarled supply chains.

Businesses need to rethink how they renegotiate contracts — on an as-needed basis rather than a time-based schedule — to optimize deals for both sides.

Mediterranean Shipping Co., the world’s largest shipping line by capacity, is bringing in four Boeing 777-200 freighters to anchor its new MSC Air Cargo operation.

Europe’s biggest carmaker, said that relocation of production capacity for some component makers is among options in the medium term if gas shortages last much beyond this winter.

Jim Cafone, a senior vice president of supply chain at Pfizer, says the rapid and successful rollout of the doses shows companies now will “need to really rethink how you configure your supply chain.” 

Most of the recent talk surrounding high-tech manufacturing supply chains has been about the severe shortage of microprocessors. But equally important is the supply of printed circuit boards.