A recent TAKE Supply Chain survey indicated that the primary reason companies choose to outsource some or all of their manufacturing or distribution activities is cost reduction. This was the number one reason chosen by 61 percent of survey respondents across all global regions. However, a frequent issue faced by companies after the outsourcing project goes live is that they're not achieving their expected cost savings. Two common causes for this disconnect are vague contract terms or metrics, and manual processes.

Wal-Mart Stores Inc. doesn't do things on a small scale. So when it moved to expand its global sustainability effort, the retailing giant acted true to form.

Daimler Trucks North America committed to lean management in 2012 and its seven parts distribution centers are full participants in that initiative. Carlos Billingsley, director of operations at the parts DCs, explains how the lean program has created a culture of continuous improvement.

ROI was founded 15 years ago to help Mercy Health Systems reduce overall supply chain expenses and improve patient care. Greg Goddard, project director for supply chain operations, discusses ROI's business model and how changes in U.S. healthcare are impacting the supply chain.

Gartner Inc. has released the findings from its 10th annual Supply Chain Top 25, and for the seventh year in a row Apple has topped the list. McDonald's took second place, and Amazon came in third.

If you're still not convinced that sustainability can be a big marketing tool for global brands, then take a glance at the latest "Conscious Actions" report from Hennes & Mauritz AB - known to clothing shoppers around the world as H&M.