Outsourcing. Longer supply lines. New and stricter government regulations. All of these factors are forcing companies to get a better handle on their global trade management programs, says Alex Thompson, vice president of product strategy with TradeBeam.

The consequences can be enormous, even catastrophic, if a supplier fails. Jim Lawton, senior vice president and general manager of D&B Supply Management Solutions, says you must have a risk-assessment plan in place at all times.

So different from those of the past, today's supply chains require new strategy, analysis and planning, says Steve Martin, vice president of supply chain excellence at Ryder System. He discusses current marketplace realities and their impact on sourcing, sustainability, and inventory optimization in the midst of unpredictable demand.