Analyst Insight: Supply-chain executives are under tremendous pressure to continually re-optimize their supply chains. While supply-chain economics must dictate where manufacturing and distribution assets should reside, tax changes and opportunities need to be looked at in parallel with the supply-chain economics to sustain the planned benefits. Looking forward to 2020 and beyond, we believe companies should pay particular attention to four trends that will accelerate the need for a tax-efficient supply chain. - Michael DuVall, principal, Bradley Slattery, principal and Jared Lapin, director, PwC

Analyst Insight: In the age of information, there is a tremendous opportunity for retail companies to distinguish themselves as consumer-centric by exceeding expectations for online product content. Many retailers and brands are stepping up their ability to provide the detailed, accurate digital product information consumers need to make informed purchase decisions. To create competitive end-to-end shopping experiences, these companies are leveraging global standards to make it easy for consumers to discover and purchase products whenever and wherever they are. - Rich Richardson, vice president of standards development, GS1 US

Analyst Insight: The retail industry might be the most impacted by digital disruptions, on top of the obvious turmoil retailers' face due to the rapid growth of e-commerce. Retailers also face all of the disruptions in the transportation industry, as retail has always been about moving merchandise from its point of origin into the hands of consumers. - Jim Tompkins, CEO, Tompkins International

Analyst Insight: Evolution is as much a part of businesses and industries as it was a part of Charles Darwin's observations in the Galapagos Islands. Retail in particular is undergoing fundamental changes that are having repercussions up and down the supply chain. How retailers approach these changes will determine the winners and losers within the retail industry. – Guy Courtin, VP, Industry and Solutions, GT Nexus

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