Analyst Insight: Omnichannel is now the cost of entry, although it cannot be the core of your strategy to survive and grow in today's e-commerce environment. This is a defensive strategy. In this digital age you face more competition chipping away at your revenue and profitability. You must take advantage of e-commerce by growing into new retail market segments, experimenting with creating new retailer brands, and making acquisitions to expand into segments where your brand is lacking. - Steve Wilson, digital supply chain analyst, Tompkins International

Analyst Insight: Many countries have struggled to regain the economic prosperity they experienced before the 2008 financial crisis. Stemming from the frustrations of slow economic growth, a wave of populism is spreading across many countries, and perhaps one of the most startling results has been Brexit. Populism does not necessarily mean the end of globalization, but instead changing globalization that is evident as supply chains are adapting to the new environment. - John Haber, CEO, Spend Management

Analyst Insight: Many companies continue to struggle with ensuring their operations are fully aligned with, and are enabling, their business strategies. The rapid introduction of digital disruptions, and the resulting need for enterprise-wide digital strategies, have exacerbated the problem. Business strategies are mostly about products and target markets. Operations must deal with customer experiences and delivering on the services and value propositions for buying the products. - Gene Tyndall, executive vice president, Tompkins International

Analyst Insight: According to marketing firm eMarketer, double-digit growth is anticipated for e-commerce through 2020 from a projected $1.915tr in sales in 2016 to $4tr by 2020. Brick-and-mortar stores are investing heavily to compete with e-commerce giants such as Amazon and Alibaba, but will it be enough? Supply chains continue to play a major role as brick and mortar stores invest and transform their businesses to meet today's retail challenges. - Kim McQuilken, COO, Spend Management

The ability to monitor the behavior and condition of one's suppliers depends on having access to hard numbers. But a surprisingly large percentage of companies lack this critical data.