Analyst Insight: The term "supply chain visibility" is bandied about, but it lacks a consistent definition. There are many forms of visibility and companies use the term with many different definitions. The first step is getting clear on the definition, and the second is gaining clarity on the technology options. While most companies have made progress in supply chain visibility within the four walls of the enterprise, today, supply chain visibility in the extended supply chain is still in its infancy. – Lora Cecere, Founder of Supply Chain Insights

Analyst Insight: There are exciting developments in technologies and processes in the area of network design. Currently, both processes and technologies are rapidly evolving, offering exciting opportunities. It is one of the most critical investments for supply chain leaders in 2015. – Lora Cecere, Founder of Supply Chain Insights

Analyst Insight: The greatest gap between performance and satisfaction of supply chain applications is in the area of demand planning. The reasons are many, but many are rooted in organizational and processes issues causing many people to throw in the towel too early. – Lora Cecere, Founder of Supply Chain Insights

There's a new tool for ranking the world's best supply chains.

S&OP has never been more important or more confusing. For the supply chain leader, it is growing in importance and is on the top of the list for a 2014 focus. However, the market for technology solutions is confusing. We count more than thirty-five solution providers claiming to provide S&OP solutions with a range of capabilities. Here we share insights on why it matters. - Lora Cecere, CEO and Founder, Supply Chain Insights

Analyst Insight: Buckle your seat belts. Supply chain planning, a mature and stagnant technology market, is changing. This change will not be gradual; instead, it is the redefinition of planning platforms. The value proposition is large; but not as large as the change management hurdles. To prepare, we have to learn, unlearn and prepare to relearn a new language and way of thinking. - Lora Cecere, CEO and Founder, Supply Chain Insights

Analyst Insight: Food and beverage companies lag consumer packaged goods companies in corporate performance. With rising raw materials costs and volatility, coupled with increased compliance for food safety, they are facing greater change and increased risk. As they move into 2014, their supply chains are not as mature and their challenges are greater. - Lora Cecere, CEO and Founder, Supply Chain Insights

Analyst Insight: For many supply chain executives the term analytics is synonymous with reporting and Big Data is a new buzz word. However, when leaders harness new forms of analytics coupled with an understanding of Big Data opportunities good things happen. Here we share some insights from three studies that illuminate the opportunity. - Lora Cecere, CEO and Founder, Supply Chain Insights

In her August 2013 report, SUPPLY CHAIN TALENT: THE MISSING LINK IN YOUR FUTURE? Supply Chain Insights' Lora Cecere noted that "Companies are feeling the pain of open positions... The talent shortage is greatest for middle-management positions."

Recently, I have been speaking about the global supply chain talent shortage in countries with over a 30-percent unemployment rate. The discussion of the lack of supply chain talent in countries where the attendees are struggling to find high-paying jobs feels awkward. For many, it almost seems surreal. They are fighting so hard for jobs for their families and friends. They are consumed by the fight. To hear someone talking about a talent gap in a field of high-paying jobs with good benefits is difficult for them to conceive. But, it is true.