"Apple's supply chain issues around the Apple Watch should serve as a major wake-up call for all companies," said Gary Meyers, CEO of supply chain analytics company FusionOps.

Apple, of course, is in a position that few OEMs find themselves. "With the Apple Watch launch, Apple is introducing a new product, already a big undertaking considering the volumes they are dealing with, but is also creating an entirely new category, so there's no way to forecast demand," Meyers said.

Into this mix, a potentially faulty component was introduced. Taptic engine components manufactured by AAC Technologies Holding, when tested, showed degradation over time and Apple reportedly chose to throw the products away rather than risk a black eye to the product or the brand.

Of course, problems can't always be avoided - and then risk mitigation becomes the key. "Although Apple has the best supply chain in the world, they have highlighted how new technologies, such as Big Data and cloud-based supply chain analytics, can de-risk supply chains and give companies the confidence to deliver new products to customers on time," said Meyers.

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