The return of manufacturing to the U.S. and Europe from Asia is happening - but not at the pace that proponents of reshoring might hope. And there are some unexpected complications that need to be addressed.

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: Successful supplier payment term extensions only happen when procurement receives the right training and ongoing support. Before companies implement an extension with suppliers, they must first understand the traits (and barriers) to success. Procurement should be viewed as a strategic lever to improving working capital and given a seat at the table during the selection and implementation process. This will pave the path to a successful supply-chain finance program and optimized cash flow. - Tom Roberts, senior vice president of global marketing, PrimeRevenue

Should shippers and ocean carriers have seen the bankruptcy of Hanjin Shipping Co. Ltd. coming?

It's been the same drill for years: Ocean carriers and shippers talking service, then fixating on price. Is this disconnect finally about to be disrupted?

These are unsettling times for global business leaders. And nothing makes them more nervous than the issue of access to working capital and liquidity for growth.

Companies today need to cut costs, speed up fulfillment processes and manage growth. All the while providing "the perfect order."

The consumer products industry has undergone radical change over the past several years, rendering older methods for matching supply to demand ineffective. Consider some of the upheavals facing consumer products manufacturers today.

Monster Moto, a producer of economically priced off-road vehicles, shifts from offshore production to domestic assembly, a move made possible by cutting its transportation and logistics expense.

Another ambitious program for fixing and expanding the nation's transportation infrastructure. With no clear way how to pay for it. Déjà vu strikes again.