Some companies are adopting new returns management processes to gain competitiveness and reduce costs. It isn't magic, but most organizations still haven't caught on.

Consultants, analysts and shippers don't necessarily define 'sense-and-respond' the same way, and their views on the need for greater technology investment may vary as well.

The world's largest logistics service providers expand their offerings and continue to enlarge their businesses through acquisitions, geographic expansion, and organic growth, as well as good old-fashioned price increases.

Shippers today want more from their execution vendors, who are responding with systems that address outsourcing, security, data flow and new trade regulations.

Retailers have been investing in supply chain technology for some time. Now they need to take it to the next level: the store. New technology advancements are making it possible for retailers to cut logistics costs significantly while dramatically improving customer service.

IT budgets are increasing, but few of those dollars will make their way to the supply-chain arena. The focus there will continue to be on leveraging existing technology.