Tracking and measuring the performance of various supply-chain functions is necessary but not sufficient for today's extended enterprise. Tying that performance to corporate strategic goals and closing the loop on execution to ensure continuous improvement are keys to effective performance management.

Brand awareness isn't just about product quality and saturation advertising. A smoothly functioning supply chain is a crucial element in winning customer loyalty.

The notion of lean supply chains remains relevant even though the concept has been around for years. Like individuals in their battles of the bulge, enterprises face a never-ending fight against bloated processes and excessive inventory.

All it takes is one small slip-up to undermine a company's supply chain. Here are 10 tips on how to optimize transportation programs, and avoid the catastrophic • Fourth in the Best Practices series.

Despite the obvious differences between software developers and the customers they serve, fundamentally they too are running businesses. Quite aside from the 'winning' qualities of their products, these companies need sound business practices to ensure profitability quarter after quarter.

Thousands of hours and millions of dollars are spent each year by retailers and CPG companies to resolve conflicts and discrepancies caused by mis-matched and out-of-date item data. Now, all that is about to change.

For "complexity masters," the world can be a dependable supplier and profitable market. But lackluster business performance is an unpleasant side effect for companies ill prepared for globalization and mounting value-chain complexity.