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.

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.

Increased offshore manufacturing coupled with growing demands for more customized products and rapid delivery require a more flexible order-fulfillment model. Supply-chain strategists and solution providers are responding to this challenge.

A conversation with Jeremy Shapiro, professor of operations research and management emeritus in the Sloan School of Management at the Massachusetts Institute for Technology.