IBM at one point had 30 supply chains, one for each of its business units, with each considered a necessary cost of doing business. Today the Integrated Supply Chain at IBM is an innovative, strategic business unit that delivers significant cost savings, competitive advantage and enterprise alignment.

The high-tech giant's buy-sell program ensures the best price and highest quality of parts, even though someone else is making the finished goods.

The dominant player in the market for cell-phone chargers figures out where the money is being spent-then takes steps to reduce it.