Once the "low-hanging fruit" is gone, how do third-party providers and their customers find new ways to create value and strengthen their partnership? There are many ways, but only one rule: It takes two.

Private-branded merchandise brings higher margins and brand recognition in the competitive world of retailing. But it also calls for greater control over the supply chain.

A large industrial-products manufacturer works to bring its supplier base into the 21st Century, but not through the use of expensive EDI systems.

Though the market advantage has shifted away from shippers, DuPont still manages to acquire ocean services that provide competitive advantage across its supply chains.