Building a supply chain that is both flexible and predictable can be a challenge, but retail giant Abercrombie & Fitch says both these qualities are essential to keeping its stores stocked with fresh fashions. Larry Grischow, supply chain vice president, explains how A&F uses global trade management to help achieve this goal.

The Lead Logistics Provider model is gaining traction in all areas of the world as companies that use multiple logistics providers look for help in managing that complexity, says Stefano Arganese, CEO of DHL Freight. He explains DHL's new branded service GreenLink that consolidates the company's LLP services.

Previously a company with three distinct supply chains serving commercial businesses, e-commerce customers and a chain of brick-and-mortar stores, Office Depot now operates a single omni-channel supply chain with one inventory base.

Accurate data on the millions of rules, regulations, tariffs and classifications that govern international trade is crucial to global trade management but not sufficient, says Anthony Hardenburgh, vice president of global trade content at Amber Road.

As global trade management software has improved visibility to international shipments, companies have been able to enhance performance measures, moving from departmental indicators to broader metrics that drive coordination between departments, says Stephanie Miles, senior vice president of commercial services at Amber Road.

Trade compliance specialists are key employees who require specialized skills and training, says John Priecko, president and managing partner for Trade Compliance Solutions.

Honeywell Performance Materials and Technologies wanted a single global trade management solution that could integrate to two different SAP platforms for automated screening of export customers.

The director of supply chain planning at Barilla discusses the importance of effective supply chain planning to corporate performance and outlines critical success factors for an effective planning organization.