Companies that view transportation management as a core competency with a strategic impact approach technology acquisitions as investments and not merely as costs, says Mike Joseph, director of business development at LeanLogistics. Joseph discusses how this mindset is reflected in other supply chain trends.

In a manner similar to product or customer segmentation, supply chains can be segmented based on service capabilities, says Lalit Wadhwa of Avnet. Identifying different supply chains within an organization through segmentation can help companies improve service levels and lower costs, he says.

Customer value and safe operations always comes first at Sunny Delight, but the company also keeps a keen eye on costs. Kevin Singletary discusses steps to the perfect service/cost balance.

Professor Thomas Goldsby of Ohio State discusses his study of global macrotrends and how they will impact supply chains of the future.

Good forecasting is a blend of both art and science, according to Thomas Schleicher, senior director of measurement science, at the National Consumer Panel. He discusses the scientific measurement aspects of forecasting as well as the art of collaborating across functions to make informed assumptions.

People are the supply chain's biggest asset, but human resource investments often come in a distant third to investments in technology and processes. Simphiwe Mbonambi, senior director of supply chain planning at Eskom, explains why it is critical for companies to ignite the hearts and passions of their employees.

An integrated setting for managing demand, supply and inventory involves working with people as much as with technology and information, says Todd Gallant of VF Corp. He explains how the Timberland division of VF is improving collaboration and communication among its associates up and down the supply chain.

Campbell Soup is expert at understanding buying patterns and demand signals for its traditional category, but as it expands into new categories with different types of products the company is having to adapt its forecasting methods. Allyson Hatfield, senior demand planner, discusses these challenges.