Along with production of the 787 Dreamliner comes a whole new approach to the way that Boeing manufactures aircraft. Outsourcing is the key.

A conversation with Chris Whisenant, manager of logistical systems and forecasting at Shaw Industries, Dalton, Ga.

Supply chain management simply isn't good enough anymore. Today, you must have a combination of strong executive leadership, careful process redesign and demand-driven supply networks.

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.