Challenge: A company that offers 65,000 products in more than 40,000 stores across 100 countries was seeking more transparency in its supply chain. A recent promotion involved seven stock keeping unit numbers of new products — packaged in 196,000 cartons — which were to be shipped in over 150 ocean containers. The company wanted increased visibility and streamlined communication for a competitive, consistent price.

Suppliers are scrambling to meet Walmart’s tighter standards for delivery performance — and they can expect the giant retailer to keep raising the bar.