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.

The chemical company launched a proactive initiative to reduce the company's risk profile, improve public safety and provide industry leadership on a safe and secure chemical supply chain.

The dominant player in the market for cell-phone chargers figures out where the money is being spent-then takes steps to reduce it.

Mercy ROi's bold supply chain initiatives are changing traditional distribution models in the healthcare industry. Even more importantly, they mitigate the nation's 8th largest cause of death.

A conversation with Gerald McNerney, senior director of transportation, distribution and logistics solutions at Symbol Technologies, Holtsville, N.Y.