The notion of lean supply chains remains relevant even though the concept has been around for years. Like individuals in their battles of the bulge, enterprises face a never-ending fight against bloated processes and excessive inventory.

All it takes is one small slip-up to undermine a company's supply chain. Here are 10 tips on how to optimize transportation programs, and avoid the catastrophic • Fourth in the Best Practices series.

Despite lingering concerns over standards, reliability and cost, Wal-Mart, DOD and other major retailers are pushing ahead on first-stage mandates that will eventually lead to RFID-enabled supply chains.