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 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.

Aggressively positioning themselves to take advantage of China's economic boom and huge logistics market, these providers aren't coming to the party empty-handed. They bring much-needed investment capital and expertise.