Analyst Insight: We have come a long way from the days where gut feel and years of industry knowledge ruled the day and drove critical decision-making. "Water Cooler Talk" seems a thing of the past, but to effectively work together, businesses must replace it with a new process. Face to face cross-functional team discussions are critical in helping teams learn to work together and communicate effectively. Welcome to sales and operations planning (S&OP). – M. Scott Moon, principal, Tompkins International

Analyst Insight: Global trade compliance remains a topic that most C-level executives successfully ignore. This should not be regarded as an accomplishment but as a serious corporate deficiency that will affect a company's bottom line and its ability to compete on a global basis. Ignorance of global trade compliance is no longer an option. – Beth Pride, president, BPE Global

Analyst Insight: U.S. shippers have had ample reasons to be frustrated with the international supply chain in recent years. The industry has incurred multiple disruptions and increasing operating complexity that is likely to get worse before it gets better - unless we change the way we approach these challenges. – Adriene Bailey, chief strategy officer, Yusen Logistics (Americas) Inc.

Analyst Insight: Global manufacturers must meet the growing number of "green" regulations that are focused on sustainability. From the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) Directive to the United States Conflict Minerals Directive as well as the European Union (EU) directives of Restriction of Hazardous Substances (RoHS) and Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH), manufacturers must comply with a multitude of regulations that can have a major impact on their business and their supply chain. – Chuck Cimalore, CTO, Omnify Software

Analyst Insight: The findings from the 25th Annual Trends and Issues in Transportation and Logistics suggest that three complex supply chain elements - transportation, technology, and organizational structure - have companies waiting before committing to transformation changes in these areas. However, waiting too long to make a decision will result in a competitive disadvantage that will be difficult to overcome in a global economy. Understanding the interplay and interconnectedness of the three elements is essential in determining the path forward. – Mary Collins Holcomb, SCM professor, University of Tennessee, and Karl Manrodt, logistics and SCM professor, Georgia College and State University