Analyst Insight: Successful supplier payment term extensions only happen when procurement receives the right training and ongoing support. Before companies implement an extension with suppliers, they must first understand the traits (and barriers) to success. Procurement should be viewed as a strategic lever to improving working capital and given a seat at the table during the selection and implementation process. This will pave the path to a successful supply-chain finance program and optimized cash flow. - Tom Roberts, senior vice president of global marketing, PrimeRevenue

Analyst Insight: As 2020 approaches, supply-chain improvement initiatives focused on meeting intense market demand while protecting profitability are crucial for companies. In response to this need, supply-chain analysts and consultants are finding innovative ways to leverage data and optimization tools to customize new strategies that encourage supply-chain flexibility, efficiency and sustainability. - John Richardson, vice president of supply chain analytics, Transportation Insight

Analyst Insight: The retail industry might be the most impacted by digital disruptions, on top of the obvious turmoil retailers' face due to the rapid growth of e-commerce. Retailers also face all of the disruptions in the transportation industry, as retail has always been about moving merchandise from its point of origin into the hands of consumers. - Jim Tompkins, CEO, Tompkins International

Analyst Insight: Best-in-class organizations are tapping into the power of analytics to improve supply-chain performance and identify improvement opportunities. Organizations use analytics for scoring models for vendor performance, detailed demand forecasting, and safety stock recommendations, optimizing fulfillment logistics, creating predictive models of different failure conditions, inventory budget optimization, and many other supply-chain activities. Today’s complex supply chains require that leaders create a data-driven culture, both internally and externally with supply-chain partners. – Andrea Stroud, statistician, APQC

Analyst Insight: Evolution is as much a part of businesses and industries as it was a part of Charles Darwin's observations in the Galapagos Islands. Retail in particular is undergoing fundamental changes that are having repercussions up and down the supply chain. How retailers approach these changes will determine the winners and losers within the retail industry. – Guy Courtin, VP, Industry and Solutions, GT Nexus