Claims that 3D printing (also known as digital printing) is poised to shake up the manufacturing industry in dramatic fashion have been on the rise. Is the excitement warranted?

Nothing focuses a supply chain manager's mind like discovering a way to improve the supply chain network. Given this, a new Ernst & Young survey should interest supply chain managers. It reveals that, when chief financial officers (CFO) and supply chain leaders form a closer business partnership within a company, they report better results in a number of areas, including the company's financial position.

Striving to become an integral part of the customer's routine, there's no room for unreliability or variation - predictability rests at the heart of the value proposition for quick-serve restaurants (QSR) across the board. Consequently, customers have historically tolerated preservative-infused, glorified hockey pucks disguised as burgers with a side of greasy fries and a sugar-laden soda drink and called it a day's dinner.