In the business world, seldom do you find widespread agreement on any topic. However, everyone seems to know that the Internet of Things is important and getting more so - especially in the ways that organizations handle transportation and logistics.

As customers waited for their much anticipated Apple Watches, it was reported that delays could be traced to a feared supply chain nightmare: a faulty part. Apple's supply chain strategy, though, likely mitigated the risk.

The United States moved closer to legalizing the commercial use of drones in February, when the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) published proposed regulations. Although some criticized the rules as too restrictive (for example, drones would have to fly only during daylight and within sight of the operator), there is plenty of time for the FAA to change the regulations before they become final, in one to two years.

The traditional supply chain and the supply chain management function are being morphed into an integrated value chain. This optimization makes up for a more efficient flow of supplies and products; and more importantly, an emphasis in customer and business value.

Efficient supply chains can be identified by a handful of components: proximity, flexibility and minimal waste. Now, the automotive industry is hoping to capture some of these same benefits through the use of 3D printing.

For some supply chain and logistics functions, rugged wearable computers can be a real boon. At the same time, the cost of managing these devices can be daunting.

All companies struggle to attract and retain top talent. But in recent years, as manufacturing has heated up, this problem threatens to slow down growth in that segment in particular.

There's an app for that. That's long been the joke amongst smartphone toting consumers. More and more, the same can be said for supply chain management and logistics tasks.