Fran O'Sullivan, general manager of systems, strategy and operations, argues the importance of having a sound strategy in place, to guide companies in their pursuit of excellence. But it's equally important to measure the success of that effort, she says.

IBM has developed new cloud-based and on-premise business-to-business software to aid engagements between buyers and suppliers.

IBM has deployed a business-to-business, cloud-based network to support India's automotive industry.

Innovation of the Year: Smart packaging creates right size box for every item shipped from e-commerce centers Winner: Staples & Packsize International; Runner-Up: PepsiCo; Finalists: LMI, Motorola Solutions, Pa. Liquor Control Board, IBM

"Multinational" doesn't necessarily mean global. IBM saw the need to apply rigorous analytics to virtually every function that makes up its supply chain - and in the process, harmonize business processes across the organization.

"Multinational" doesn't necessarily mean global. IBM saw the need to apply rigorous analytics to virtually every function that makes up its supply chain - and in the process, harmonize business processes across the organization.