Success in the global economy requires a shift in strategic vision of the Asia-Pacific region's role in supply chains. While it is no secret that an end to low-cost production in Asia is in sight, smart companies are studying the complexity of APAC region and gaining insight into the roles each country plays in the quickly evolving economic horizon. But visibility into where APAC is today isn't enough; forecasting where it will be next year, five years from now, and further into the future are key to positioning supply chains now for ongoing optimization.

Steve Ellet, vice president of supply chain design at Chainalytics, discusses the importance of supply chain network design and how to build a process that ensures confidence in results.

Matt Harding, principal in the Freight Market Intelligence Consortium of Chainalytics, offers a snapshot of the current transportation environment, looking at rates, regulation and other major factors.