Analyst Insight: It is important to recognize that a consumer packaged goods company's network determines its supply chain efficiency and customer satisfaction. Designing an optimal supply chain network means the network must be able to meet the long-term strategic objectives of the company. Most business units or functional areas within a company are impacted by network design efforts; therefore, the involvement of key stakeholders is imperative. - Bruce Tompkins, Partner, Tompkins International

Analyst Insight: Consumer products companies are making far greater use of alternative sales channels than ever before. They are proactively reaching out to customers, whether in B2B or B2C environments, to gain share of mind and increase sales. Consumer products companies have also become much more active using their own websites and utilizing marketplaces as a means to increase their product's visibility and availability to potential customers. – Bruce Tompkins, Executive Director, Tompkins Supply Chain Consortium

Analyst Insight: The consumer packaged goods (CPG) industry is in the midst of a supply chain talent shortage across all functions, but particularly in planning roles. CPG companies have had to adapt many strategies to maintain an adequate level of supply chain talent in their organizations. Today, it is more important than ever for these companies to place a premium on retaining and finding supply chain talent. - Bruce Tompkins, Executive Director, Tompkins Supply Chain Consortium