Analyst Insight: The pressures faced by the pharmaceutical industry are well known. These include the increasing cost of healthcare, the aging of the population in the developed world, market entry hurdles in many emerging markets, excess manufacturing capacity, reimbursement decisions based on comparative effectiveness research, and the continued adoption of generics and bio-similars. Another well-known about the industry: change occurs at a glacial pace. What role does the supply chain have in helping the industry transition to a solution-oriented approach to healthcare? – Barry Blake, Vice President, Research, SCM World

Analyst Insight: The rise of omnichannel fulfillment and e-commerce is having a dramatic impact on distribution network design. As omnichannel fulfillment becomes the new normal for consumers, distribution and logistics professionals are increasingly reassessing their fulfillment networks, the attributes of their distribution facilities and the expectations placed on their partners. This reassessment is leading to more innovative fulfillment options, but uncertainty remains on the profitability of additional customer service solutions. – Barry Blake, Vice President, Research, SCM World

Analyst Insight: The sales and operations planning process has fairly deep roots in most companies. Research by SCM World shows that many have been able to extend the process across most internal functions. However, few companies have extended the process externally to trading partners. The incentive structure of buyers and sellers tends to set these groups at cross-purposes. Flexibility pricing can shift the incentives in a direction that forces companies to negotiate the value of flexibility. - Barry Blake, Vice President, Research, SCM World