Analyst Insight: Data analytics is playing a bigger role in supply chain analysis and consulting practices. According to a Deloitte study, "big data" and advanced analytics are being integrated into optimization tools, demand forecasting, integrated business planning, supplier collaboration and risk analytics at a rapid pace. - Traci Doenitz, Vice President of Information Systems, Spend Management Experts

Analyst Insight: The highly competitive pharmaceutical industry is innovating rapidly to meet the changing needs of an aging U.S. population. More than 10,000 baby boomers are turning 65 every day, a pattern that will continue for at least 14 years and equating to over 50 million by the year 2029. As such, how and where consumers obtain and receive pharmaceuticals will change, and logistics will be a driving force behind these movements. -- Kim McQuilken, Chief Operating Officer, Spend Management Experts

Analyst Insight: The U.S. trucking industry is experiencing unprecedented change that is spurring consolidation in the fragmented market. For shippers, the upheaval can be both good and bad news. Acquisitions can offer shippers the opportunity to expand operations to new areas without the need to change carriers. Conversely, consolidation reduces competition in the marketplace and may have a negative impact on rates or service levels. Throughout this shakeout, shippers will need to determine how the market adjustments will fit into their strategic growth plans. - Brian Broadhurst, Vice President of Transportation Solutions, Spend Management Experts

In 2015 we will see a change to how all UPS and FedEx shippers pay for ground packages. No longer based simply on physical weight, dimensional (DIM) weight pricing takes into account the exterior package size which is the amount of space a package occupies when in the cargo area of a transport vehicle. – Paul Steiner, Vice President of Strategic Analysis, Spend Management Experts

Analyst Insight: Optimization. It sounds simple enough, but when was the last time you thoroughly reviewed your supply chain, and more specifically, the transportation network and associated cost structure for complete optimization? Optimization has many spokes, yet the goal is to improve service and reduce costs. For many companies this awareness is event-driven, occurring only when something negatively impacts the supply chain such as congestion at ports or anywhere along the transportation network, supplier issues, or an imbalance in inventory. – John Haber, President & CEO, Spend Management Experts