Analyst Insight: There is now a false sense of security in supply chain risk management. Sixty-eight percent of companies believe they are better prepared than five years ago, yet supply chains experience an average of three material disruptions a year, according to Supply Chain Insights. Supply chain preparedness is for standard risk factors, such as financial viability, natural disasters, product quality, globalization and outsourcing. But, what about other risks and the security of supply chain? – Mickey North Rizza, VP Strategic Services, BravoSolution

Analyst Insight: Richard Branson said, "Succeeding in business is about making connections." Our businesses today have thousands of connections with customers, suppliers, and within our own enterprises. The sheer magnitude of supplier connections can be complex in a global business: thousands of suppliers x hundreds of interactions per supplier x at least one element to be discussed between two of the parties equals many connections we must sort through to get to the heart of our relationships and manage them effectively. – Mickey North Rizza, VP Strategic Services, BravoSolution

Analyst Insight: Alignment is the positioning of parts so they are in their proper position to run correctly – as in car parts. Alignment is also the ability to optimize the business results by aligning people, programs and business processes. According to Supply Chain Insights, Alignment continues to be one of the top three supply chain business initiatives in 2015. – Mickey North Rizza, VP Strategic Services, BravoSolution