ABSTRACT
Designing and executing an effective and efficient supply chain is an extremely difficult undertaking. For many companies, this entails the simultaneous managing of inbound material and components, the location and design of manufacturing/processing operations (which may be multi-staged) and outbound distribution of finished goods to customers. This process would be formidable in a stable environment. Today, short product cycle times, significant fluctuations in energy and other resource costs, outsourcing opportunities, shifting demographics and rapid technological innovations related to products and process improvements (among many other factors) make management of the supply chain a staggering undertaking.
