Sourcing globally now that the rules have changed: In the past, effective JIT, supply chain management and production processes were based on the fundamental assumption that, while global supply chains might experience short-term hiccups, they would run pretty much as expected. Sept. 11, 2001, proved that notion wrong.

Looking inside the box: As budget restrictions and executive missives compel operations managers to streamline operating expenses, web-based procurement solutions have become the obvious fix. Offering greater control over purchasing decisions, Staples Link allows companies to consolidate supply orders and shipments, lower inventory-carrying spend, and reduce costs.