Where products come from will become crucial, and complex Supply chains have always been vital to success in manufacturing, but in the past they came into focus only when they broke down, much like the public transportation systems that underpin many cities. This is quickly changing. Rather than merely supporting the manufacturing process, the supply-chain network increasingly provides critical differentiation, a potential source of intellectual property and competitive advantage. Multiple factors, most rooted in changing consumer realities, are driving the awakening to the importance of supply-chain management and visibility. The rise of connected technologies and e-commerce means consumers increasingly expect goods available anywhere on an on-demand basis, and often tailored to their preferences. Few are still willing to “meet the manufacturer halfway” by waiting patiently for a product to arrive at the nearest retail outlet. This could strain supply chains used to producin...