CSCMP's Supply Chain Quarterly
September 03, 2010
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Supply Chain Executive Insight E-Newsletter
Each month the Supply Chain Executive Insight e-newsletter will include brief articles about developments that are often overlooked by other supply chain publications. We will present you with summaries of the latest research as well as new ideas on how to make your supply chain operations more effective. And we'll offer commentary that sheds light on what's happening in supply chains today.
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Free Articles From The Current Issue
Glimmers of hope
Logistics costs plunged dramatically last year as the economy contracted. Preliminary data for 2010 show that a recovery is under way, but shippers still face a host of challenges.

Don't breathe a sigh of relief just yet
Despite the recovery, companies are likely to pressure supply chain managers to cut costs even further.

A bright future... together
We must move beyond the typical approach of "state the problem and talk about the frustrations."

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You can't download this

The Annual Global Conference reminded me of the undeniable value of conducting business with colleagues whom we have actually met.

How many e-mails, text messages, voice mails, and video conferences do you deal with in a day? More than you would like, it's probably safe to say. There's no question that these and other high-tech communication tools help to make us more efficient, effective, and productive in today's rapid-fire business environment. That, of course, is why we all embrace these innovations. But there are some things technology cannot do, and there are some things it should not replace.

If you have seen American Airlines' current series of advertisements, then you'll know what I mean. The ads show travelers fully engaged in unique settings that can only be appreciated in person: rock climbing beside a waterfall in the rain forest, standing before a massive painting in an art museum, enjoying the camaraderie of Oktoberfest. Above every photo is the legend "You can't download this."

If there were a similar list of "you can't download this" experiences for supply chain professionals, then next year's conference September 26–29, 2010, in San Diego, California!

We Want to Hear From You! We invite you to share your thoughts and opinions about this article by sending an e-mail to ?Subject=Letter to the Editor: Quarter 4 2009: You can't download this"> . We will publish selected readers' comments in future issues of CSCMP's Supply Chain Quarterly. Correspondence may be edited for clarity or for length.

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