Our customers, whether they are retailers, manufacturers or logistics service providers, have been looking to implement supply chain solutions that allow them to differentiate not just by supplier, commodity group or product, but by individual item. 

The ability to differentiate to this level is a very recent phenomenon. It has been driven by a combination of changes in end-consumer demand pattern, new channels to market, dramatic product range expansion and technological advances. 

Supply chain management as a discipline has moved on from the "one-size fits all" approach. Those companies who recognise this and structure their supply chains accordingly will succeed.