Drivers Are Important

People working in supply chain operations do not always connect drivers of supply chain change to what they do daily. Also, most drivers are far beyond the power of individuals to affect. Here we make a connection and explain how these drivers are at the bottom of many supply chain 

1 Innovation External advances in both product and process Includes material technology, production equipment, software, and artistic input 

2 Extended product design The necessity for features and services beyond the base, or physical, product Often driven by commoditization of the base product 

3 Globalization Having to source and sell worldwide Includes cross-border trade for raw material, manufacturing support, and distribution 

4 Flexibility imperative The advantage gained from effective responses to market and technology changes Examples include product mix, volume, and base product features 

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