Companies, especially those with global supply chains, are moving toward supply chain segmentation for more effective management and higher profitability. Suppliers who understand this trend are in a better position to take advantage of the segmentation for business growth. - By James Hsu

Global supply chains are extremely complex and must meet a wide variety of challenges from disruptions due to natural disasters to changes in government regulations that impact suppliers to unique market conditions and varying customer values. As supply chain globalization continues to mature, companies are realizing that a one-strategy-fits-all-suppliers is not a good business model, and in fact, may be costing the company money.