Just how would a company's supply chain network and sourcing and distribution decisions change in the face of continued increases in oil and diesel fuel prices? In this fascinating analysis, MIT's Dr. David Simchi-Levi uses data from a real consumer goods company to test how these decisions might change - and starting at $150 per barrel oil, they really do.

High oil and fuel prices have the potential to wreak havoc on our supply chains. With oil prices now over $100 per barrel, some analysts are saying oil and diesel prices could rise another 50-100%. How will this impact supply chain management and logistics? We take a look.

Think you have a pretty well running supply chain? Think again - it's unlikely you are near ready for the requirements of demanding customers, global competition, a flat world and other emerging challenges. SCDigest Editor Dan Gilmore reviews the new book Start Pulling Your Chain – Leading Responsive Supply Chain Transformation, by Nick LaHowchic and Don Bowersox, who say building a more responsive supply chain is simply essential for company success.

When they write the history of supply chain management, I am fairly confident they will note that we entered a new era somewhere right around 2007-08, says SCDigest editor Dan Gilmore. We are entering a New Supply Chain World Order, and its hardly US-centric. There will be some pain, but you can get with the program - or face the music.

Automated sortation systems are one of the most common techniques to improve distribution center productivity and throughput. Sortation Systems in Distribution were the focus of our most recent issue of the Supply Chain Digest Letter. Here, Dan Gilmore provides highlights of our research.

What really happened in RFID in 2007? SCDigest looked at almost 200 announcements of RFID projects and pilots in 2007. Editor Dan Gilmore offers his thoughts on what it means. Readers can download the full report.

Is better collaboration between companies and their 3PL and contract manufacturing partners achievable? Perhaps the failure to really get the true barriers on the table is part of the problem, suggests SCDigest editor Dan Gilmore. 3PLs and CMs often view collaboration as a chance to drive more business, while companies and individuals naturally want to hold their information cards close to the vest.

What were some of the top new hardware and software products in supply chain management and logistics in 2007? SCDigest editor Dan Gilmore reviews the new introductions that caught his eye, including a new visual WMS, a "virtual warehouse" logistics hub, RFID credit card shield and more.

What issues, trends and strategies will drive supply chain and logistics decisions in 2008? SCDigest polled nine of the best thought leaders on what they see for the supply chain year ahead. SCDigest editor Dan Gilmore summarizes highlights in his First Thoughts column, and we link to their full comments. Not to be missed.

What are the lastest trends and developments in Warehouse Management Systems (WMS)? We tackle the subject in detail in the latest issue of the Supply Chain Digest Letter. This week, SCDigest editor Dan Gilmore also offers his take, and summarizes what companies need to know about WMS.