Now that Wal-Mart has revamped its RFID strategy, is it time to take a look at what went wrong to begin with? The warning signs of a flawed strategy were there all along, but even those who thoughts so at the time were reluctant to speak up. But we identify some lessons learned.

Supply chain icon Dell last week announced major changes to its supply chain strategy. Due to changing markets, it is significantly backing away from its make-to-order and in-house production models. This is a major event in the supply chain landscape - Back to the Future, in many respects. What does it mean for the rest of us?

Digitization - the use of the web and real-time data flows - has the potential to revolutionize supply chain management, and even how companies organize themselves. While this vision is being developed by industry thought leaders, must of us do not yet fully comprehend the ultimate impact and potential. That is true for the other side of digitization too - it is not only music CDs or even other entertainment products that will see the need for supply chain management go away as a result of going digital. Can your product be digitized? If so, some career planning may be in order.

As always, supply chain executives and managers are under pressure to reduce costs and improve performance. What are some of the most proven and comparatively simple techniques many companies are using - but a great percentage of other companies have not adopted? SCDigest editor Dan Gilmore offers his top 10 list. What is your view?

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.