What are the current trends in supply chain management? Six key trends causing significant impact and change to supply chain design and performance include how demand planning begins at the end of the cycle, globalization, increased competition and price pressures, outsourcing, complex product life cycles, and stakeholder collaboration in the extended supply chain. Companies that re-evaluate how the existing supply chain structure supports their business — from a strategy, process, technology and organizational perspective — must focus on keeping their supply chain aligned with the overall business strategy. By embracing global supply chain trends as a core competency at all company levels, and by recognizing that supply chain management is executed in many areas, not just the functional supply chain organization, companies can position themselves for true success.