On behalf of Andersen Consulting, I am delighted to present this edition of the Supply Chain Management Review Global Supplement.

This issue focuses on the rapid rise of trading exchanges and their tremendous impact on supply chain management. Many analysts estimate that there will be thousands of exchanges in the next few years, but they also predict that massive consolidation will follow. One report by AMR Research suggests that there will be only two or three surviving exchanges for each industry.

What will separate the winners from the losers? One theme runs through all the articles in this Global Supplement: The success of online marketplaces depends heavily on their ability to execute operationally. Companies that can effectively integrate the use of exchanges into their supply chain management practices will reap the value. From horizontal to vertical, buyer-centric to seller-centric, or direct to indirect exchanges, there are many options.

We have collected some fascinating thoughts from leading-edge thinkers and practitioners who understand supply chain management as deeply as they know the value of e-commerce. We hope that the ideas put forth in the following pages will help you explore how your company can best leverage the tremendous power of purchasing online. We believe that the insights and information contained here will help you prepare your supply chain for an exciting e-enabled future.