The genesis for writing this book came largely from a need to clean up my office. I've been writing about supply chain management for a long time, dating back to the days when nobody even used the words “supply chain,” and being a pack rat, I have several filing cabinets' and countless jumpdrives' worth of notes, interview transcripts, research studies, surveys, press kits, and article clippings, as well as several shelves stuffed with reference books. One day, staring at my daunting collection of supply chain stuff, the thought occurred to me: “Surely, there's got to be a book somewhere in all of this.” And indeed there was—in fact, with this current edition there have been three, and my collection of book material shows no sign of shrinking.

I mention this to dispel the myth that every book emerges fully formed from the divinely inspired mind of the author. Nothing could be further from the truth. This book evolved over time from the writing and editing I've done for the past three decades, especially the two decades I've spent in editorial management of various supply chain publications—including Supply Chain Technology News, Logistics Today, Material Handling & Logistics, and IndustryWeek—for Penton Media/Informa/Endeavor Business Media. Throughout my tenure with the company (the corporate owner of the magazines changed over the years, but I stayed put), I've also edited several other publications not necessarily supply chain–focused but whose readers were heavily influenced and impacted by the vagaries of the supply chain, such as EHS Today and Business Finance, and this book reflects my awareness of how the supply chain's influence continues to spread throughout all areas of an organization.

This book also references the reporting of many fine journalists who have worked with me and for me, and many of the insights on the following pages originated with them (and are duly noted throughout the book). In alphabetical order, I'd like to acknowledge and publicly thank Mary Aichlmayr, Peter Alpern, Tom Andel, Jill Jusko, Jonathan Katz, Brad Kenney, Bill King, Jennifer Kuhel, Steve Minter, Roger Morton, Helen Richardson, Adrienne Selko, Sarah Sphar, John Teresko, Perry Trunick, Laura Walters, Clyde Witt, and Nick Zubko for their contributions.

It's always good to thank your bosses, so thanks to those I've worked for at Penton/Informa/Endeavor since the late 1990s, namely Newt Barrett, Dave Madonia, Teri Mollison, Ron Lowy, Steve Minter, Pat Panchak, Karen Field, Travis Hessman, and John DiPaola. And special thanks to Bob Rosenbaum, not only because he had the good sense to hire me, but because he showed me that it was possible to write a supply chain book in the evenings and on weekends without completely losing your mind.

Not to single anybody out, but I also have to thank Nick Lester, Dick Green, Craig Shutt, Andy Horn, Steve Kane, and Paul Beard—just because.

I'm especially indebted to all the supply chain professionals who shared their experiences and insights with me, and in particular I'm eternally grateful for the collected wisdom and insights of the Material Handling & Logistics Editorial Advisory Board. And of course, this book wouldn't have been possible without the good graces of the fine folks at John Wiley & Sons, and for this third edition I'd like to thank in particular Sheck Cho, Susan Cerra, and Samantha Enders.

Finally, special thanks go to my parents, Jack and Dottie Blanchard, for their lifelong support. My dad passed away while I was writing this third edition, but his spirit fills every page. Thanks to my friends and family, especially my siblings and my son-in-law Joe, who supported me throughout the writing process and offered endless encouragement. I want to thank my daughters, Julia and Grace, for being there with me along every step of this trilogy-writing journey. Over the course of these three editions they've grown from young girls into difference-making young women who constantly inspire me. And most of all, I'd like to thank my wife and soulmate Nancy, who gives meaning to my life every day. WEATSIA!