Consumer packaged goods companies have a number of challenges to face in the global marketplace, including managing higher costs of raw materials and labor, complying with global regulatory requirements, and capturing market share through mergers and acquisitions.

For suppliers, one question comes up again and again in their distributor relationships: Should you treat your distributors like employees, or should you treat them more like customers? The answer isn’t always clear.

What resolutions are you making in the New Year to improve your supply chain? Here are a few of mine.

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Manufacturers today report that their biggest challenge is satisfying customers who demand more detailed product information. For larger companies with many suppliers and remote locations, this is an important issue.