The supply chain encompasses the infrastructure of facilities, transportation networks, systems and people that enable and facilitate (or impede) material flow from source to consumption. The goal of the supply chain is to provide shippers and consignees alike with timely, secure, error-free order fulfillment, delivery and visibility at the lowest possible cost. Put another way, customers expect to receive their orders in the right condition, at the right place and at the right time. That said, smaller, more frequent orders are placing enormous pressure on supplier warehouses and transportation networks – and, most customers are unwilling to pay a premium for service they believe can be obtained elsewhere.