Supply chain threats fray fragile threads: making garments abroad slashes the price of labor, to the delight of shareholders. But the gains are sometimes easily erased with a snafu or two in the supply chain, leaving managers entangled in big headaches

Risk & Insurance, March, 2005 by John Williams

"C-TPAT can definitely help you expedite Customs," says DesMarteau. An alternate solution is to invest in radio frequency ID technology, which allows the reading of cargo container contents electronically, without having to break open the containers.

"Another solution to consider for supply chain risk management is to find a comprehensive supply chain software program," says Caldwell.

Kellwood's Scholin encourages managers to talk with their sourcing people to encourage them to use third-party logistics companies.

"They give us data on where our product is at any one time, and a lot of this information is available online."

Regarding the question of China, "Make sure your sourcing people are creating a portfolio of sourcing options that don't commit you rushing to China 100 percent, but that does increase business in China," says Copeland.