The increased complexity of global supply chains has led to longer lead times, more pipeline inventory, and the need to control downstream and upstream logistics. In the Aberdeen Group's most recent supply chain visibility survey, the growing supply chain complexity was the top business pressure (44%). This, in turn, has contributed to increased supply chain management costs. It is not surprising that in the situation of global economic turmoil that visibility is taking center stage.

There are a handful of shipping lanes in the world as vital as the Suez Canal, which serves as a linchpin for East and West trade. The next shortest route for shippers traveling from Asia to Europe or vice-versa is around Cape Horn at the bottom of Africa, adding a week of time and costs to shipments.