In terms of future challenges it is worthwhile also to mention one other
aspect of supply chains. One of the implicit reasons behind aspects of data
communication in supply chains and the use of these data in such systems
as are outlined above, is to reduce the demands for unnecessary product
packaging and movement. It has long been recognized that costs, performance and services can be enhanced by appropriate movement of data
and product. In essence this is a resource reduction strategy. More overtly,
there has been increasing concern with the environmental impact of
logistics, and companies have become increasingly concerned to ensure
that their activities are appropriate. Through better use of data to understand activities, aspects of supply can be minimized. In addition, supply
chains can be enhanced to ensure that resources are reused or recycled in the system, and that reverse channels of logistics can reclaim valuable
resources from packaging and product. Much more needs be done in this
regard, but this issue will be one of the challenges for the future.