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16 The PCB Magazine • July 2015 and unmanaged risk here can lead to cata- strophic results. Figure 2 highlights some of the more serious risks that need to be identified and mitigated. Competitive Advantages of a High-Performing Supply Chain OEMs, ODMs, and other manufacturing organizations are realizing that investing in the development of a high-performing supply chain can provide the competitive advantage that will differentiate them from the competi- tion and add value to the bottom line. Some of the key advantages include: • Most favored customer status and loyalty • Value creation through long-term supplier relationships • Improved supplier performance expectations • Accelerated new product introduction • Value-added services • Preferred pricing and financial terms • Flexibility leverage foundation for today's Lean manufacturing and supply chain practices. 1998 Amazon began to fulfill orders direct from manufacturers, eliminating the need for Ama- zon stores and distribution centers. 2000 MIT transformed inventory management with the development of RFID (radio frequency identification) allowing a synonymous track- and-trace methodology. Today Supply chain management is a term that has grown enormously in the last few decades. Com- panies have found that SCM is a crucial element of business today and one that provides a compet- itive advantage to expanding in global markets. Managing Supply Chain Risk Risk is inherent in all aspects of business, but most things start with the supply chain, SUPPLy CHAIN IN THE 21 ST CENTURy continues Feature Figure 2: supply chain risks.