Security and the global supply chain

This article examines implications for global supply chains posed by security threats in the U.S. and elsewhere, and identifies actions for addressing those threats. The principal goal is to design security into the supply chain rather than seek to mitigate consequences after the fact. Redesigning supply chains to make them robust and resilient can help avoid and mitigate the impact of disruptions, whether from security breaches or other causes. Such efforts require collaborations with partners across the supply chains and with governments. The short-term costs of such security measures can be balanced against the long-term gains from improved supply chain performance and improved customer relations.