As the myriad of companies that have recently downsized are coming to realize, it's difficult to pursue increased profits with reduced resources. Supply Chain Optimization outlines a strategy for overcoming this problem by breaking down the boundaries that have traditionally segregated supply chain participants from one another - fractionalizing their earning power. By analyzing the entire process, from initial supply to ultimate consumption, the authors help readers to identify the goals, avoid the pitfalls, and implement this new method of doing business. At the heart of the authors' plan is a four-step model to mobilize joint effort and focus resources from suppliers, manufacturers, distributors, and retailers on initiatives that have a high pay-back potential. The book includes case studies that show what a wide range of companies are actually doing to achieve supply chain optimization. Companies profiled include: Proctor & Gamble, Baxter Healthcare Corporation, Packaging Corporation of America, and Dominick's. Supply Chain Optimization offers survival tools for companies of all sizes. The authors describe consortiums, or "share groups", of smaller companies that can compete with the volume leverage of large corporations, superstores, and warehouse stores. By analyzing their shared supply chain and pooling their available resources, these consortiums can find hidden savings to protect their profit margins and remain competitive in today's marketplace.