<b><i>Supply Chain Optimization Field Guide</i> is an essential book to help readers understand the dynamics of how a global business operates.</b> <p>In a recent article about the death of supply chain management, it was stated that in this world, forecasts are perfect, machines have no operators, and block chain drives it all. Practitioners in the world of supply chain know that it is central to the management of cash and that systems are never the silver bullet as they do not foresee events; they only provide calculations from the data they are fed.</p> <p>Chapter by chapter, this book provides a comprehensive understanding of the core concepts of people, process, and tools; and how a supply chain should operate in today's complex world. Readers will learn about how an ideal business maintains no unnecessary inventory, responds to changes, and delivers products on time or defect free-and how this ability is a competitive advantage for any business that can solve the equation. Key functional processes are explained in detail for practitioners to learn how to operate effectively in today's arena.</p>