American garment makers increasingly offer electronic ordering, automated distribution centres and inventory-management systems tied into those of their customers.

ECONOMIST: American textiles

As the economy evolved, value creation was driven more by prowess in manufacturing, then it shifted to distribution, then inventory management, and finally technology development.

FORBES: A New Era -- the Era of the Customer

Since 2006, HD increased its operating margin through efforts such as developing its supply chain management, which reduced cost of transportation and inventory, and developing a formal distribution channel which increased bargaining power over suppliers.

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