A supply-chain network (SCN) is an evolution of the basic supply chain. Due to rapid technological advancement, organizations with a basic supply chain can develop this chain into a more complex structure involving a higher level of interdependence and connectivity between more organizations, this constitutes a supply-chain network. A supply-chain network can be used to highlight interactions between organizations as well as to show the flow of information and materials across organizations. Supply-chain networks are now more global than ever and are typically structured with five key areas: external suppliers, production centers, distribution centers (DCs), demand zones, and transportation assets. Overview All organizations can purchase the components to build a supply-chain network, it is the collection of physical locations, transportation vehicles and supporting systems through which the products and services firm markets are managed and ultimately delivered. Physical locations included in a supply-chain network can be manufacturing plants, storage warehouses, carrier cross-docks, major distribution centers, ports, intermodal terminals whether owned by a company, suppliers, a transport carrier, a third-party logistics provider, a retail store or an end customer. Transportation modes that operate within a supply-chain network can include the many different types of trucks, trains for boxcar or intermodal unit movement, container ships or cargo planes. There are many systems which can be utilized to manage and improve a supply-chain network include Order Management Systems, Warehouse Management System, Transportation Management Systems, Strategic Logistics Modelling, Inventory Management Systems, Replenishment Systems, Supply Chain Visibility, Optimization Tools and more. Emerging technologies and standards such as the RFID and the GS1 Global Standards are now making it possible to automate these Supply Chain Networks in a real time manner making them more efficient than the simple supply chain of the past. Supply-Chain Network Design A supply-chain network can be strategically designed in such a way as to reduce the cost of the supply chain; it has been suggested by experts that 80% of supply chain costs are determined by location of facilities and the flow of product between the facilities. Supply chain network design is sometimes referred to as 'Network Modelling', due to the fact a mathematical model can be created to optimize the supply-chain network. Companies have been led to modify their basic supply chain, investing in the tools and resources to develop an improved SCN design that takes into account taxation regulations, new entrants into their industry and availability of resources, has