They also focused on reducing supplier and plant lead times and safety stocks. As fuel prices and interest rates increased, companies began to focus on transportation and inventory management. Three major changes in supply chain management occurred in the decade of the 1980s. First, manufacturers focused on reducing operating costs by redesigning cost structures. Second, they improve customer service rather than reduce costs. Third, improve the internal integration of logistics within companies. In the 1990s, companies entered into new agreements with existing partners and distribution channels. Manufacturers began to realize the importance of external partnerships and began to focus on cooperation and communication within their own walls. In this decade of the 2000s, globalization has increased, which plays an important role in supply chain decisions. New technologies, RFID (radio frequency identification) have come in and have been continuously improved. Global sourcing and cooperation on design development and demand planning have also increased
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