U.S., Dec. 18 -- With Christmas on the way, the tech giants IBM has established five key ways that supply chains can be prepared for the holidays.

Before the holiday rush begins, supply chain heroes spend months testing and preparing for significant increases in sales volume and unknowns related to key holidays and events. Supply Chain Digital takes a closer look at IBM's five ways to prep supply chains for Christmas.

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Align business and IT

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Supply chain heroes engage with key stakeholders throughout the year to review issues and concerns from the previous peak period to ensure they are addressed and have an action plan. They start asking questions early to determine if changes are planned, such as new sales channels, partners or f...