A survey of 210 industry experts revealed recurring problems from the complex international movement of materials because of supporting documentation. Paper documents, e-mails and faxes are still used to track goods resulting in inaccurate or incomplete data.

Data issues create long gaps in tracking material, causing production stoppages, premium freight, expedited shipments and shipping delays. Also, inventory errors and factory downtime result. The problem will only worsen with globalization and companies extending their supply chains.

It is estimated that these difficulties cost the industry $3 million annually, which could easily be avoided with better electronic communications.