This lack of trust within the supply chain has a rippling effect across the flow of goods and services, and should therefore be addressed with a high degree of priority. Trust must be built through a process of regular communication across the supply chain, which includes all parties involved in the flow of goods.

Communication can be established by a variety of means. In addition to electronic communication, face-to-face communication via meetings is also a good idea. Trust is easier to establish by means of personal meetings, where ideas and information can be shared among the various stakeholders. Trust can also be established and maintained by means of a contract stipulating that information is not to be shared with parties outside the supply chain or those who do not have a direct interest in the supply chain itself.

A long-standing relationship with suppliers will also create a basis of trust...
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