AMR Research, a US-based research and consultancy firm, has released its annual Supply Chain Top 25 for 2009, identifying what it said are the Fortune Global 500 companies that have best demonstrated leadership in managing global supply chains “built to serve customers with both operational and innovation excellence”. The ranking is based on a detailed paradigm that includes both peer and AMR researchopinion.

“Since 2004 we have chronicled the emergence of new ideas, like the buildto- order model pioneered by Dell and the emergence of content-based value chains exemplified by Apple and Disney,” said AMR’s chief strategy officer, Kevin O’Marah.

Of Apple’s pre-eminent position, AMR noted that not only did the IT company top the list again, but by a wide margin. “The composite score tallied by Apple shows dominance not only in peer and AMR Research opinion votes but also in financial metrics. The success of Apple’s iPhone continues to change the playing field for mobile devices. Even more importantly, it is changing the rules for software and consumer information services. The App Store adds to Apple’s ability to deliver massive sales growth with extraordinarily low levels of inventory.”

For more details visit the AMR Research’s website at: www.amrresearch.com