B2C online commerce has seen record growth over the past two years. Sales in cross-border e- commerce have also increased significantly: in 2021, the 500 most successful companies registered 1.4 billion cross-border visitors per month – an increase of 40 percent over the previous year. The first part of our series "Sales Market Europe" provides an insight into the development of European cross-border e-commerce.

For many years, the Just-in-Time model has been considered a success driver. In the crises of recent years it became apparent that the method also has disadvantages. Thus, the just-in-case method, suddenly had a comeback. But which method is suitable for whom – and do companies really have to decide? We want to provide fundamental answers to these questions.

Consumers and politicians are increasingly demanding compliance with ecological standards within the supply chain. But how can they implement their strategies and reduce CO2 emissions in the supply chain? We provide answers.

The threat that is presented to supply chains by cybercrime has increased in recent years. As a result, a growing number of companies are addressing the potential risks and taking security measures. The focus has shifted in particular to the security of customer and employee data. This shift is reflected in the results of the 16th Hermes-Barometer titled "IT and Data Security in the Supply Chain" by Hermes Germany.

To ensure long-term competitiveness, companies must integrate ecological and social criteria into their target systems and their decisions. So where can companies start? Anna Schuldt, business analyst and sustainability expert at Hermes International, advises those in charge to be anything, but afraid of the task.