Today's professional services climate is challenging. Customers demand local delivery of global services. Sophisticated clients want consultants with deep industry or functional experience. And when clients select a consulting firm, the decision increasingly hinges on a few select individuals rather than on the brand equity or reputation of the firm alone.

This paper identifies the market trends driving the need for an integrated talent supply chain and describes the internal inefficiencies professional services firms must overcome to optimize their talent supply chains. We conclude with a discussion of the innovative business practices and technologies that enable firms to support an effective talent supply chain.