With rapid advances in obtaining knowledge and manufacturing processes, new technology products run the risk of becoming outdated quickly. High-tech manufacturers are under pressure to maximize profits quickly before each new product is rendered obsolete. The objective is simply to keep supply chain costs down, to navigate around a variety of supplier and compliance-related risks, and to drive sales revenue. The leading role the U.S. once held in such areas as space exploration, military weapon systems, and - in particular - high-tech manufacturing, is in serious decline. As just one example, the Intel Corporation is now the sole remaining U.S. company capable of the fabrication of high-density, high-performance computer chips - a technology that was invented in this nation.