Procter & Gamble ( PG -0.24% ) makes a wide range of products that use a large array of ingredients, packaging, and materials. The extensive logistics involved in gathering those materials, creating the products, and packaging them for sale has given P&G significant insight into the workings of the supply chain and of the broader economy as well. Like many of its consumer staples peers, this insight helps P&G get a pretty good read on inflation and what to expect in the future.