A global supply chain involves various departments within a firm and external partners to manage the end-to-end processes relating to selling the firm's products, including sourcing, distribution, transportation, warehousing, sales, and customer service. The technology used to connect people and processes is critical to operating a successful supply chain. Supply chains are complex and therefore subject to problems. Those managing the operations need to have sound strategies in place and re-assess those strategies regularly to ensure that the supply chain performs effectively.
The introduction should introduce the reader to complex supply chains, their potential problems, and strategies for re-assessing strategies that ensure that the supply chain performs effectively.
Create a flow chart to illustrate the product flow in the supply chain. For instructions on how to create a flow chart, review this resource.
Prepare an analysis comparing how each of the provided strategies might be used to resolve the supply chain problem, including how the company should use the provided tools and processes to implement the strategy, explaining how implementing the strategy will resolve the supply chain problem.
Write an analysis identifying which strategy should be implemented to resolve the partner's problem.
Describe how the strategy should be implemented with supporting processes and tools.
How does the strategy resolve the problem (e.g., improves which aspects of performance, reduces or eliminates which impacts and how, and so on)?
The conclusion should summarize the strategies in place for re-assessing strategies, ensuring that the supply chain is performing effectively.
Full Answer Section
- Warehousing problems: These can include congestion at warehouses, or problems with inventory management.
- Sales and customer service problems: These can include inaccurate order fulfillment, or problems with returns and exchanges.
Strategies for Re-assessing Strategies
There are a number of strategies that can be used to re-assess strategies and ensure that a global supply chain performs effectively. Some of these strategies include:
- Regularly review the supply chain to identify potential problems. This can be done by conducting audits, or by using tools such as supply chain risk management software.
- Develop contingency plans to deal with disruptions. This will help to ensure that the supply chain can continue to operate even if there are problems.
- Work with suppliers and partners to improve communication and coordination. This will help to identify and resolve problems more quickly.
- Invest in technology to improve visibility and traceability. This will help to track goods throughout the supply chain and identify problems early.
Flow Chart
The following flow chart illustrates the product flow in the supply chain:
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flow chart showing the product flow in a global supply chain
The flow chart starts with the supplier, who provides raw materials or components to the manufacturer. The manufacturer then produces the product, which is then shipped to a warehouse. From the warehouse, the product is shipped to the retailer, who then sells the product to the customer.
Analysis of Strategies
The following strategies can be used to resolve the supply chain problem:
- Strategy 1: Improve communication and coordination with suppliers. This will help to identify and resolve problems more quickly.
- Strategy 2: Invest in technology to improve visibility and traceability. This will help to track goods throughout the supply chain and identify problems early.
- Strategy 3: Develop contingency plans to deal with disruptions. This will help to ensure that the supply chain can continue to operate even if there are problems.
Analysis of Which Strategy to Implement
The best strategy to implement will depend on the specific problem that is occurring in the supply chain. However, in general, it is important to improve communication and coordination with suppliers, invest in technology to improve visibility and traceability, and develop contingency plans to deal with disruptions.
Implementation of the Strategy
The strategy should be implemented by:
- Communicating with suppliers about the problem and how they can help to resolve it.
- Investing in technology to improve visibility and traceability. This could include using supply chain risk management software, or investing in RFID tags.
- Developing contingency plans to deal with disruptions. This could include having alternative suppliers, or having a plan for how to reroute goods if there are shipping delays.
Conclusion
By following these strategies, companies can improve the performance of their global supply chains and reduce the risk of disruptions. This will help to ensure that customers can get the products they need when they need them.
Sample Answer
A global supply chain is a complex network
of organizations, people, activities, information, and resources involved in moving a product or service from supplier to customer. It can be difficult to manage a global supply chain effectively, as there are many factors that can disrupt the flow of goods and services. Some of the most common problems that can occur in a global supply chain include:
- Sourcing problems: These can include disruptions in the supply of raw materials or components, or problems with quality control.
- Transportation problems: These can include delays in shipping, damage to goods in transit, or problems with customs clearance.