Supply Chain Homework help Notes: Essay For All
In an organization, supply chain refers to the entire system of the process of producing and delivering a product, all the way from collecting the raw materials to availing the final product to the end users. The success of the supply chain relies on the contribution of different people and processes.
Each of the processes and the contribution of the involved parties is important since it influences the quality of the final product. That is why, for any defects in the final product, there must be a contributing factor between the sourcing of the raw materials and the production process. To minimize any potential challenges that can result in compromised product quality, some companies have quality assurance officers to monitor product quality at each production stage.
Supply chain models
If you discover that Google or Apple uses a specific supply chain model and becomes successful, don’t also use the same, expecting similar results or performance. There are different supply chain models. Therefore, investigate which of the models suits your business operations.
Let us look at a few supply chain models.
Agile model
An agile model in the supply chain supports efficient processes that can effectively respond to sudden changes in demand and supply. An organization that uses the agile model should train the employees to be flexible to changes to attain improved business outcomes.
Such organizations also ensure that employees have quick access to any information regarding the need for making adjustments in the company processes. Hence, good decisions can be made backed up with employee contributions, which impacts the positive outcomes of the implemented change.
The various types of agile methodologies include feature-driven development, Scrum, kanban, crystal, and the lean approach. The agile model makes businesses highly flexible to change. Therefore, it gives a business a competitive advantage by effectively responding to the changing business environment and consumer needs.
Example
An example of a business organization that relies on the agile model is PayPal. It uses explicitly Scrum mainly to improve product release times, improve organization, and ease bottlenecks. As a result, the company has recorded increased product offerings within a shorter period, enhanced employee alignment, and reduced bottlenecks.
Fast model
This supply chain model is highly used by organizations that want to increase their profits, increase customer satisfaction, and reduce delivery times. Such business organizations mainly specialize in the production of goods with short lifespan which requires frequent delivery to the end users. Just as the name ‘fast’ suggests, processes involved in the supply chain using the approach are quick. It is characterized by quick delivery and also quick respond to any changes in demand and supply.
Are you a manufacturer who frequently changes the product line? Choose a fast model for the best outcomes.
Lean model
The lean business model aims to promote constantly improving business operations and waste minimization. If there are some ineffective practices within the business operations, the model helps to highlight such practices. Adjusting the processes results in increased productivity and reduced waste and errors. Just-in-time is an example of an approach used under the lean model. It entails ordering only the required amount of raw materials to support the production process.
Six sigma model
The Six Sigma model is another critical approach that, when integrated into a supply chain, promotes operational efficiency and improved performance. An organization can choose the Six Sigma model for various motivations. The main benefit associated with the model is reducing defects and waste. However, the model also supports increased profitability of the business. Good examples of companies that benefit from the model include Pfizer and Microsoft.
The main phases of supply chain management
The process of supply chain management has five main phases, as discussed below.
Planning
When thinking of supply chain management, always begin with a plan. In this case, determine what you want to attain, how, and what to have to ensure the success of the process. That is why you will discover that most companies that have supply chain management tend to predict future organizational needs. The plan should ensure alignment with the manufacturing and consumer needs. Therefore, the business should consider all the raw materials required in each of the production stages. With innovation and advancement in technology, companies can conduct the planning of resources with the help of enterprise resource planning software.
Sourcing
During the planning stage, some of the raw materials identified by the organization need to be available for the production process. The business must identify reliable suppliers and build strong relationships with them. If the production process requires raw materials from totally different suppliers, the company should identify suppliers who will supply the necessary materials of the desired quality. If a company is committed to offering high-quality products, it must ensure that the suppliers selected can meet the manufacturing requirements by supplying high-quality raw materials.
Manufacturing
If you are a producer with the required raw materials, what next? The third step of supply chain management is manufacturing. It is a process characterized by the conversion of raw materials into a new product. Not every manufacturing process results in finished products. Some manufactured goods still need to undergo additional processes before they are ready for use or consumption. Some of the processes involved in the manufacturing phase include assembly, product testing, inspection, and packaging if the product is proven to meet the set expectations.
Businesses can make significant losses if the manufacturing stage includes a lot of waste. Therefore, always strive to minimize the amount of waste produced to increase the process’s productivity.
Delivery
During planning, you are likely to have a target for your goods. That is why, in manufacturing, you may customize the products to meet consumer needs.
Delivery is a process within supply chain management that enables goods to reach to the target customers. Which distribution channels do you use as a company? Are they effective? Do they deliver the products to the customers on time and in perfect condition?
Customers become more satisfied when they can access the required commodities in time.
Returns
Have you heard of reverse logistics? It is used in supply chains whenever customers return received products.
If a customer orders certain products, what can make them return them?
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Reverse logistics can happen if the company delivers a defective product to the customer. Besides, if the product design fails to meet the customer expectations, reverse logistics can occur. Businesses should have a way of handling complaints from clients in case they return the products because of different reasons. Proper handling of the issue will minimize any potential negative word of mouth from the customer, which can impair the company’s reputation.
What challenges do companies experience in their supply chain?
When you see a final product has reached the end-users or target customers, don’t assume there have been no challenges in the production process. In a business that depends on a supply chain, expect to meet some of the challenges below.
First, there is the challenge of ever-increasing customer expectations. Though businesses try different ways to meet customers’ expectations, it has been difficult since expectations keep fluctuating. Hence, it forces businesses to constantly research consumer needs and expectations. Failure to understand the new expectations makes the produced goods less relevant to consumers.
Unsatisfied customers and business partners are another challenge. In the planning, production, and delivery processes, businesses aim to meet customers’ expectations. Despite undergoing the entire process and getting the final product, it is still possible to get complaints from dissatisfied clients. However, such complaints associated with dissatisfaction can help the business make necessary improvements.
Lack of transparency in the process can also result in challenges in the production process. For instance, dishonesty in communication and also concerning the quantity of supplied goods may affect the ability to provide the required volume of goods.
Another common challenge in the supply chain is the increase in waste. Any mishandled raw material or finished goods can be considered a reject or waste. An increased number of rejects becomes a loss to the business.
Businesses should understand such challenges and hence develop countermeasures. The measures will help boost the success and productivity of the supply chain.
Best practices to consider in the supply chain
Supply chain managers can embrace a number of approaches to ensure efficiency in the supply chain. For example, there can be an increase in the inventory velocity. In this case, the company should ensure demand equals supply. They should not produce too many products that outweigh the existing market demand.
Businesses can also rely on supply chain technology such as artificial intelligence, the Internet of Things, blockchain technology, demand forecasting, and warehouse robotics. Such technologies will help boost the profitability of the business, ensure faster shipping and delivery, hence minimizing delays within the supply chain, and promote improved supply chain planning, visibility, and transparency in the process while also ensuring cost reduction and operational efficiency.
Total quality management in the supply chain
In supply chains, total quality management is the continuous process of identifying and minimizing or preventing errors in the manufacturing process. The main aim of the process is to promote the quality of the end products. Companies may have various standards to meet in the manufacturing process to achieve the desired quality of outputs. Various principles guide total quality management.
Understanding the principles will support your successful implementation of the practice.
Such principles include;
Constant improvement
If you choose total quality management, you must monitor all processes and practices to identify possible areas of improvement. Improvement supports flexibility, especially when responding to ever-changing consumer expectations. It also ensures that better technologies are adopted or changes in some business processes for increased efficiency in the supply chain. As a result, the company can enjoy an increased competitive advantage.
Customer focus
Total quality management should be centered on consumer needs and expectations. Therefore, any changes or modifications in the production process should mainly suit the needs of the customers. Hence, a business should perform consumer research regularly to remain updated on the ever-changing customer needs.
Employees’ engagement
Employees play many roles in the supply chain. While an organization may set expectations or strategic plans about the quality of products and services it will offer, it must communicate these expectations to the employees. Clear communication ensures collaboration among employees and commitment to the set goals. Therefore, there will be reduced delays, waste, and confusion since the employees will understand what the organization expects from them in the supply chain.
Communication
The supply chain comprises different parties that cannot successfully operate without a sense of direction. Through communication, the supply chain manager will familiarize the team with the expectations, how to complete certain processes, and any changes to be executed.
Did you know that clear and effective communication improves employee morale? It also minimizes errors, which cause increased waste and defective products in the supply chain.
Reliance on total quality management enables businesses to become more flexible or adaptable to changes. It also reduces waste in the entire production process. Besides, it lowers production costs while increasing the chances of producing high-quality goods for customers.
Quality management at Toyota
Toyota is an automotive manufacturing company recognized widely for its innovation, reliability, and quality. The company’s attention to total quality management has significantly impacted its success. Toyota’s production system works to improve operational efficiency and ensure waste reduction. The company also uses the Just-in-time model, whereby it manufactures only what is required in the exact amount. As a result, it minimizes inventory costs.
The company also embraces the principle of total quality management and constant improvement. Toyota has made both major and minor improvements, which add to its innovative reputation.
Digital supply chain management
Advancements in technology have resulted in the digitization of operations within a supply chain. Some of the technology used are machine learning and artificial intelligence. Digital supply chains collect data at each step, which is used in data analytics and helps ensure informed decision-making that can result in the efficiency of the involved processes.
Digital supply chains have a wide range of benefits, including increased flexibility and personalization. However, employees within the organization should be receptive to the technology and receive the necessary training to ensure proper handling of it. The technology is affected by cybersecurity risk.
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