Inventory Planning/ Optimization

True Value Battles Adversity With Supply-chain Efficiency

December 1, 2001

Serving the nation's largest cooperative of independent hardware stores, struggling True Value aims to secure member loyalty through a world-class supply chain.

Levi Strauss Revamps Value-Channel Supply Chain to Keep Pace With Outlet Shoppers

August 1, 2001

Kurt C. Hoffman

As off-price stores moved upscale in recent years with the creation of attractive, shopper-friendly outlet malls, the demands of consumers and value retailers changed. Low prices were still expected, but shoppers also wanted a better selection of style and colors. To meet this need, Levi Strauss revamped its value-channel logistics.

Optimization Engine Powers Ford's Supply Chain

February 1, 2001

Kurt C. Hoffman

One of the world's most complex automotive supply chains has been tamed with an optimization tool that links thousands of suppliers and service providers with the component requirements of Ford plants all over the globe.

Master Lock Finds The Right Combination For Supply-Chain Improvements

December 1, 2000

Kurt C. Hoffman

Costly automation and price cuts weren't working. A new approach centered on increased outsourcing, flexible manufacturing and distribution, and establishing operations in Mexico. Now, Master Lock is saving money and getting new products to market faster.

Amazon.com Sees Supply-chain As Crucial To Its Future

September 1, 2000

Malcolm Wheatley

Key Amazon.com executives in Seattle and Europe - including founder Jeff Bezos - talk about how the company's supply-chain strategies and fledgling European operations are shaping its prospects.

Sony: Ramping Up for Big Growth in Sales

July 1, 2000

Ericsson Frees Capital By Restructuring Supply Chain

June 1, 2000

Kurt C. Hoffman

The consumer products division of Ericsson, the Swedish telecommunications giant, found additional dollars to invest in its capital-intensive business by outsourcing inbound logistics and shifting responsibility for inventory management to vendors.

Kodak Focuses on Shared-Use Solution in Europe

February 1, 2000

Jean V. Murphy

As Kodak's European business changed in response to economic union and various internal factors, the company needed a logistics solution that would provide greater flexibility and lower overhead costs at key facilities. It opted for outsourcing with a shared-use approach, a concept that was given an unusual and innovative twist in the U.K. with partner MSAS Global Logistics.

GTE, 3M Reap Multiple Benefits From Asset-Recovery Operations

November 1, 1999

Kurt C. Hoffman

GTE's in-house recovery operation is so successful that it now handles reverse logistics services for other companies. Likewise, 3M turned to its own logistics and manufacturing groups to recover useable by-products - and lots of money.

Canadian Tire Keeps Stores Rolling With Replenishment Program

October 1, 1999

Jean V. Murphy

Canadian Tire is perhaps Canada's most widely recognized and well established retailer, but in the early 1990s the company realized its aging stores and out-of-date replenishment system were costing it business. A major renovation of stores and re-engineering of the supply chain yielded impressive results.

Inventory Planning/ Optimization

The latest news, analysis, trends and solutions regarding inventory planning and optimization and its impact on supply chain management. New technologies in inventory planning and optimization are transforming the way companies operate - and allowing them to stay ahead of the competition in their industries. As these solutions continue to evolve, businesses are discovering new ways to increase efficiency and cut costs. Learn how companies around the world are using inventory planning solutions for supply chain optimization.