A) Provide an example related to how Crate and Barrel (CB) could use each of the following types of network applications in managing its supply chain? Would you recommend that CB uses these technologies? Why or why not. Be detailed and specific in your examples and explanation. (4 marks) (limit 1 page). (Limit: 1 page. Spacing: 1.5, Font: Times New Roman, size 12; Margin: 2.54cm top, bottom, left, right)
| Example of how CB could use each network application in managing its supply chain (1 mark each) | Would you recommend that CB uses this type of network application? Why or why not? (1 mark each) |
| Discovery | |
| Collaboration | |
B) Provide a detailed example of how CB could use the following types of e-commerce? Next provide an analysis of whether you recommend that CB uses them or not? Be detailed and specific in your examples and explanation. (4 marks) (Limit: 1 page. Spacing: 1.5, Font: Times New Roman, size 12; Margin: 2.54cm top, bottom, left, right)
| Example of how CB could use the following B2B e-commerce in its supply chain (1 mark each) | Would you recommend that CB uses this type of B2B e-commerce? Why or why not? (1 mark each) |
| Buy-side marketplaces | |
| Electronic exchange | |
C) How could CB use social computing in the following areas of the business? Would you recommend that CB uses these technologies? Why or why not? Be detailed and specific in your examples and explanation. (4 marks) (Limit: 1 page. Spacing: 1.5, Font: Times New Roman size 12; Margin: 2.54cm top, bottom, left, right)
| Example of how CB could use social computing in each of the following areas (1 mark each) | Would you recommend that CB uses this type of social computing? Why or why not? (1 mark each) |
| Marketing | |
| Human Resource Management | |
D) Provide an example of each of the following types of reports in the context of CBs supply chain and explain how each one could be useful to a supply chain manager at CB. (4 marks). (Limit: 1 page. Spacing: 1.5, Font: Times New Roman, size 12; Margin: 2.54cm top, bottom, left, right)
| Example of type of report in the context of CB supply chain (1 mark each) | How could this report be useful to a SC manager at CB (1 mark each) |
| Comparative (1 marks) | |
| Exception (1 marks) | |
E) How could CB use the following technologies to manage its supply chain? Would you recommend that CB uses these technologies? Why or why not. Be detailed and specific in your examples and explanation. (4 marks). (Limit: 1 page. Spacing: 1.5, Font: Times New Roman, size 12; Margin: 2.54cm top, bottom, left, right)
| Example of how CB could use each of the following technologies to manage its supply chain (1 mark each) | Would you recommend that CB uses this technology? Why or why not? (1 mark each) |
| Extranet | |
| RFID | |
Crate and Barrel Improves Its Supply Chain Visibility POM The U.S.-based furniture and housewares retailer Crate and Barrel (CB) (www.crateandbarrel.com) has experienced some hiccups with its international expansion plan. The company operates more than 100 stores in the United States and Canada, plus 17 international franchise locations. The company has used an import model for much of its merchandise, meaning that when it sources (procures) goods from overseas, it ships those goods to the United States and then distributes them back to overseas markets. The retailer wanted to improve its supply chain transparency significantly, so, for example, it can source goods from overseas and ship them directly to nearby overseas markets without going through the United States, an arrangement known as international transfers. That is, Crate and Barrel is trying to take its U.S.-centric supply chain and make it work around the world. The retailer hopes to be able to deliver any CB product anywhere in the world, quickly and cost-effectively. Not only does CB sell around the world, but it buys its products from about three dozen countries. As a result, the trials of importing and exporting continue to increase. Adding to the complexity of its supply chain are myriad new regulations involving product quality, plant security, and other related areas. In addition to globalization, electronic commerce has also resulted in opportunities and challenges. The opportunity occurs because people around the world can buy CB products online. The challenges occur because e-commerce also increases customer demands in terms of service and information. Because consumers can easily compare prices with other retailers, CB has had to focus on reducing costs at every point along its supply chain. Crate and Barrel has also extended its use of technology downstream in its supply chain by partnering with the start-up Dolly (www.dolly.com) to help customers get their recent major purchases delivered to their homes in a hassle-free manner. To accomplish these goals, the company needed data about the products in its supply chain such as what the products are, where they are, and when they will arrive at their destination. CB implemented a new supply chain visibility system from Amber Road (www.amberroad.com), which supplies software for global retailers. The new system gives details on orders, inventory, shipments, events, and many more variables across CB's entire global supply chain. The system includes inbound import visibility, outbound export visibility, and international transfers. Supply chain visibility improves supply chain flexibility. Supply chain flexibility is necessary because problems inevitably occur along the supply chain, forcing companies to make appropriate adjustments on the fly. Using Amber Road's system, Crate and Barrel can now identify where products are stuck in a location, and it can move this inventory to where it is needed. In perhaps a counterintuitive move, CB is willing to spend more money on smaller shipments that cost more per unit in order to boost sales and lower inventory costs. The costs of holding inventory can mount quickly, if a retailer owns it too long, or has to store it in the wrong place. This often outweighs the cost of making more frequent shipments. Crate and Barrel Improves Its Supply Chain Visibility POM The U.S.-based furniture and housewares retailer Crate and Barrel (CB) (www.crateandbarrel.com) has experienced some hiccups with its international expansion plan. The company operates more than 100 stores in the United States and Canada, plus 17 international franchise locations. The company has used an import model for much of its merchandise, meaning that when it sources (procures) goods from overseas, it ships those goods to the United States and then distributes them back to overseas markets. The retailer wanted to improve its supply chain transparency significantly, so, for example, it can source goods from overseas and ship them directly to nearby overseas markets without going through the United States, an arrangement known as international transfers. That is, Crate and Barrel is trying to take its U.S.-centric supply chain and make it work around the world. The retailer hopes to be able to deliver any CB product anywhere in the world, quickly and cost-effectively. Not only does CB sell around the world, but it buys its products from about three dozen countries. As a result, the trials of importing and exporting continue to increase. Adding to the complexity of its supply chain are myriad new regulations involving product quality, plant security, and other related areas. In addition to globalization, electronic commerce has also resulted in opportunities and challenges. The opportunity occurs because people around the world can buy CB products online. The challenges occur because e-commerce also increases customer demands in terms of service and information. Because consumers can easily compare prices with other retailers, CB has had to focus on reducing costs at every point along its supply chain. Crate and Barrel has also extended its use of technology downstream in its supply chain by partnering with the start-up Dolly (www.dolly.com) to help customers get their recent major purchases delivered to their homes in a hassle-free manner. To accomplish these goals, the company needed data about the products in its supply chain such as what the products are, where they are, and when they will arrive at their destination. CB implemented a new supply chain visibility system from Amber Road (www.amberroad.com), which supplies software for global retailers. The new system gives details on orders, inventory, shipments, events, and many more variables across CB's entire global supply chain. The system includes inbound import visibility, outbound export visibility, and international transfers. Supply chain visibility improves supply chain flexibility. Supply chain flexibility is necessary because problems inevitably occur along the supply chain, forcing companies to make appropriate adjustments on the fly. Using Amber Road's system, Crate and Barrel can now identify where products are stuck in a location, and it can move this inventory to where it is needed. In perhaps a counterintuitive move, CB is willing to spend more money on smaller shipments that cost more per unit in order to boost sales and lower inventory costs. The costs of holding inventory can mount quickly, if a retailer owns it too long, or has to store it in the wrong place. This often outweighs the cost of making more frequent shipments
