Metro Canada, Case study, SCM-Integrated PrProject 985

2. Name of Supply Chain Issue Depleted Inventory Levels

Every industry is experiencing labour and raw material shortages. Every company is probably aware that this is not a problem but an opportunity; we do not see it, but those that find ways to improve their supply chain for the first time will be able to steal market share by having their products ready and on the shelf for customers to buy. There has been a shift In the grocery business during the past couple of years. The ever-increasing inflation rate has forced people to eat less at restaurants and more at home. As a result, the demand for the consumption of grocery products has increased sharply. The mix of products people are buying has affected inventory levels. The historical information that metro relies on for forecasting could be more effective due to the change in buying patterns. This imbalance has led to the depletion of metros inventory items. 4 As a result of the pandemic and the rising inflation level, metro, like all other organizations, did not understand how consumer demand would shift once it ended and the economy started to recover. As the inventory imbalance changes and inventory becomes available, logistics pressure will increase as ports & warehouses are clogged. Logistics companies will be at total capacity, and further delays to inventory will be experienced by metro. The trend of depleted inventory levels is expected to end any time soon. Seneca students are expected to research globally to find options and answers to metros depleted inventory levels and find ways to solve them. Organizations that solve this compelling problem can take market share away from their competitors. Students should research outside of Canada to find solutions to the problem. England has one of the most innovative grocery companies in the world; however, other countries and regions are experiencing the same problem in metro, so students are encouraged to visit different places and organizations to see if they can find answers.

3. Background Information of Industry Partner

metro As a retailer, franchisor, distributor, and manufacturer, the company operate or services a network of some 950 food stores under several banners, including Metro, Metro Plus, Super C and Food Basics, as well as some 650 drugstores primarily under the Jean Coutu, Brunet, Metro Pharmacy and Drug Basics banners. Metro had nearly 90,000 dedicated employees and annual sales of 18 billion Canadian dollars in 2020, up from 16.7 billion in 2019. Metro is one of the largest grocery stores in Canada, aiming to provide excellent customer service by meeting their customers needs in a timely, efficient, and pleasant way. Metro believes there are many different aspects of an in-store experience, such as competitive pricing and excellent products; customer service is still the top reason customers continue shopping for weekly groceries at their local Metro store. A collaborative approach to responsible procurement 5 In February 2017, metro adopted a Responsible Procurement Framework and Supplier Code of Conduct. These documents enable Metro to provide its customers with the responsible products they are looking for and to better communicate its expectations and requirements to meet the challenges in its supply chain. They are the foundation of our responsible procurement approach. Metro has created an innovative program to intake the entry of all interested producers and manufacturers of unique products in Quebec. Ideas submitted by vendors will receive a response within 72 hours. Here is a list of products that you are looking for: It can correspond to a food trend. It can have an impressive list of ingredients. It can have packaging that stands out by different criteria. It may correspond to a need that is not met in the market. It can have an innovative product line. It can be the first in the Quebec market.

Question 1-

1. What are some common causes of depleted inventory levels in metro areas? 2. How can businesses in metro areas better forecast demand to prevent depleted inventory levels? 3. What strategies can businesses use to replenish depleted inventory levels in a timely and cost-effective manner? 4. Are there any technology solutions that can help businesses better manage inventory levels in metro areas? 5. How can supply chain partners work together to minimize the impact of depleted inventory levels in metro areas?

Q2-What are Short-Term and Long-Term Solutions?