Silo Mentality Lack of Supply Chain Visibility Lack of Trust Lack of Knowledge Activities causing the bullwhip effect: Demand forecast updating Failing to see the big picture and acting only in regard to a single department within the firm or a single firm within the supply chain The inability to easily share or retrieve trading partner information in real time, as desired by the supply chain participants Unwillingness to work together or share information because of the fear that the other party will take advantage of them or use the information unethically Lack of process and information system skills and lack of knowledge regarding the benefits of SCM among management and other employees, within the firm and among partners Using varying customer orders to create and update forecasts, production schedules and purchase requirements. Order Batching Making large orders for goods for suppliers on an infrequent basis to reduce order and transportation costs. Price Fluctuations Offering price discounts to buyers, causing erratic buying patterns. Rationing and Shortage Gaming Allocating short product supplies to buyers, causing buyers to increase future orders beyond what they really need