Supply Chain Management: Identify appropriate technology tools for manufacturing, healthcare, and retail
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Review the Scenario. Your process team has been requested to identify technology that would be beneficial to manufacturing and service operations clients (Samson Seating and Midland Hospital, for example). Consider the following:
Samson Seating manufactures leather seating that consists of various components such as frames, electrical parts (heating and comfort features), padding, and leather sewing (final assembly). It currently uses basic accounting software and high-end manufacturing plant machinery in its operations.
Midland Hospital has little or no specific technology tools pertaining to inventory management.
Walton's Department Store: a growing retail concern that is interested in providing low cost products and is relying on technological innovation to optimize costs.
Your task is to research and identify appropriate tools for the two clients listed above, developing a review of potential technologies (software and hardware) that may be appropriate for each industry area and client in particular. Using course materials and other sources, specifically do the following:
The three clients represent three different industries: manufacturing, healthcare, and retail. Explain how the technology requirements for SCM are the same and explain how they are different.
Research and identify a minimum of two appropriate software tools for each industry and client, explaining how each will support the business and which aspects of the business.
Research and identify one other non-software technology that might be useful (e.g., robotics for manufacturing) to each industry and explain how the technology will help optimize costs and efficiencies.
Objective:
Discuss the impact of technology on a firm's supply chain.
Discuss the impact of technology on business.
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The response addresses the queries posted in 1,166 words with references.
// As per the directions, we have discussed appropriate software and non-software tools for each of the following industries; manufacturing, healthcare, and retail. The purpose of using these technological tools is to improve the supply chain efficiency and the overall business efficiency.//
Samson Seating is a manufacturing company and the following software and non-software tools will be beneficial in its supply chain -
Global Positioning System (GPS)
This system determines the location of any object around the world by making use of three satellites. The real time information regarding the location can be received through GPS. It can be used in connection with a communication system to determine the position of shipments, their location, and thereby, the delivery time can be estimated. GPS ensures the security of the shipments, reduces the chances of theft, maintains the accuracy of the consignment, and facilitates changes in the route in case any disruptive event is being noticed (Thomas, 2010).
Electronic Data Interchange (EDI)
In EDI, standard business transactions are being sent from one company to another using Internet or some other platform. In case of EDI, no human interaction is required and computer by itself can process the data received and can send a response in the standard format. EDI is being used across a wide range of industries worldwide. Information dissemination can be automated between different departments of one company or between two companies. EDI can be used to automate purchasing processes and payment authorization between trading partners. The benefits of EDI are reduction in transactional costs and time, more accuracy, optimization of inventory, and it leads to better decision-making (Schneider, 2008).
Robotics
It is a technology which is used to develop and operate machines that can perform tasks on the basis of the instructions given by the computer without any human intervention. These machines are often called robots, and they can move or be stationary at one place. In the leather seating manufacturing, robotics can be quite successful, as it provides accuracy, speed, and strength. Robots can be ...
Education
- MBA (IP), International Center for Internationa Business
- BBA, University of Rajasthan
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