Inventory Planning/ Optimization

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

September 1, 2000

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

Robert J. Bowman

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most widely recognized and well established retailer, but in the early 1990s the company realized its aging stores and out-of-date replenishment system were costing it business.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.

Wyse Technology: Ballad Of a Thin Client

July 1, 1999

Robert J. Bowman

In One Door and Out the Other

July 1, 1999

Robert J. Bowman

Philips Medical Revitalizes Parts Distribution

April 1, 1999

Robert J. Bowman

Netherlands-based Philips Medical Systems revamped its spare-parts logistics network to better serve owners of its diagnostic imaging machines. These changes were in line with a larger trend in Europe, where roadblocks to centralized distribution of medical equipment slowly are coming down - giving U.S. companies new opportunities for carving out market share.

Lean on Automation, Mazda's Spare Parts Center Covers Europe

March 1, 1999

Robert J. Bowman

The Japanese car maker, which once held almost eight months' worth of aftermarket parts at its Belgian logistics center, is well on its way to keeping only a little more than two months' of spares on hand. In doing so, it has relied on surprisingly little in the way of information technology.

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.