IT and the supply chain

The diagram above, by DSC consulting, illustrates how information can be gathered and used in the decision making process.As shown in the diagram, Retailer could make use of arrayed stock, arrayed flow of sales and also delay in delivery when deciding orders and this information would be a good input for the factory along with production stock and production rate which in turn is determined by raw material consumption.


IT can help the supply chain in the following ways:


IT helps to keep track of stock level information at retailer's shelves so that producers are able to forecast retailer's' inventories. In addition, accurate information can be delivered on the point of sales demand.


One of the examples of IT solutions that help supply chain's optimisation is Skillweb, a mobile solution provider that helps to achieve significant cost savings and a reduction in carbon emissions. "Utilising a transport management solution developed and supported by Skillweb. BT has been able to restructure its operational infrastructure over the past 6 months to reduce its transport fleet operation used to supply 27,000 service engineers with parts by over 25 % and remove six sites from its depot network. This technology, known as BT TraX are mobile computers that help to manage and track the goods as they move from the warehouse or collection point through the trunk network for onward delivery to each engineer. It better controls the movement of parts per day to ensure that each engineer is supplied with the right parts at the right time." (Warehousenews, 2009)


Another example of how IT can help supply chain is RLS Logistics, a leading temperature-controlled logistics provider offered to food industry. RLS software helps clients to view their data in real time on a web-based system. Their service is so extensive that it covers a lot of aspect of performance improvement such as accuracy in shipment, quick and effective processing of orders and receipts and reduced transportation costs, backup power and computerized temperature monitors. (Suppl chain Digital, 2009)


The above mentioned examples are both applicable to WOU in order to improve their performance in terms of temperature control of wines as well as keep track of their goods to and from their warehouse and collection point, in line with the transparency mission and vision.


Reference list

BT uses Skillweb [Internet ] Available at: http://warehousenews.co.uk/?p=6132
[Accessed 22 Nov 2009]
Supply chain digital [Internet] Available at:
http://www.supplychaindigital.com/Magazine.aspx?id=1797 [Accessed 22 Nov 2009]