Steelwedge Software

Steelwedge Software

Special Ordering Elephants and Other Demand Uncertainties

Posted: 19 Oct 2010 06:55 PM PDT

It is known the world over as the purveyor of “all things for all people” and that includes animals. Apart from conventional pets such as cats, dogs, fish and birds, Harrods offers hamsters and mice for the less traditional. But when the staff at London's biggest department store was faced with a question from a man who was to later become President of the United States, they weren't the least shocked. They could have balked, of course, when Ronald Reagan asked a salesman at Harrods if they sell elephants, but more surprised was Mr. Reagan himself at the salesman's immediate response  – "Would that be Indian or African, sir?" This anecdote wouldn't have traveled the globe had Harrods replied with the more expected — "Sorry sir, we do not sell elephants." The store no doubt never forecasted the demand for elephants but their planning provided for unexpected customer requests. Last week, we hosted a webinar on the topic of “Incorporating Supply and Demand Uncertainty in Sales and Operations Planning” featuring Stanford University professor Blake Johnson. An internationally recognized expert in the field of supply chain risk, Blake explored how S&OP allows companies to balance supply chain trade-offs against the value of improved market responsiveness and customer service. Blake, like the adroit Harrods clerk, knows that planning for the unknown and unpredictable is an indispensable part of supply chain management, particularly in today’s uncertain climate. The webinar was recorded and is available for on-demand playback.  Click here to learn more.

Posted by computer at 9:18 AM  

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