This document discusses global manufacturing and supply chain management. It covers key factors in global manufacturing strategies, including compatibility, configuration, coordination and control. It also discusses elements of global supply chain management, such as quality standards, supplier networks, inventory management and transportation. The overall goal is to describe how companies can effectively manage international operations through strategic global manufacturing and supply chain coordination.
11 The Strategy of International BusinessBrent Weeks
To evaluate industry structure, firm strategy, and value creation
To profile the features and functions of the value chain
To assess how managers configure and coordinate a value chain
To explain global integration and local responsiveness
To profile the types of strategies firms use in international business
Europe is moving toward a common market
Globalization and increased intensity of international competition
Rapid technological change
Consolidation of major industries
Forces Driving Cross Border Mergers
In this presentation, we will discuss the value chain and all the primary activities involved. Strategy and decision making procedure, indicators of market potentials, types of strategies is discussed here. We will talk about strategic alliances, managing cooperative strategies, material management in global business, production system model, locating manufacturing facilities, and various other decision making processes.
To know more about Welingkar School’s Distance Learning Program and courses offered, visit: http://www.welingkaronline.org/distance-learning/online-mba.html
11 The Strategy of International BusinessBrent Weeks
To evaluate industry structure, firm strategy, and value creation
To profile the features and functions of the value chain
To assess how managers configure and coordinate a value chain
To explain global integration and local responsiveness
To profile the types of strategies firms use in international business
Europe is moving toward a common market
Globalization and increased intensity of international competition
Rapid technological change
Consolidation of major industries
Forces Driving Cross Border Mergers
In this presentation, we will discuss the value chain and all the primary activities involved. Strategy and decision making procedure, indicators of market potentials, types of strategies is discussed here. We will talk about strategic alliances, managing cooperative strategies, material management in global business, production system model, locating manufacturing facilities, and various other decision making processes.
To know more about Welingkar School’s Distance Learning Program and courses offered, visit: http://www.welingkaronline.org/distance-learning/online-mba.html
To learn the fundamentals of foreign exchange
To identify the major characteristics of the foreign-exchange market and how governments control the flow of currencies across national borders
To describe how the foreign-exchange market works
To examine the different institutions that deal in foreign exchange
To understand why companies deal in foreign exchange
To examine the broad foundation of ethical behavior
To demonstrate the cultural and legal foundations of ethical behavior
To discuss the importance of social responsibility when operating internationally, especially in the areas of sustainability
To discuss some key issues in the social activities and consequences of globalized business
To examine corporate responses to globalization in the form of codes of conduct, among other things
08 Cross-National Cooperation and AgreementsBrent Weeks
To identify the major characteristics and challenges of the World Trade Organization
To discuss the pros and cons of global, bilateral, and regional integration
To describe the static and dynamic impact of trade agreements on trade and investment flows
To define different forms of regional economic integration
To compare and contrast different regional trading groups
To describe other forms of global cooperation such as the United Nations and OPEC
To explain the rationales for governmental policies that enhance and restrict trade
To show the effects of pressure groups on trade policies
To describe the potential and actual effects of governmental intervention on the free flow of trade
To illustrate the major means by which trade is restricted and regulated
To demonstrate the business uncertainties and business opportunities created by governmental trade policies
06 International Trade and Factor MobilityBrent Weeks
To understand theories of international trade
To explain how free trade improves global efficiency
To identify factors affecting national trade patterns
To explain why a country’s export capabilities are dynamic
To understand why production factors, especially labor and capital, move internationally
To explain the relationship between foreign trade and international factor mobility
01 Globalization and International BusinessBrent Weeks
To define globalization and international business and show how they affect each other
To understand why companies engage in international business and why international business growth has accelerated
To discuss globalization’s future and the major criticisms of globalization
To become familiar with different ways in which a company can accomplish its global objectives
To apply social science disciplines to understanding the differences between international and domestic business
To describe the International Monetary Fund and its role in the determination of exchange rates
To discuss the major exchange-rate arrangements that countries use
To explain how the European Monetary System works and how the euro became the currency of the euro zone
To identify the major determinants of exchange rates
To show how managers try to forecast exchange-rate movements
To explain how exchange rate movements influence business decisions
To grasp company strategies for sequencing the penetration of countries
To see how scanning techniques can help managers both limit geographic alternatives and consider otherwise overlooked areas
To discern the major opportunity and risk variables a company should consider when deciding whether and where to expand abroad
To know the methods and problems of collecting and comparing international information
To understand some simplifying tools for helping decide where to operate
To consider how companies allocate emphasis among the countries where they operate
To comprehend why location decisions do not necessarily compare different countries’ possibilities
04 The Economic Environments Facing BusinessBrent Weeks
To communicate the importance of economic analysis
To discuss the idea of economic freedom
To profile the characteristics of the types of economic systems
To introduce the notion of state capitalism
To profile indicators of economic development, performance, and potential
Chapter 1 The Progression to Professional Supply ManagementTran Thang
Purchasing, Supply Management, and Supply Chain Management Defined
Increasing Importance of Purchased Materials.
Supply Management’s Impact on the Bottom Line
Increased Sales
Faster to Market or Time-Based Competition
Supply Management and Return on Investment
The Progression to Proactive Supply Management
PowerPoint presentation to accompany
Heizer and Render
Operations Management, 10e
Principles of Operations Management, 8e
PowerPoint slides by Jeff Heyl
In this presentation, we have discussed a very important feature of BMW X5 cars… the Comfort Access. Things that can significantly limit its functionality. And things that you can try to restore the functionality of such a convenient feature of your vehicle.
𝘼𝙣𝙩𝙞𝙦𝙪𝙚 𝙋𝙡𝙖𝙨𝙩𝙞𝙘 𝙏𝙧𝙖𝙙𝙚𝙧𝙨 𝙞𝙨 𝙫𝙚𝙧𝙮 𝙛𝙖𝙢𝙤𝙪𝙨 𝙛𝙤𝙧 𝙢𝙖𝙣𝙪𝙛𝙖𝙘𝙩𝙪𝙧𝙞𝙣𝙜 𝙩𝙝𝙚𝙞𝙧 𝙥𝙧𝙤𝙙𝙪𝙘𝙩𝙨. 𝙒𝙚 𝙝𝙖𝙫𝙚 𝙖𝙡𝙡 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙥𝙡𝙖𝙨𝙩𝙞𝙘 𝙜𝙧𝙖𝙣𝙪𝙡𝙚𝙨 𝙪𝙨𝙚𝙙 𝙞𝙣 𝙖𝙪𝙩𝙤𝙢𝙤𝙩𝙞𝙫𝙚 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙖𝙪𝙩𝙤 𝙥𝙖𝙧𝙩𝙨 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙖𝙡𝙡 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙛𝙖𝙢𝙤𝙪𝙨 𝙘𝙤𝙢𝙥𝙖𝙣𝙞𝙚𝙨 𝙗𝙪𝙮 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙜𝙧𝙖𝙣𝙪𝙡𝙚𝙨 𝙛𝙧𝙤𝙢 𝙪𝙨.
Over the 10 years, we have gained a strong foothold in the market due to our range's high quality, competitive prices, and time-lined delivery schedules.
Fleet management these days is next to impossible without connected vehicle solutions. Why? Well, fleet trackers and accompanying connected vehicle management solutions tend to offer quite a few hard-to-ignore benefits to fleet managers and businesses alike. Let’s check them out!
Core technology of Hyundai Motor Group's EV platform 'E-GMP'Hyundai Motor Group
What’s the force behind Hyundai Motor Group's EV performance and quality?
Maximized driving performance and quick charging time through high-density battery pack and fast charging technology and applicable to various vehicle types!
Discover more about Hyundai Motor Group’s EV platform ‘E-GMP’!
"Trans Failsafe Prog" on your BMW X5 indicates potential transmission issues requiring immediate action. This safety feature activates in response to abnormalities like low fluid levels, leaks, faulty sensors, electrical or mechanical failures, and overheating.
5 Warning Signs Your BMW's Intelligent Battery Sensor Needs AttentionBertini's German Motors
IBS monitors and manages your BMW’s battery performance. If it malfunctions, you will have to deal with an array of electrical issues in your vehicle. Recognize warning signs like dimming headlights, frequent battery replacements, and electrical malfunctions to address potential IBS issues promptly.
Things to remember while upgrading the brakes of your carjennifermiller8137
Upgrading the brakes of your car? Keep these things in mind before doing so. Additionally, start using an OBD 2 GPS tracker so that you never miss a vehicle maintenance appointment. On top of this, a car GPS tracker will also let you master good driving habits that will let you increase the operational life of your car’s brakes.
Why Is Your BMW X3 Hood Not Responding To Release CommandsDart Auto
Experiencing difficulty opening your BMW X3's hood? This guide explores potential issues like mechanical obstruction, hood release mechanism failure, electrical problems, and emergency release malfunctions. Troubleshooting tips include basic checks, clearing obstructions, applying pressure, and using the emergency release.
What Does the PARKTRONIC Inoperative, See Owner's Manual Message Mean for You...Autohaus Service and Sales
Learn what "PARKTRONIC Inoperative, See Owner's Manual" means for your Mercedes-Benz. This message indicates a malfunction in the parking assistance system, potentially due to sensor issues or electrical faults. Prompt attention is crucial to ensure safety and functionality. Follow steps outlined for diagnosis and repair in the owner's manual.
Comprehensive program for Agricultural Finance, the Automotive Sector, and Empowerment . We will define the full scope and provide a detailed two-week plan for identifying strategic partners in each area within Limpopo, including target areas.:
1. Agricultural : Supporting Primary and Secondary Agriculture
• Scope: Provide support solutions to enhance agricultural productivity and sustainability.
• Target Areas: Polokwane, Tzaneen, Thohoyandou, Makhado, and Giyani.
2. Automotive Sector: Partnerships with Mechanics and Panel Beater Shops
• Scope: Develop collaborations with automotive service providers to improve service quality and business operations.
• Target Areas: Polokwane, Lephalale, Mokopane, Phalaborwa, and Bela-Bela.
3. Empowerment : Focusing on Women Empowerment
• Scope: Provide business support support and training to women-owned businesses, promoting economic inclusion.
• Target Areas: Polokwane, Thohoyandou, Musina, Burgersfort, and Louis Trichardt.
We will also prioritize Industrial Economic Zone areas and their priorities.
Sign up on https://profilesmes.online/welcome/
To be eligible:
1. You must have a registered business and operate in Limpopo
2. Generate revenue
3. Sectors : Agriculture ( primary and secondary) and Automative
Women and Youth are encouraged to apply even if you don't fall in those sectors.
Symptoms like intermittent starting and key recognition errors signal potential problems with your Mercedes’ EIS. Use diagnostic steps like error code checks and spare key tests. Professional diagnosis and solutions like EIS replacement ensure safe driving. Consult a qualified technician for accurate diagnosis and repair.
What Exactly Is The Common Rail Direct Injection System & How Does It WorkMotor Cars International
Learn about Common Rail Direct Injection (CRDi) - the revolutionary technology that has made diesel engines more efficient. Explore its workings, advantages like enhanced fuel efficiency and increased power output, along with drawbacks such as complexity and higher initial cost. Compare CRDi with traditional diesel engines and discover why it's the preferred choice for modern engines.
Suppliers can be part of the manufacturer’s organizational structure, as would be the case in a vertically integrated company, or they can be independent of the company. Direct suppliers also have their networks. In a global context, suppliers can be located in the country where the manufacturing or assembly takes place, or they can be located in one country and ship materials to the country of manufacture or assembly. The output of the suppliers can be shipped directly to the factory or to an intermediate storage point. The output of the manufacturing process can be shipped directly to the customers or to a warehouse network. The output can be sold directly to the end consumer or to a distributor, wholesaler, or retailer, who then sells the output to the final consumer. As is the case in the supplier network, the output can be sold domestically or internationally.
Materials management is inbound logistics, or the movement and management of materials and products from purchasing through production to meet the demands of the consumer. The difference between supply-chain management and logistics is one of degree. Logistics focuses much more on the transportation and storage of materials and final goods, whereas supply-chain management extends beyond that to include the management of supplier and customer relations.
Compatibility—the degree of consistency between FDI decisions and a company’s competitive strategy.
Manufacturing configuration:
• Centralized manufacturing in one country
• Manufacturing facilities in specific regions to service those regions
• Multidomestic facilities in each country
Coordination is linking or integrating activities into a unified system.
Control systems, such as organizational structure and performance measurement systems, ensure that managers implement company strategies.
Efficiency/Cost:
Cost-minimization strategies and the drive for global efficiencies force MNEs to establish economies of scale in manufacturing, often by producing in areas with low-cost labor. This is one of the major reasons why many MNEs engage in offshore manufacturing.
Offshore manufacturing—any investment that takes place in a country other than the home country.
However, when employing a cost-minimization strategy, many companies overlook important elements—such as shipping distances, extra inventory, political and security risks, and the availability of skilled and educated workers—which causes them to underestimate the costs of outsourcing to low-wage countries. In other words, when making decisions to source abroad, companies should consider the total cost of facilitating the strategy, as opposed to merely the acquisition cost. Therefore, companies also need to engage in total cost analysis.
Total cost analysis—an in-depth assessment of the complete cost of a transaction that takes into account acquisition, ownership, and disposal costs.
Dependability:
The growing customer demand for dependability and prompt deliveries has caused companies such as Dell to locate plants closer to customers rather than in low-wage areas. As the supply chain lengthens, there are risks of not being able to get components or finished goods to market on time. Thus, shortening the distance in the supply chain can improve dependability.
Quality: Many companies are also responding to the importance of innovation and quality. When companies invest abroad to take advantage of low-cost labor, they are not as concerned about innovation. But as more and more companies establish R&D facilities abroad, they will be able to move beyond low-end manufacturing.
Flexibility:
The need for responsiveness or flexibility because of differences in national markets may result in regional manufacturing to service local markets. It may not be possible to produce all products in one location and ship them around the world.
The first configuration is to have centralized manufacturing that offers a selection of standard, lower-priced products to different markets. That is basically a manufacture-and-export strategy.
The second configuration is the use of regional manufacturing facilities to serve customers within a specific region.
Third, market expansion in individual countries, especially when the demand in those countries becomes significant, might argue for a multidomestic approach in which companies manufacture products close to their customers, using country-specific manufacturing facilities to meet local needs.
Coordinating is the linking or integrating of activities into a unified system. The activities include everything along the global supply chain from purchasing to warehousing to shipment. Once the company determines the manufacturing configuration it will use, it must adopt a control system to ensure that company strategies are carried out. Control can be the measuring of performance so companies can respond appropriately to changing
conditions.
The key to making a global information system work is getting the relevant information in a timely manner.
Many companies use electronic data interchange (EDI) to link suppliers, manufacturers, customers, and intermediaries, especially in the food-manufacturing and car-making industries, in which suppliers replenish in high volumes. In a global context, EDI has been used to link exporters with customs to facilitate the quick processing of customs forms, thus speeding up the delivery of products across borders. However, EDI has some drawbacks. It is relatively limited and inflexible. It provides basic information but does not adapt easily to rapidly changing market conditions—a necessary condition in the global marketplace. It is relatively expensive to implement, so many small- and medium-size companies find it difficult to afford. Also, it is based on proprietary rather than on widely accepted standards, so systems tend to only be able to link together suppliers and their customers. In addition, it focuses more on the business-to-business value chain and does not deal effectively with end-use customers.
ERP (enterprise resource planning)—software that can link information flows from different parts of a business and from different geographic areas. ERP is essential for bringing together the information inside the firm and from different geographic areas, but its inability to tie in to the customer and take advantage of e-commerce has been a problem.
An extension of ERP is material requirements planning (MRP), a computerized information system that addresses complex inventory situations and calculates the demand for parts from the production schedules of the companies that use the parts.
Radio frequency ID (RFID)—a system that labels products with an electronic tag, which stores and transmits information regarding the product’s origin, destination, and quantity. This real-time information allows manufacturers, suppliers, and distributors to keep track of products and components throughout their manufacturing processes and transportation networks, resulting in increased efficiencies and more visibility along the supply chain.
E-commerce—the use of the Internet to join together suppliers with companies and companies with customers.
The challenge in global supply-chain management is that some networks can be managed through the Internet, but others—particularly in emerging markets—cannot because of the lack of technology, especially high-speed access to the Internet. The use of the Internet varies by location and by industry. This so-called digital divide has created difficulties for companies such as U.S.-based Newmont Mining Corporation. Newmont has struggled to implement its ordering and inventory management information system with its suppliers in Indonesia, who have to rent computers in different towns to even access the Internet and whose managers are typically former farmers who have often never even used e-mail.
An important aspect of all levels of the global supply chain is quality management, which is true for service as well as manufacturing companies. Quality is defined as meeting or exceeding the expectations of the customer. More specifically, it is the conformance to specifications, value, fitness for use, support (provided by the company), and psychological impressions (image).
Zero defects—the refusal to tolerate defects of any kind.
Acceptable quality level (AQL)—a tolerable level of defects that can be corrected through repair and service warranties.
Deming’s 14 Points encompass the idea that the responsibility for quality resides within the policies and practices of managers.
1. Create constancy of purpose.
2. Adopt a new philosophy.
3. Cease mass inspection.
4. End awarding business on the basis of price tag.
5. Constantly improve the system.
6. Institute training on the job.
7. Improve leadership.
8. Drive out fear.
9. Break down barriers between departments.
10. Eliminate slogans.
11. Eliminate work standards.
12. Remove barriers to pride.
13. Institute education and self-improvement.
14. Put everybody to work.
The emphasis on quality management has continued to provide a major source of competitive advantage and to play a major role for companies across the globe. However, just as different countries possess varying cultures, product preferences, and business practices, different regions of the world have approached the concept of quality management in different ways.
The Japanese approach to quality is total quality management (TQM), a process that stresses three principles: customer satisfaction, continuous improvement, and employee involvement. The goal of TQM is to eliminate all defects. TQM often focuses on benchmarking world-class standards, product and service design, process design, and purchasing. TQM is a process of continuous improvement at every level of the organization—from the mailroom to the boardroom. It implies that the company is doing everything it can to achieve quality at all stages of the process, from customer demands to product design to engineering.
Six Sigma—a quality control system aimed at eliminating defects, slashing product cycle times, and cutting costs across the board.
The International Organization for Standardization (ISO) in Geneva was formed in 1947 to facilitate the international coordination and unification of industrial standards. From the beginning, it has partnered with the IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission), which is the originator of global technical standards. It also collaborates with the International Telecommunications Union and the World Trade Organization. The ISO is an NGO and represents a network of standard setters in 158 countries throughout the world. It has established a total of 16,455 international quality standards.
ISO 9000—a global set of quality standards intended to promote quality at every level of an organization. ISO 14000—a quality standard concerned with environmental management. ISO 9000 is a set of universal standards for a quality assurance system that is accepted around the world. The standards apply uniformly to companies in any industry and of any size. ISO 9000 is intended to promote the idea of quality at every level of an organization. Initially, it was designed to harmonize technical norms within the EU. Now it is an important part of business operations throughout Europe. Non-European companies operating in Europe need to become ISO certified in order to maintain access to that market.
In addition to the general standards described earlier, there are industry-specific standards for quality, especially for suppliers to follow. ISO/TS 16946:2002 is derived from ISO 9001, but it is more specific to the auto industry.
Under the guidelines, suppliers must adapt their quality systems to meet the expectations of the automakers.
Individual companies also set their own standards for suppliers to meet if they are going to continue to supply them.
Sourcing—the process of a firm having inputs supplied to it from outside suppliers (both domestic and foreign) for the production process.
When a company wants to source raw materials, parts, or components as a function of its global strategy, it’s faced with some key decisions. It may, for example, decide to source components at home, assemble them abroad, and then export the final product to the home market, to foreign markets, or to both.
Companies pursue global sourcing strategies for a number of reasons:
• To reduce costs—due to less expensive labor, less restrictive work rules, and lower land and facilities costs
• To improve quality
• To increase exposure to worldwide technology
• To improve the delivery-of-supplies process
• To strengthen the reliability of supply by supplementing domestic with foreign suppliers
• To gain access to materials that are only available abroad, possibly because of technical specifications or product capabilities
• To establish a presence in a foreign market
• To satisfy offset requirements
• To react to competitors’ offshore sourcing practices, quality and safety are other concerns with global sourcing. This has been especially evident in the highly publicized recalls of tainted pet food and toothpaste, defective tires, and toys with traces of lead in their paint that were produced in China. Subsequent actions led Chinese regulators and inspectors to close 180 food plants and uncover more than 23,000 food safety violations, forcing the Chinese government to admit that 20 percent of its consumer goods have failed safety inspections. China is not the only country producing substandard goods; black pepper with salmonella from India, filthy crabmeat from Mexico, mislabeled candy from Denmark, and produce with traces of illegal pesticides from the Dominican Republic have resulted in thousands of shipments halted by U.S. inspectors. Such incidents have raised concerns over foreign-made products and accusations that quality and safety are being compromised to lower costs. The countries that churn out the cheapest products often lack adequate regulations, enforcement, and logistical infrastructure, leaving it up to the purchasing companies to ensure quality and safety.
Vertical integration occurs when the company owns the entire supplier network or at least a significant part of it. The company may have to purchase raw materials from outside suppliers, but it produces the most expensive parts itself. By integrating vertically, the company is able to reduce transaction costs (such as finding suppliers, selling output, negotiating contracts, monitoring contracts, and settling disputes with unrelated companies) by internalizing the different levels in the value chain.
Outsourcing through industrial clusters is an alternative way to reduce transportation costs and transaction costs. Under clustering, buyers and suppliers locate in close proximity to each other to facilitate doing business. For example, Dell Computer Corporation established an assembly operation in the Multimedia Supercorridor in Malaysia, where it is close to its key suppliers.
Case: Toyota If an MNE decides it must outsource rather than integrate vertically, it must determine how to work with suppliers. Toyota pioneered the Toyota Production System to work with unrelated suppliers. Toyota sends a team of manufacturing experts to each of its key suppliers to observe how the supplier organizes its factory and makes its parts. Then the team advises how to cut costs and boost quality. It is also common for Toyota to identify two suppliers for each part and have the suppliers compete aggressively with each other. The supplier that performs the best gets the most business. However, both suppliers know they will have an ongoing relationship with Toyota and will not be dumped easily.
Case: JCPenney The decision to work closely with suppliers requires a great deal of trust and oftentimes involves making drastic—sometimes risky—changes. However, such changes can provide large strategic advantages. Such is the case for JCPenney and its Hong Kong–based supplier of shirts, TAL Apparel Ltd. The retailer literally allows its supplier to take over some of its own processes. Rather than simply responding to orders sent to it from
Penney’s, TAL tracks the retailer’s sales data directly, running it through its personally designed computer program to determine the number of shirts to make, as well as their sizes, colors, and styles. These shirts are then shipped directly to individual JCPenney stores, completely bypassing the retailer’s warehouses.
Phase 4 occurs when the company realizes the benefits that result from the integration and coordination of purchasing on a global basis and are most applicable to the MNE—as opposed to, say, the exporter.
When purchasing becomes this global, MNEs often face the centralization/decentralization dilemma. Should they allow each subsidiary to make all purchasing decisions, or should they centralize all or some of the purchasing decisions? The primary benefits of decentralization include increased production-facility control over purchases, better responsiveness to facility needs, and more effective use of local suppliers. The primary benefits of centralization are increased leverage with suppliers, getting better prices, eliminating administrative duplication, allowing purchasers to develop specialized knowledge in purchasing techniques, reducing the number of orders processed, and enabling purchasing to build solid supplier relationships.
These strategies move from the simple to the more complex. Companies start by using a domestic buyer and progress all the way to integrating and coordinating worldwide sourcing into the company’s purchasing decisions so that there is no difference between domestic and foreign sources. Some companies are going even further than the last step and coordinating worldwide purchasing with competitor companies.
Distance, time, and uncertainty in foreign environments cause foreign sourcing to complicate inventory management. Lean manufacturing—a productive system whose focus is on optimizing processes through the philosophy of continual improvement.
Just-in-time approach to inventory management—a system that sources raw materials and parts just as they are needed in the manufacturing process.
Foreign sourcing can create big risks for companies that use lean manufacturing and JIT, because interruptions in the supply line can cause havoc. Foreign companies are becoming experts at meeting the requirements of JIT—ships that take two weeks to cross the Pacific dock within an hour of scheduled arrival, and factories that are able to more easily fill small orders. However, because of distances alone, the supply chain is open to more problems and delays.
Kanban system—a system that facilitates JIT by using cards to control the flow of production through a factory.
They are kept in a bin that has a card attached to it identifying the quantity of items in the bin. When the assembly process begins, a production-order card signifies that a bin needs to be moved to the assembly line. When the bin is emptied, it is moved to a storage area and replaced with a full bin. The kanban card is then removed from the empty bin and is used to order a replacement from the supplier.
Foreign trade zones (FTZs)—special locations for storing domestic and imported inventory in order to avoid paying duties until the inventory is used in production or sold. FTZs can be general-purpose zones or subzones.
A general-purpose zone is usually established near a port of entry, such as a shipping port, a border crossing, or an airport, and it usually consists of a distribution facility or an industrial park. It is used primarily for warehousing and distribution. A subzone is usually physically separate from a general-purpose zone but under the same administrative structure, usually located at a manufacturing facility.
The benefits to a zone user are:
• No duties or quota charges on goods imported into a zone and re-exported.
• Customs duties and federal excise tax are deferred on imports until taken from the zone and used in the domestic market.
• Duties can be reduced if foreign inputs that come into the zone at one duty are higher than the duty would have been on the finished product as it leaves the zone for domestic sales (called an inverted tariff).
• Steamlined customs procedures.
• Elimination of state and local inventory taxes if the goods are held in the zone for export.
Transportation is one of the key elements of a logistics system. The key is to link together suppliers and manufacturers on the one hand and manufacturers and final consumers on the other.
The current chapter emphasizes two competing ideas:
The first is that globalization has pushed companies to establish operations abroad or to outsource to foreign suppliers to reduce costs and be closer to markets. The second is that the longer the supply line, the greater the risk. Since September 11, 2001, the risks of longer supply lines have increased dramatically. At any time, global political events could completely disrupt a well organized supply chain and put a company at risk. As the supply chain stretches and uncertainty increases, companies have to become much better at scenario building so that viable contingencies are available. Maybe this means that companies will pursue more multidomestic strategies to insulate their foreign operations from other countries and allow them to be more responsive to local consumers.
The important thing is to continue to look at the “what-ifs.” What if there is no secure air or ocean transportation available to move goods? What if the goods can move, but there are delays? What if terrorists begin to use the global supply chain of legitimate companies to contaminate products or to move hazardous materials?