問題 #558
Which of the following metrics is the most appropriate measure of supply chain responsiveness?
A. Percentage of orders delivered on time
B. Upside production flexibility
C. Retail inventory days of supply
D. Order fulfillment lead times
答案：D
解題說明：
Order fulfillment lead times are a critical metric for measuring supply chain responsiveness. This metric reflects the total time taken from receiving an order to delivering the product to the customer. Shorter lead times indicate a more responsive supply chain that can quickly adapt to changes in demand and deliver products faster. It encompasses various stages of the supply chain, including order processing, manufacturing, and logistics, providing a comprehensive measure of how swiftly the supply chain can respond to customer needs. Percentage of orders delivered on time, retail inventory days of supply, and upside production flexibility are important metrics but do not capture the overall responsiveness of the supply chain as effectively as order fulfillment lead times.
:
Chopra, S., & Meindl, P. (2016). Supply Chain Management: Strategy, Planning, and Operation. Pearson.
Harrison, A., & Van Hoek, R. (2011). Logistics Management and Strategy: Competing through the Supply Chain. Pearson.
問題 #559
A retailer wants to partner with its suppliers to implement automatic replenishment of inventories and joint sales forecasts. Which of the following supply chain management technologies most likely would support the retailer's strategy?
A. Radio frequency identification (RFID) tags
B. Supplier relationship management applications
C. Collaborative planning, forecasting, and replenishment
D. Advanced planning and scheduling
答案：C
解題說明：
For a retailer looking to partner with its suppliers to implement automatic replenishment of inventories and joint sales forecasts, Collaborative Planning, Forecasting, and Replenishment (CPFR) is the most suitable technology. This involves:
* Joint Planning: CPFR enables retailers and suppliers to collaborate on planning and forecasting, ensuring that both parties have a shared understanding of demand and supply requirements.
* Inventory Replenishment: By sharing data and forecasts, CPFR helps to automate inventory replenishment, reducing stockouts and excess inventory.
* Data Integration: CPFR integrates data from various sources, providing a comprehensive view of the supply chain and improving decision-making.
* Improved Accuracy: Collaboration between retailers and suppliers leads to more accurate forecasts and better alignment of supply with demand.
References
* "Collaborative Planning, Forecasting, and Replenishment: How to Create a Supply Chain Advantage" by Dirk Seifert
* APICS, "CPFR: Collaborate with Trading Partners to Achieve Supply Chain Excellence"
問題 #560
Which of the following distribution strategies is characterized by items flowing through a warehouse in an almost continuous manner?
A. Cross-docking
B. Multilevel
C. Direct shipment
D. One-piece flow
答案：A
解題說明：
Cross-docking is a distribution strategy where incoming goods are directly transferred from receiving docks to outbound shipping docks with minimal or no storage time in between. This strategy is characterized by items flowing through a warehouse in an almost continuous manner, reducing storage costs and improving inventory turnover.
* Direct shipment (B) involves shipping goods directly from the supplier to the customer without going through a distribution center or warehouse.
* Multilevel (C) refers to a distribution strategy involving multiple levels of warehouses or distribution centers.
* One-piece flow (D) is a lean manufacturing principle focused on producing one item at a time through various stages of production, rather than a distribution strategy.
References
* Bowersox, D. J., Closs, D. J., & Cooper, M. B. (2012). Supply Chain Logistics Management.
McGraw-Hill.
* Bartholdi, J. J., & Hackman, S. T. (2011). Warehouse & Distribution Science. Georgia Institute of Technology.
問題 #561
A company is transitioning its fulfillment strategy from direct consumer shipment to shipping through an intermediary. Which of the following impacts can be expected?
A. Lower warehousing costs
B. Lower transportation costs
C. Higher warehousing costs
D. Higher transportation costs
答案：B
解題說明：
Transitioning from direct consumer shipment to shipping through an intermediary can lead to changes in both transportation and warehousing costs. The key expected impact is lower transportation costs due to the following reasons:
* Consolidation of Shipments: Shipping through an intermediary allows for the consolidation of multiple small shipments into larger ones, which can reduce per-unit transportation costs.
* Economies of Scale: Intermediaries often have better-negotiated rates with carriers due to higher shipping volumes.
* Optimized Routes: Intermediaries can optimize shipping routes and schedules, further reducing transportation expenses.
References:
* "Logistics and Supply Chain Management" by Martin Christopher
* Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals (CSCMP) resources