Supply chain analysis is part of value chain analysis. This news item indicates the types of businesses that feel they need to know more about their supply chains.

Six leading consumer products companies have joined forces to conduct an in-depth review of the supply chain best practices and metrics of the world’s leading consumer products companies. Campbell Soup Company, Coca-

Cola, Coors, Hallmark, Whirlpool, and Polo Ralph Lauren Corporation have formed the Advisory Board for the Consumer Products Supply Chain Best Practices Review.

Focused on supply chain processes, the Advisory Board will define the specific processes and metrics to be surveyed and will oversee the collection and analysis of responses from participating companies through a web-based interview tool. The data analyzed will be presented to participants in a series of reports and review meetings that will provide very specific insights into the current and best practices of consumer products companies within various industry sub-categories.

Discussion points
1 What kinds of costs might be involved in the supply chains of each of these businesses?
2 How could businesses of this type ‘add value’ by improving the supply chain?