Although Somerset was initially successful at outsourcing its manufacturing process on a limited basis, it has since discovered, as many companies do, that outsourcing can result in a host of supply chain problems, as indicated. Discuss Somerset’s global supply chain and possible remedies for its supply chain problems, including strategic and tactical changes that might improve the company’s supply chain performance, reduce system variability, and improve quality and customer service.

The Somerset Furniture Company was founded in 1957 in Randolph County, Virginina. It traditionally has manufactured large, medium-priced, ornate residential home wood furniture such as bedroom cabinets and chests of draws, and dining and living room cabinets, tables, and chairs, at its primary manufacturing facility in Randolph County. It employed a marketing strategy of rapidly introducing new product lines every few years. Over time it developed a reputation for high-quality, affordable furniture for a growing U.S. market of homeowners during the last half of the twentieth century. The company was generally considered to be an innovator in furniture manufacturing processes and in applying QM principles to furniture manufacturing.(.......)