Mars has a complex supply chain network that includes sourcing from four continents; manufacturing at seven domestic Mars plants; as well as a network of twenty co$-$manufacturers. From the production sites, goods are shipped to five $3$PL regional distribution centers $($RDCs$)$ before delivering to Mars customers. The RDCs lack visibility to customer orders before they are released for fulfillment $$ despite many orders being placed days prior to release, and in the case of seasonal, sometimes months in advance.

What are some of the challenges and problems in this network?

What are some of the opportunities for improving overall performance?

What are some of the potential resulting benefits?

Are there elements of the Hershey and Nestle USA networks that should be considered? If so$,$ identify the opportunity and potential benefit$($s$).$