QUESTION 1

(30 Marks)

With reference to the case, provide a detailed account of how the solutions adopted by UPS for Kingsdown affected the supply chain management macro-processes of the organisation.

Read the case study below and answer ALL the questions that follow. [100 MARKS] Kingsdown finds dream solution in high-tech fleet management Kingsdown is one of the largest independent Sleep-system manufacturers in the United States. Building on a nearly 100-year-old tradition as an industry leader, Kingsdown's premium sleep systems combine handcrafted quality with innovative technology. The company called on UPS Freight Truckload to bring the same kind of attention to detail and advanced technological capabilities to the management of its delivery feet. Client Challenge Kingsdown is headquartered in Mebane, North Carolina, and operates four additional manufacturing facilities in Virginia, Tennessee, Florida and Oklahoma. The company distributes its premium sleep systems to hundreds of retailers throughout the United States and internationally. Previously, Kingsdown outsourced its domestic delivery feet to a third-party logistics provider. In order to continue growing its business, Kingsdown made the move to UPS Preight Truckload, capitalizing on a long tradition of professional service, an extensive logistics network and advanced IT systems. Additionally, UPS was able to brand its fleet with Kingsdowni's logo and colors - thereby building added brand awareness for the company. Our Solution UPS Freight Truckload introduced advanced transportation technology to the Kingsdown delivery network, increasing visibility and providing real-time confirmation throughout every key phase of the operational loop. Dispatch operations supervisors use automated routing tools that map out optimal trip plans for dedicated Kingsdown operations and trucks departing from the company's five manufacturing centers. The routing tool also aids in the loading configuration of the tractor-trailers to ensure that unloading proceeds eficienty. Sophisticated handheld computers with global positioning system (GPS) and scanning capabilities bring tremendous value to the solution Complete trip plans are accessible, including a tag number for each product to be delivered and the delivery stop associated with it. As items are loaded onto a trailer, tag numbers are scanned and the data is simultaneously uploaded into the handheld computer and the dispatch management system. At each stop, product verification is captured by the hand held units. Delivery confirmation is transmitted via satellite to the UPS Freight Truckload dispatch system, enhancing visibility and tracking capabiities throughout the Kingsdown fileet While on the road, directions for each stop on the route are accessible via handheld computers. The automated trip plan estimates the time and mileage required to arrive at each stop. Operations supervisors can communicate with the feet using the text messaging feature of the computers, enabling proactive responses in case of unexpected delays. In addition, the automated route planner also determines if raw materials can be picked up efficiently for Kingsdown on return trips, or if the empty trailers can be filled with third-party freight. Maximized route planning heps drive greater eficiencies across Kingsdown's transportation feet. Key performance metrics captured by the DCC system provide accountability throughout the delivery cycle. Regular management reports validate that UPS Freight Truckload consistently exceeds 98 percent on-time delivery performance and reduces Kingsdown's total transportation costs. Case derived from UPS Online resources: https://www.ups-scs.com/solutions case studiesics_kingsdown.pd