SCM Inventory Depleted Issue Statement,

Every industry is experiencing labour and raw material shortages. Every company is probably aware that this is not a problem but an opportunity; we do not see it, but those that find ways to improve their supply chain for the first time will be able to steal market share by having their products ready and on the shelf for customers to buy. There has been a shift In the grocery business during the past couple of years. The ever-increasing inflation rate has forced people to eat less at restaurants and more at home. As a result, the demand for the consumption of grocery products has increased sharply. The mix of products people are buying has affected inventory levels. The historical information that the Metro relies on for forecasting could be more effective due to the change in buying patterns. This imbalance has led to the depletion of Metros inventory items. As a result of the pandemic and the rising inflation level, Metro, like all other organizations, did not understand how consumer demand would shift once it ended and the economy started to recover. As the inventory imbalance changes and inventory becomes available, logistics pressure will increase as ports & warehouses are clogged. Logistics companies will be at total capacity, and further delays to stock will be experienced by Metro. The trend of depleted inventory levels is expected to end any time soon. Seneca students are expected to research globally to find options and answers to Metros depleted inventory levels and find ways to solve them. Organizations that solve this compelling problem can take market share away from their competitors.

Based on the information provided, Please ans these questions and explain solutions.

Question 1- How can implementing responsible procurement practices and fostering collaborative relationships with suppliers contribute to addressing inventory challenges and enhancing supply chain efficiency at Metro?

Question 2- How can the adoption of technology and data analytics contribute to optimizing inventory management and forecasting processes at Metro?