through tors first? Currently, DIMCO uses approximately 1350 different 1. The factory accepts into stock any manufacturing orders 5. What would you recommend be done differently completed for the current period. The beginning inventory plus the arriving order determine how much inventory the location has available to satisfy demand during that period. CASE: Supply Chain Management at Durham International Manufacturing Company (DIMCO) Lucille Jenkins, the CEO for the Durham International Manu- facturing Company (DIMCO), believes that the company can components and/or raw materials in manufacturing its produa significantly increase its operating profit by implementing sup line. Those components and raw materials are purchased fro ply chain management. DIMCO manufactures a variety of con approximately 375 different suppliers around the world. In term sumer electronic products, from hair dryers to humidifiers to of distribution, DIMCO currently sends its finished products to massagers, for the world market. central warehouse that supplies 10 regional distribution centen Lucille believes that DIMCO has already integrated its inter (RDC); 6 are domestic and 4 are located outside of the United nal processes and is ready to proceed with external integration. States. Each RDC supplies an average of 12 local distributors the However, she is uncertain as to which direction to take. Should each supply an average of 35 retailers. the company work on integrating the suppliers or the distribu Lucille is looking for some advice. INTERNET CHALLENGE: GLOBAL SHOPPING . 147 1. Briefly describe DIMCO's supply chain. 2. What are the advantages that DIMCO can gain by imple- menting supply chain management? 3. What would you recommend DIMCO attempt next? Should it work on integrating the suppliers or the distributors first? Or should it work on both simultaneously? 4. What are your recommendations with regard to the exter- nal suppliers? 5 What are your recommendations with regard to the exter- nal distributors