Case 1 MIS
Case 1 MIS
Case 1 MIS
Question 1: Where does Walmart’s supply chain start? What triggers Walmart’s
Retail Link system to ship goods to local Walmart Stores?
Almost 60,000 suppliers across the globe make up the first link in Walmart's supply
chain. For the purpose of fulfilling orders from Walmart's buying managers, these
vendors utilize the EDI network of Walmart. In order to coordinate Walmart's
supply chain management system, EDI is a proprietary network employed by the
company. The Retail Link technology connects Walmart's biggest suppliers to its
inventory management system. This enables suppliers to watch actual store sales
and replenish inventory based on demand and Walmart policies. Based on
information about demand and sales gathered from the system, the Retail Link
system is prompted to send goods to nearby Walmart stores. This approach allows
Walmart to maintain low inventory levels and minimize costs, making it crucial to
the company's supply chain management strategy while ensuring that stores are
stocked with the products that customers want.
Question 3: Why can’t other large retailers easily duplicate Walmart’s Retail Link?
Question 4: Why does Walmart encourage its vendors to learn how to use Retail
Link?
For a number of reasons, Walmart encourages its vendors to become familiar with
Retail Link. By giving vendors access to real-time data on product sales and
inventory levels, it first aids Walmart in streamlining its supply chain and inventory
management. This enables suppliers to streamline their supply chains and
guarantee that Walmart stores have the appropriate goods available at the
appropriate time.
Second, the Retail link fosters more cooperation between Walmart and its
suppliers. Walmart and its partners can find chances to enhance product
performance and spur sales development by exchanging data and insights.
Lastly, Walmart is able to level the playing field for all of its suppliers by pushing
sellers to use Retail Link. Walmart can guarantee that all vendors have an equal
chance to thrive and expand their businesses by giving all vendors access to the
same data and insights.