Logistics Case Study#2
1 . How can design for logistic concepts be used to control logistics costs and make the supply chain more efficient ?
Design for logistics concepts can be used to control logistics costs by applying the concepts to the supply chain process . The DFL focuses on three concepts , which are : packaging and transportation , parallel and concurrent processing , and standardization . In terms of controlling logistics costs , the DFL suggests that packaging and transportation can be improved to save on costs . If products parts are shipped in bulks , instead of transporting the already assembled products , the company will make a lot of savings . Hewlett-Packard can apply this to its operation by transporting the printer 's parts to minimize space and leave the assembly to the distribution centers .
The parallel and concurrent processing can be effective in shortening the manufacturing time of a product . This will also improved forecasting since many product components can be made at the same time .
In terms of components that need to be purchased and the supply is uncertain , the company can buy that part in volume . This way , only that component needs to have a high level of inventory instead of the entire product . This is highly applicable to HP 's problem of maintaining a low inventory level while meeting customer needs . As for standardization , HP has already a standardized manufacturing process but it needs to break it down by module or by part . HP can also implement a standardized procurement of materials .
2 . What is delayed differentiation and how can Hewlett-Packard use delayed differentiation to address the problems described in the case ?
How can the advantages of delayed differentiation be quantified ?
Delayed Product Differentiation is a manufacturing technique wherein processes and parts are standardized while leaving the decision to what end product would result during the actual assembly of the
Design for logistics concepts can be used to control logistics costs by applying the concepts to the supply chain process . The DFL focuses on three concepts , which are : packaging and transportation , parallel and concurrent processing , and standardization . In terms of controlling logistics costs , the DFL suggests that packaging and transportation can be improved to save on costs . If products parts are shipped in bulks , instead of transporting the already assembled products , the company will make a lot of savings . Hewlett-Packard can apply this to its operation by transporting the printer 's parts to minimize space and leave the assembly to the distribution centers .
The parallel and concurrent processing can be effective in shortening the manufacturing time of a product . This will also improved forecasting since many product components can be made at the same time .
In terms of components that need to be purchased and the supply is uncertain , the company can buy that part in volume . This way , only that component needs to have a high level of inventory instead of the entire product . This is highly applicable to HP 's problem of maintaining a low inventory level while meeting customer needs . As for standardization , HP has already a standardized manufacturing process but it needs to break it down by module or by part . HP can also implement a standardized procurement of materials .
2 . What is delayed differentiation and how can Hewlett-Packard use delayed differentiation to address the problems described in the case ?
How can the advantages of delayed differentiation be quantified ?
Delayed Product Differentiation is a manufacturing technique wherein processes and parts are standardized while leaving the decision to what end product would result during the actual assembly of the