The pasta supply chain suffered high inventory levels at each segment of the supply chain; stock-outs at the distributor’s level and the customer’s demand variability magnified the problem. Availability of demand information at store levels is hard to get. A JITD system utilizes a vendor-controlled inventory scheme to combat a distribution problem of Barilla SpA. It eliminates some promotions to reduce demand variability, deliver more frequently with mixed order in full truck load. It asks for demand forecast information, as vendor managed inventory information.
For distributors, a JITD program would help to reduce inventory held since central warehouses only deliver the quantities required by the end-users through more frequent checks of the distributors’ inventory, increasing service levels. The increase in flexibility and reaction speed leads to lower inventory improving the fulfill rates.
It also improved customer relations: reduced inventory costs, higher service levels, improved fill-rate and decreased distribution costs would all lead to improved customer relations.
It increased shelf space for distributors: the improved delivery schedules will lead to a decreased inventory. This is an opportunity for sales rep to sell the distributors on taking on more of Barilla’s products to improve the selection they currently offer.
For Barilla, JITD improved fill rate and decreased distribution cost: since the inventory data and delivery patterns would be controlled by Barilla, it would be easier for their central factory and CDCs to schedule production and deliveries.
It improved discount policy for Barilla: instead of giving discounts for large order volume buyers, Barilla would discount for stable long-term orders. By doing so, Barilla would have many reliable long-term orders. The