ABSTRACT: This report examines Supply Chain Management (SCM) and how it enhances the supply chains in the Retail Industry. Also the report examines how the supply chain is a link of suppliers and buyers and customers in turn becoming supplier. The report examines the problems associated with the supply chain a major one which is bullwhip effect. This study focuses on how ERP and SCM work together to help in solving supply chain problems and making the supply chain management of the retail industry efficient. The aim of this report is to explore various Information technology applications/solutions in the Retail Industry Supply chain.
INTRODUCTON:
We live in an ever changing world, with globalisation, liberalisation and increasing market competition, need for real time operations and the rapid change in information technology Retail businesses more than ever before now seek better ways of keeping up with the ever increasing market challenges. Retail industry is seeking solutions to its own industry problem which is majorly stock management to avoid pilferages and stock out, and spoilages etc. in the supply chain. The retail industry is now adopting ERP and SCM to proffer solution to its supply chain problems. This study focuses on solutions pertaining to the Retail industry and particularly examining how marks and Spencer (a leading food and clothing retail company) has improved its supply chain also, a recommendation is made to Marks and Spencer and other upcoming Retail firms on how to improve its supply chain.
LITERATURE REVIEW:
Supply Chain Defined “Supply chain refers to the flow of materials, information, payment, services from raw materials, suppliers, through factories and warehouses to the customers”. Supply chain as explained by (Turban M.U, n.d., p.375) includes organisations and processes
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