Question 1
Effective supply chain plays a critical role in a nosiness. It is worth noting that the Darden’s restaurant have focused on enhancing supply chain on achieving competitive advantage. Darden’s is a restaurant that has unique supply chains. The supply chain is streamlined towards the menu options provided by the restaurant. The restaurant has four supply chains. Each of the Darden’s supply chain has specific advantages. The first supply chain is the Darden Direct Distribution. The advantage is that it reduced the shipping prices of various small items. This is because a single warehouse has items that are shipped through a common carrier. The advantage of second supply chain is that the entire process is handled economically. Also, management of the supply chain is very effective. This is facilitated by the different distribution centers. The fresh food supply chain is the products are supplied in their fresh state. The business-to-business strategy ensures that the dairy products and fresh vegetables are supplied and received at fresh state. The last supply chains advantageous because it enhances reliability in the operations. The supply chain also ensures that products are delivered quickly (Lee 100). Despite the geographical diversity of target market, the restaurant can deliver products such as the seafood at fresh state. In a critical analysis, each of the four supply chains ensures that customers receive quality and fresh food.
Question 2
Darden’s restaurant has four supply chains. These supply chains are associated with various complications. Each of the supply chains is associated with unique problems and challenges. Combining all these challenges render the management of supply chain complex. The restaurant has to handle the complications of each supply chains in a distinctive way. One of the complication is the complexity of handling a wider supply chain. Handling suppliers from various countries complicates the entire supply chain process. Also, the supply chain increases the level of movement. This is because the products are supposed to be transported to various countries. Communication problems are also associated with the four supply chains. Dealing with four supply chain makes communication process complicated. The 35 countries that the restaurants supply the products, there is a high level of diversity. For example, language barriers hinder the communication process. The small ware distribution is not reliable because challenges in a location hinder the entire distribution process. The four supply chains are independent; hence, it makes it difficult for the restaurant to guarantee the freshness of products on daily basis. Management of inventory is a complication that is associated with the four supply chain. Managing inventory is tedious and demanding. The restraint should maintain the inebriety and meet client expectations. Also, shipping and transportation of fresh products is expensive. This means that the cost of transportation and shipping affects the profitability of the company. Another complication is meeting the legal demands in several countries. Darden’s Restaurant track the transportation vehicles and orders. Each of the supply chains required resources to track the entire process. Based on the analysis of the four supply chain, it is evident that the restaurant requires specialized and knowledgeable people to work in the organization.
Question 3
Darden’s four supply chain differ from that of automobile manufacturers. This is based on several issues. The nature of business operations between the firms differ. Automobile manufacturer supplies similar products that do not require diversified supply chain process. Darden restaurant deal with diverse products, which justifies the availability of four supply chains. Automobile firms develop innovative supply chains. The supplies hold major modules until the products are delivered to the assembly line. The supply chains for automobile manufacturers include vendor-managed inventory. Darden supply chains are different because of the products that are supplied. Darden Restaurant deals with fragile products. This means that the four supply chains are relevant to the restaurant because it enhances the freshness of products. Also, the supply chain of Darden’s restaurant demands real-time tracking based on the type of products. For example, the firms should deliver products in the fresh state because most of the products are perishable (Heizer and Barry 35). The relationship between Automobile firm and Darden’s restaurant supply chain is the close relationship between the firms and the suppliers. The relationship is interactive and close, which is similar to a partnership. Automobile supply chain is streamlined towards economies of scale between the firm and the suppliers. This enables the firm to order raw materials in large quantities.
The supply chain in my job is very crucial based on the nature of activities. The supply chain in the firm is responsive in nature. The responsive supply chain in the firm works collaboratively with the stakeholders. The stakeholders can exchange information effectively, which enables the firm to satisfy uncertain demand. The use of technology in supply chain operations enhances the company performance. Compared to our firm, Dander’s restaurant has embraced technology in supply chain operations. The changes have enabled our company to cut on the costs. Technology is used to control the supply of raw materials and predict demand in the market.
Work Cited
Heizer, Jay H., and Barry Render. Operations Management. 11., Global ed. Upper Saddle River, NJ [u.a.: Pearson, 2013. Print.
Lee, William B. Creating Entrepreneurial Supply Chains. Boca Raton, Fla: J. Ross, 2012. Print.
