What is the advantage of Darden each supply chain?
The Four supply chains discussed in Darden’s case are:
- Central distribution for small ware
- Fresh food
- Dry food
- World sea food
Darden uses four supply chains to reduce cost, gain competitive advantage and increase responsiveness to the customer requirements. The small ware supply chain is a distributor direct from the headquarters of the company to ensure that the best quality utensils are shipped to every restaurant. The restaurant has 11 different distribution centers throughout the country to provide quick delivery to each restaurant and manage quick response rate of customers. Darden has a fresh food supply chain that is measured in days so that fresh food is delivered at the right time. Darden has multiple independent suppliers for the seafood that is served in their restaurants. It is an advantage because seafood industry is volatile, and multiple suppliers ensure that the inventory is received freshly and on a timely basis (Darden Concept, 2013).
Complications of having four supply chains
There are complications to having four supply chains. If one supply chain fails or has some lag, the company can greatly suffer and create a negative experience for the customer. The effective management and timely supply of raw materials from each supply chain is another difficult task for the company to manage. The canned, dry goods distribution is a bit problem free because there is no requirement of fresh food to be delivered as the products are canned they the quality is maintained. On the other hand, an independent supply chain has a complication when it comes to ensuring that the seafood and other food items are delivered on time and fresh. The seafood supply chain has cost concerns because it requires quality inspection from quality assurance inspectors to ensure that seafood is fresh and of highest standard (Darden Concept, 2013).
How Darden’s supply chain is compared to other firms such as Dell or automobile?
Darden’s supply chain is different from automobile supply chain because the automobiles companies incorporate innovative and new supply chains such as vendor- managed inventory system with suppliers providing major modules of the automobile till the assembly of the items together to create one final product. In comparison, the Darden’s supply chain is unique and mostly perishable items are included which are volatile and are required to be delivered on time and fresh (Darden Concept, 2013).
Reference
Darden Concept, Inc. (2013) “ Supply Chain” http://www.darden.com/sustainability/default.aspx?lang=en&page=plate§ion=supply-chain
