The goal of this activity is for you to understand and recognize which action takes place at each point of the supply chain. Match the various information flows to the smart TV purchase steps. 1 Buyer to Manufacturer 2 Customer to Store 3 Store to Manufacturer 4 Store to Buyer 5 Manufacturer to Distribution Center and Buyer 6 Store to Distribution Center Match each of the options above to the items below. Smart TV purchased POS terminal sends data Corporate inventory order Frequent, direct reorder Request delivery schedule Advanced shipping notice 2 4 1 3 6 5
The goal of this activity is for you to understand and recognize which action takes place at each point of the supply chain. Match the various information flows to the smart TV purchase steps. 1 Buyer to Manufacturer 2 Customer to Store 3 Store to Manufacturer 4 Store to Buyer 5 Manufacturer to Distribution Center and Buyer 6 Store to Distribution Center Match each of the options above to the items below. Smart TV purchased POS terminal sends data Corporate inventory order Frequent, direct reorder Request delivery schedule Advanced shipping notice 2 4 1 3 6 5
The Correct Answer and Explanation is:
Correct Matching:
- Smart TV purchased → 2. Customer to Store
- POS terminal sends data → 4. Store to Buyer
- Corporate inventory order → 1. Buyer to Manufacturer
- Frequent, direct reorder → 3. Store to Manufacturer
- Request delivery schedule → 6. Store to Distribution Center
- Advanced shipping notice → 5. Manufacturer to Distribution Center and Buyer
Explanation
Understanding the flow of information in a supply chain is crucial for ensuring efficiency and responsiveness. When a smart TV is purchased, the flow of information begins with the customer interacting with the store (2. Customer to Store). This initiates the transaction and triggers subsequent processes in the supply chain.
Next, the POS (Point of Sale) terminal sends data about the sale back to the buyer or store’s central systems. This is categorized as store to buyer communication (4. Store to Buyer) because it provides the buyer (the company’s procurement team or system) with sales information needed to manage inventory.
The corporate inventory order represents the buyer (such as the procurement department at headquarters) placing an order with the manufacturer to replenish stock. This is an example of buyer to manufacturer communication (1. Buyer to Manufacturer), reflecting demand at a broader corporate level.
Frequent, direct reorders usually occur at the store level based on inventory thresholds. When a store runs low on certain models of TVs, it may place frequent reorders directly with the manufacturer (3. Store to Manufacturer) to maintain stock levels.
A request for a delivery schedule is typically initiated by the store communicating with the distribution center (6. Store to Distribution Center) to determine when products will be restocked.
Lastly, the advanced shipping notice is a communication from the manufacturer to both the distribution center and the buyer (5. Manufacturer to Distribution Center and Buyer) to inform them of a pending delivery, including shipment details and expected arrival time. This proactive notification ensures smooth logistics and planning.
These flows illustrate how data moves through the supply chain, enabling timely decisions and coordinated efforts to meet customer demand efficiently.
