GMA Releases Supply Chain Study Results
By George Anderson
The average time it takes to go from order-to-delivery was cut 79 hours, according
to the Grocery Manufacturers of America’s (GMA) 2003 Logistics Study.
A press release from GMA states, “While the supply chain is becoming more responsive,
overall logistics costs have risen 12 percent since 1999, from 6.6 percent of
net sales to 7.4 percent, at least in part from the increased costs of better
responsiveness.”
Inventory levels continue to decrease albeit at a slow pace. GMA reports 2002
inventory levels were down to 44.7 days of supply compared to 46.1 in 1999.
The industry’s goal is 27 days.
Moderator’s Comment: Are increased responsiveness and
lower supply chain costs compatible goals for manufacturers, wholesalers and
retailers? What will it take to get to logistics nirvana?
You can download a pdf copy (Adobe Acrobat required) of
the study at: http://www.gmabrands.com/news/docs/NewsRelease.cfm?DocID=1103
[George
Anderson – Moderator]