Kuiper Leda Supply Chain

Essay by ka28277University, Master'sA, July 2007

download word file, 13 pages 4.5

Kuiper Leda Supply Chain DefenseOrganizations of today understand the need for efficient supply chain management (SCM) to gain an advantage in this highly competitive business environment. In order to create an effective SCM system, an understanding of the various interactions between suppliers, manufacturers, distributors, and consumers is needed. Furthermore, these organizations/entities must work together to establish a committed contractual relationship. Ultimately, doing so would provide each entity opportunities for success and increase the shareholders' wealth.

This paper will attempt to educate the readers on the importance of supply chain management. This paper will identify some of the SCM practices or strategies organizations use, specifically those used by Kuiper Leda (Kuiper), the subject of the case study. Moreover, this paper will provide recommendations on how to further improve Kuiper's supply chain which will help reduce costs, minimize wastes, and maximize value. Readers are encouraged to carefully evaluate Kuiper's operations, current position, and objectives, which would help in determining the best SCM practices the organization must adopt.

Kuiper Leda Supply ChainKuiper Leda, an electronic components manufacturer, is faced with a growth opportunity. A small but highly respected organization, Kuiper has spent the last decade producing Electronic Control Units and more recently, Radio Frequency Identification Systems (RFID). Kuiper's daily production capacity is 1,250 units of ECUs and 250 units of the RFIDs. Midland Motors (Midland), an American Original Equipment Manufacturer (OEM), received a large order for powertrain assemblies to a leading car manufacturer. As a result, there is an increased demand for Kuiper's products. Midland placed an annual order of 250,000 ECUs, a necessary component for powertrain assemblies (direct demand). Additionally, Midland placed an annual order of 35,000 RFID tags to help with inventory control (indirect demand). With this increased demand for Kuiper's products, Kuiper needs to reevaluate the company's existing supply...