Drivers, supply chain performance information

In this chapter, our goal is to link key financial measures of firm performance to supply chain performance. We introduce the three logistical drivers—facilities, inventory, and transportation—and the three cross-functional drivers—information, sourcing, and pricing—that determine the performance of any supply chain. We discuss how these drivers are used in the design, planning, and operation of the supply chain. We define several metrics that can be used to gauge the performance of each driver and its impact on financial performance. 

Identify the major drivers of supply chain performance. The major drivers of supply chain performance are facilities, inventory, transportation, information, sourcing, and pricing. 

A good reference line of key performance indicators of a supply chain is the Balanced Scorecard by Kaplan and Norton (1996). Kaplan and Norton argue that a valuation of intangible assets and company capabilities would be especially helpful since, for information age companies, these assets are more critical to success than traditional physical and tangible assets . The Balanced Scorecard retains traditional financial measures, customer services and resource utilization (internal business process) and includes additional measures for learning (people) and growth (innovation). This approach complements measures of past performance with drivers for future development. 

Information consists of data and analysis concerning facilities, inventory, transportation, costs, prices, and customers throughout the supply chain. Information is potentially the biggest driver of performance in the supply chain because it directly affects each of the other drivers. Information presents management with the opportunity to make supply chains more... 

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