Dell 4 Ps Essay

Dell. Dell’s products—computers, servers and printers—are commodities. Dell tends not to develop the technologies underlying these products. Instead, it purchases the components from firms that develop the technologies (semiconductors and computer software). Dell’s direct-to-customer marketing strategy is not unique, but the extent to which Dell performs this strategy better than anyone else in the industry gives it a competitive advantage. Its size, purchasing power, quality control, and efficiency permit it to operate as a low-cost provider.

The advantages of Dells model are: The internet allows Dell an extensive scope and reach for its products at a relatively low price (Dedrick and Kraemer 2001). Using the internet Dell has been able to automate many of its business functions, such as product configuration, order entry and technical support (Dedrick & Kraemer 2001), therefore the company can achieve higher revenues without customer service costs increasing greatly. Online configuration ensures that the customer gets exactly what they want. Dells build to order strategy means that inventory levels are low, they only hold approximately 4-8 days of stock, therefore inventory costs are low (Breen 2004).

The stores have limited supplies with limited selection. Due to the supply chain model they have set up, Dell allows customers virtually unlimited option for them to customize their computer. In addition, Dell can produce the computer in a matter of hours and have it shipped to the customer in a matter of days.

a. Dell computers cover needs pertaining to strategy and deployment, IT and business consulting, managed services and all around expert advice and world-class support. Dell products can be used within organizations to use business processes efficiently, and assist with technology infrastructure and applications services to pinpoint growth opportunities that essentially reduce costs.

Dell is a computer corporation recognized for manufacturing computer systems through parts assemble. In 1983, Michael Dell saw an opportunity in using IBM compatible computers for a new assembly line that can be sold to local businesses. The idea as explained by Michael Dell, in one of his interview, is that in the early days of computers' manufacturing, companies had to be able to produce every part of the system. As the industry matured, companies started to focus on single parts and to become specialized in creating items that can be assembled with other parts to prepare a computer. As a result, Dell understood that to have a competitive edge in the market, they needed to

When Dell started its campaign to allow customers to configure and customize their computers according to their needs and budget Dell had serious issue regarding Inventory Management. Dell needed and Inventory which comprised of right computer parts at right time and right place. To manage this entire Dell

The direct supply chain model that Dell has been using for many years to sell customized PC’s to customers via the internet has been very successful. Dell designed and structured the supply chain to provide customized computers in a quick manner and with a reasonable price. Customers can visit the Dell website and configure the PC they desired and see the cost options they selected. Once the order was finalized, Dell would then start the building of that customized computer to meet the customer’s selection and ship the finished product directly from the manufacturing

Having the low cost advantage Dell is able to expand the gap between cost and customer's willingness to pay. Therefore, they are able to satisfy their end-consumers, who are educated want product stability, high-end performance and low lifetime costs. They have served the US market and started to expand their market worldwide; in addition, they have

Dell’s target market consists of personal computer users and corporate users. Dell is known for their ability to build computers suited to their customers needs. Because their largest customer base is marketed online, their geographic area is unlimited. Since technology is rapidly progressing and moving away from traditional PC’s, Dell has to diversify their products.

Dell uses a push-pull strategy. It produces computers by using components after a customer order. Dell’s model is called a Direct model where suppliers deliver to Dell and Dell is directly in relationship with the customer without distributors and/or retailers. The customer is in the beginning (specific order) and at the end of the process. Suppliers are situated very close to the plant which results in a easy coordination. There are few suppliers and it saves money through shipping directly to customers. Next to specific components, Dell also uses some components through all orders. Each order consists of a motherboard for example.

Dell Computer Corporation was founded in 1984 by Michael Dell. From the early 1990s until the mid-2000s, Dell was ranked as a PC market leader relying on their distinctive marketing pattern “Direct Model” which undertook direct communication with customers and provided customized products. Recently, the PC industry is facing inconceivable worldwide competition, and Dell is gradually losing their competitive advantages by using its direct model in critical business segments. The company is facing shrinkage of growth, increasing competition, declining quality of customer service, and limitation of expansion. These issues have an enormous impact on Dell’s position as a technological giant in the PC industry.

Dell has also employed two major strategies, customization options for clients who demand cutting edge technology along with a build-to-order option. As a result this has drastically increased its value to customers and also allows Dell to carry fewer inventories which could in turn result in obsolesce. In other words the overproduction is greatly reduced as the production is essentially in line with the demand and the market.

sustain its profitability in light of the industry’s -10% growth rate and 50% reduction in profit margins in late 2000, or should it change its expectations and react to the commodity nature of the environment? Dell’s immediate challenge is to try and sustain its positive growth rate, spike its stock prices, and conquer new markets. But how does Dell choose its next product or service to offer the world ? It must make the right choices as to what is the next value proposition that really matters to its customers. Another challenge for Dell is how to cope in a new world where technology devices and components cost less and less (resulting in shrinking profit margins) that become obsolete practically overnight. Perhaps, Dell’s biggest challenge will be to have the discipline to know when and how to change strategies that have worked so well up to now. If Dell does not have the vision and adaptability, it will be just a matter of time before another company does a Dell on Dell.

Dell also competes with retailers who already have a stock by doing just the opposite - not carrying a stock. When a consumer wants a particular model of computer, the retailer must have the item in stock. When a customer shops at Dell, the customer designs exactly what they want. A customer can design a very basic, bare-bones model, or a model that includes almost limitless options. The computer is then built in a matter of hours. The customer has his or her own, custom-designed system in a matter of a few days. There is no waiting for out-of-stock products, and Dell holds minimal inventory by utilizing such a well-designed system.

Dell uses direct and indirect sales channels. Figure 4 shows The general approach to selling products or PCs to companies throughout indirect channels. Under this approach, a reseller / distributor such as S.E.R.S-Systems Equipment Telecommunication services- in Lebanon or BDL trading and Metra computer in Dubai (Dell Website, 2013) purchased Dell's products such as computers or printers directly from Dell and distributed them to corporate customers. The distributer or reseller customized the product to the customer's requirements, installed hardware components or software as necessary and often provided additional support and