How Mercury Marine Conducts Its Business Essay

Forecasts are extensively used to support business decisions and direct the work of operations managers. The two major types of forecasts are qualitative and quantitative. Within each of these types are multiple methods and models. Qualitative forecasts are based upon subjective data. Quantitative forecasts are derived from objective data. Both methods are not suitable for all situations and circumstances. Each has inherent strengths and weaknesses. The forecaster must understand the strengths and shortcomings of each method and choose appropriately. One example of forecasting is the United States Marine Corps use of forecasting techniques, both qualitative and quantitative, to predict ammunition requirements.

* Forecasting is an impartial strategic ingredient that will ensure apt base for reputable planning. Our forecast is always the first step in developing plans in running the business along with our future plans of growth strategies. With this tool, we are able to anticipate our sales within reason that then can allow for us to control our costs in conjunction with inventory which will then help us to enhance our customer service. Sales forecasting is a vital strategic tactic in our company’s methodology.

In regards to inventory turnover in 2009, CVS experienced a favorable amount of inventory on hand compared to cost of goods sold. When comparing this result to 2011 it climbed to 10.66, which improves the company’s regulation of managing inventory. From 2009 to 2010 there was an improvement

The options available for this company involve looking at different inventory models in order to allow this specialist the ability to produce outside high demand windows of opportunity. Initially this company began using the MRP system which enevitably helped to reduce the company’s inventory and at the same time improved their on-time delivery numbers. Currently the process has allowed the Space Age company to maintain a cost of $1.25 per week to store their Gemnini and $1.50 per week to store each of their Saturns that sat in inventory.

In particular, the inventory management system of AGI could be adopted by Mercury at little incremental cost. Considering that Mercury has been performing below the industry average, with its DSI of 61.1 days, adopting AGI’s 42.5 day system would increase revenue.

With this company the inventory management ratios further indicate that there may be an issue with inventory and inventory controls. The inventory turnover ratio is lower than the industry average and the days’ sales in inventory are high. A company wants to turn inventory quickly to reduce storage costs, and

Along with better communication, improved forecasting can help a supply chain run better. If you are able to forecast customer demand, you have a better chance on not being “tricked” by signals throughout the chain. A company can improve forecasting by looking at their past history, the history within their industry, or simply by asking their customers; predominantly through surveys or focus groups. Another way to improve you supply chain is to see if there is an opportunity to reduce the number of parties or complexity within the supply chain. The more stations there are the better chance for errors and delays. It is also easier to find and solve issues if your process is less complex. A smaller group also allows for better relationships between

Starting off, there is no doubt that G’Day would benefit from addressing the issues of forecasting within their supply chain. The root of the forecasting problems seems to stem from the Sales and Marketing departments. What usually happens is, the Marketing department will send their orders forecast to Sales to help them anticipate customer demand for the product(s), but the Sales team does not communicate their orders targets back to Marketing. As a result, the Marketing director will not find out what the Sales order forecast is until the CEO of the company eventually asks why the forecasts from each department are so different from each other.

Systems that enable a firm to generate demand forecasts for a product and to develop sourcing and manufacturing plans for that product best describes supply chain

Supply chain management decisions are based on forecasts that define which product will be required, in what amount, and when they

Prepare Contingency Plans: Supply chain risks must be identified and planned for. It is important to consider supply chain disruptions such as natural disasters, terrorism, security threats, piracy, supplier’s financial collapse, and infrastructure or process failure and there are other risks that all businesses face such as demand volatility and compliance issues. (book, p.241). Developing back up processes and plans takes considerable time yet preparation can be the difference between business continuity and end.

The Scientific Glass, Inc (SG) is a midsized company in the specialized glassware industry producing for and supplying to research facilities and specialized laboratories in its market regions; North America, Europe, Asia Pacific and rest of the world. The company is facing an increase in inventory level balances with too much capital tied up in inventory preventing it from using its capital towards international expansion. Evaluating other options on the basis of effects of SG's previous attempts at

Furthermore the U.S. market is now the target for most of the globe’s auto makers since the economy is steadily improving and consumers are much more inclined to replace or buy a new vehicle with the latest estimates for auto sales in 2014 expected to reach the 16 million vehicle range. However, finished goods inventories management is still a big problem and many automotive OEM’s such as GM are now considering even more investments in added capacity.

There is predictive monitoring and predictive capabilities out there that businesses are taking advantage of to increase their competitive abilities. Case in point – recently a major commercial aircraft provider was unable to deliver an aircraft order to a customer timely because their ashtray company went out of business. A major bus company was also unable to deliver an order of buses because the company that manufactured and supplied their bumpers also went out of business. These two examples illustrate the power of information and the need to source strategically. It is not just the delivery of a component that is at stake, but the most capable allies that manage your supplies and impact your ability to deliver in the marketplace.

Reviewing Exhibit 1 it is indicative that each year their actual inventory ratio continued to increase as opposed to decreasing. Keeping inventory in stock is good for clients but bad for capital when it remains on the shelves and doesn’t sell as quickly as you are producing it.