Technology the Case Argues That Essay

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Management was forced into ad hoc solutions because of its inability to model different demand and supply conditions in advance and develop appropriate contingency plans. The pace of gathering and processing data was simply too slow for such an intense period.

4.

The S&OP software represented a marked improvement in supply chain management for Sunsweet. The company was able to even out its production over the course of the year (it is not explained how this works with a perishable product). Sales forecasts were improved. Production was developed over the long run, allowing it to reduce the number of seasonal workers it hired. The system delivered a return on investment of 15-20%. Moreover, management was able to handle its planning, scheduling and analysis tasks in a much shorter time frame -- hours instead of days -- with the new software, freeing up managerial time to perform other tasks, and improve the company in other areas.

5.

Sunsweet still has some supply chain concerns. These include a lack of flexibility in the program -- changes in operations are difficult to input into the program, which constrains the company's ability to implement continuous improvement. There is also a lack of organizational knowledge of the systems -- a risk if the information gatekeepers move on.

The big takeaway is that training is required.

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The system is only useful if people know how to use it. Sunsweet needs to ensure that a broader number of people are able to use the system and act as information gatekeepers. In the past, it was reasonable to have a small handful of gatekeepers, but that is no longer the case. Training should reflect this, and open the system up to more users so that it becomes part of organizational knowledge.

The system will also benefit from having someone in charge of running the system frequently. Planning can now be an ongoing process, where the company responds to new information incrementally. It is entirely possible that Sunsweet can improve itself all the time, as long as it does not become complacent about planning. The software doesn't do anything if you do not ask it to, and it cannot implement anything, so management needs to stay on top of the planning process in order for the S&OP system to be at its most effective. Things like remote access help with this, allowing employees to work with the system from anywhere, encouraging constant use. The system will also need to be kept up-to-date in order to provide the most value......

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https://www.aceyourpaper.com/essays/technology-case-argues-188425
   

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