Question
Unit 8: Global Supply Chain Management.
Research the following topics related to Global Supply Chain Management:
- Logistics
- WMS
- Globalization
- Transportation
- Security
Select three of the topics listed and compose three paragraphs describing the topics, one paragraph per selected topic, based on the course material and additional research you conduct online.
Global Supply Chain Management Journal
WMS
A warehouse management system (WMS) refers to a software application that is used by warehouses to support the day-to-day operations such as stocking and other management functions. Warehouses that use WMS programs are able to ensure centralized task management relating to such activities as inventory management. The major aim of WMS is to provide the management with vital information so that it can efficiently monitor the movement of stock in and out of the warehouse (Hompel & Schmidt, 2007). Early WMS programs primarily focused on providing managers with simple information relating to stock levels and storage location. Currently, WMS programs have adopted complex functionalities such as tracking, radio frequency identification, and routing technologies.
Globalization
Globalization can be defined as the movement of goods across borders and the entrance of international competitors in within the supply chain of various industries. Globalization has led to fundamental changes in the global supply chain management. Before the advent of globalization, supply chains often catered to single manufactures who were housed in a central location (Skjott-Larsen & Schary, 2007). Currently, a single manufacturer may undertake operations from different countries having diverse cultures. This brings complexity in the global supply chain management. The products are also sold to consumers in different countries. Increased globalization has also led to fierce competition among manufacturers and suppliers.
Security
There has been a tremendous change in the level of security in global supply chain management since the September 11 attacks. New technologies, mandates, and approaches were adapted to enhance security in the global supply chain. Prior to the attacks, the main focus in global supply chain management was to deliver goods at the right place and time (Peterson & Treat, 2008). With time, the focus has increasingly been to deliver goods safely across borders. In order to enhance security at entry points, there is more reliance on electronic-based systems to monitor movement of goods. Additionally, those involved in shipping of goods must adhere to strict regulatory procedures.
References
Hompel, T. M., & Schmidt, T. (2007). Warehouse management: Automation and organisation of warehouse and order picking systems. Berlin: Springer.
Peterson, J., & Treat, A. (2008). The post-9/11 global framework for cargo security. Journal of International Commerce and Economics.
Skjott-Larsen, T., & Schary, P. B. (2007). Managing the global supply chain. Denmark: Copenhagen Business School Press.
