Question 1

ERP systems:

Accepted Answer

ERP systems provide a single, unified solution that spans an enterprise, integrating various functions such as finance, human resources, operations, and supply chain management. They are not replacing SCIS systems, do not require RFID, and address more than just manufacturing issues.

Question 2

The best description of a supply chain information system (SCIS) is:

Accepted Answer

A supply chain information system (SCIS) is an information system that provides management with supply chain data that facilitates timely decision making. It is focused on managing the flow of products, services, and information among customers, suppliers, manufacturers, and logistics providers. SCIS enables companies to better manage their supply chain processes by providing real-time visibility into inventory levels, order status, and other critical data. It helps managers to optimize their supply chain processes and make informed decisions based on accurate, timely data.

Question 3

Discuss the relative advantages of best-of-breed software versus supply chain suites.

Accepted Answer

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Question 4

Describe how a supply chain information system enables process excellence and links the essential elements.

Accepted Answer

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Question 5

What is the role of enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems in SCM?

Accepted Answer

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Question 6

Now that Henderson Air, a manufacturer of heating and air conditioning units, has moved to a just-in-time production process, the firm expects its suppliers to provide inventory replenishment orders within 24 hours. This is an example of which quality that enables process excellence?

Accepted Answer

Velocity refers to the speed or rate at which a process is able to operate, including the speed of information flow and the speed of material flow. In this case, Henderson Air's expectation of a 24-hour turnaround time for inventory replenishment orders from its suppliers demonstrates a focus on velocity as a key quality for enabling process excellence.

Question 7

Review the methods used by supply chain managers to mitigate SCIS implementation risks.

Accepted Answer

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Question 8

TransNational Shipping is preparing to invest more than $1 million in a new system that applies machine learning, AI, and analytics to create and automate rules for shipping, sourcing, and logistics. This is an example of which type of technology expected to emerge in the future?

Accepted Answer

The use of machine learning, AI, and analytics to automate rules for shipping, sourcing, and logistics is an example of intelligent order management.

Question 9

Name at least four of the seven golden rules supply chain managers should follow to successfully guide an IT implementation process and avoid disruptions. Which rule do you think is most important, and why?

Accepted Answer

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Question 10

Identify the four primary categories of supply chain software and discuss their primary functions.

Accepted Answer

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Question 11

Summarize supplier relationship management software and customer relationship management software. In what ways are these two categories of software similar?

Accepted Answer

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Question 12

When supply chain partners have access to the same real-time information and use it to gain consistent insights and drive collaborative decisions, it is called:

Accepted Answer

When supply chain partners have access to the same real-time information and use it to gain consistent insights and drive collaborative decisions, it is called synchronization. This means that all partners are working together in real-time towards a common goal, using the same information to make informed decisions and optimize the supply chain. Segmentation and optimization refer to specific strategies or approaches within the supply chain, while cross-chain visibility is related but not the same as synchronization.

Question 13

Summarize at least five of the eight attributes of information quality.

Accepted Answer

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Question 14

There are three principle supply chain information requirements that support effective decision-making. Which of the following is not one of the three?

Accepted Answer

While real-time data is valuable, it is not one of the three primary information requirements for effective decision-making in the supply chain. The three primary requirements are that information must meet quality standards, flow readily within and between organizations, and support multiple types of supply chain decisions.

Question 15

Compare the two SCM software purchasing options-licensed software and SaaS.

Accepted Answer

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Question 16

Like many organizations, Acme Fasteners & Tools has purchased various components of its supply chain management system one at a time, bit by bit over the years. Some of these components communicate well among themselves, while other components have never been fully integrated into the system. Which of the following best describes this common issue in SCM?

Accepted Answer

The issue described is creating gaps in the technology system, where different components have not been fully integrated, leading to communication difficulties.

Question 17

Explain how SCM supports both strategic and tactical planning, as well as routine decision making. Include examples to support your answer.

Accepted Answer

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Question 18

Managers have several options for software development and implementation. They include:

Accepted Answer

The best choice for software development and implementation depends on several factors such as budget, resources, time, and the specific needs of the organization. Therefore, managers have several options to choose from, and they may end up using a combination of these options.

Internal development allows organizations to create custom applications specific to their needs, but it requires significant resources, including skilled developers, time, and funding.

Licensed software solutions from vendors provide pre-built software that organizations can customize and implement relatively quickly, but they come with licensing costs and may not fully meet the organization's unique requirements.

Software as a Service (SaaS) offers cloud-based solutions that provide access to software applications over the internet. SaaS can be an attractive option for organizations that want to avoid the upfront costs of software development or licensing and want to outsource software maintenance and updates to the vendor. However, it may not fully meet the organization's unique requirements, and it requires a reliable and secure internet connection.

Therefore, the best choice may vary based on the needs of the organization. Using a combination of solutions may be the best approach to achieve the desired outcomes.

Question 19

Discuss the role of information in the supply chain, and identify the three principle requirements for supply chain information.

Accepted Answer

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Question 20

Supply chain software includes technologies that:

Accepted Answer

Supply chain software includes technologies that address virtually every function and task that occurs in the supply chain, help organizations plan, execute, and control supply chain activities in real-time, and help to maintain visibility of inventory. Therefore, option D is the correct choice.

Quiz 14: Supply Chain Technology Managing Information Flows