Group Assignment - Post 4

Below answer is related to UPS's information.
A.
The supply chain is a network of organizations and processes for procuring raw materials, transforming them into products, and distributing the products. It includes upstream supply chain and downstream supply chain. UPS mainly provides downstream supply chain for their clients, which are the organizations and processes responsible for delivering products to customers. The process involves local and overseas, UPS uses its transportation services and on-line systems to let the clients can distribute their goods to destinations on time. Also, UPS has mature monitor system to ensure the process is safety and satisfy the client’s request.

B.
Supply Chain Management Systems are classified as supply chain planning and supply chain execution systems. UPS provides on-line services and on-line tools for its clients through web site, that is, e-SCM. e-SCM is the application of information and communication technologies to form a seamless path for the smooth delivery of goods and products from suppliers, manufacturers, distributors and retailers into the hands of customers. Also, it can directly link up to the client’s web site or company’s system, so the clients can use these functions to proceed their supply chain planning and supply chain execution.

For supply chain planning, besides the clients can understand UPS services through UPS web site, they can set up their own account. Also, they can download various on-line tools to plan their distribution, such as, cost control, service, transportation method and time saving, etc, so the clients can make well planning.

For supply chain execution, the clients can make orders through UPS’s web site. Once the clients have set up their own account, they can check their historical orders and monitor the process of distribution on real-time. For example, if the clients want to change the time or destination after they have ordered, they can make amendment through the web site, also, the clients can track their goods about the goods is arrived or not, or where is the goods now, etc. The clients can monitor what’s going on about the process of distribution.

Furthermore, UPS provides the information of transportation from difference countries and the services of competitors to the clients through its web site. In case the clients change the order time or destination, the clients can check which company’s services is better for them to ensure the goods can arrive on time.

Besides, in order to improve coordination of internal supply chain processes, UPS uses intranet to monitor and maintain their services quality.