This book defines supply chains, focusing on the impact that they can have on the retail industry.

MICHAEL HUGOS is the chief information officer of Network Services Company, a $6.8 billion distribution organization serving customers throughout North America. He has extensive experience in distribution, logistics, and applying technology to meet the challenges of supply chain management. He holds an MBA from Northwestern University's Kellogg School of Management.

CHRIS THOMAS is a professional writer in Boise, Idaho.

Preface. CHAPTER 1: AN INTRODUCTION TO SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT. The Evolution of the Supply Chain. How the Supply Chain Works. The Evolving Structure of Supply Chains. Participants in the Supply Chain. Aligning the Supply Chain with Business Strategy. Chapter Summary. Discussion Questions. CHAPTER 2: THE RETAIL DISTRIBUTION CHANNEL. Participants in the Distribution Channel. Types of Channels. Channel Relationships. Chapter Summary. Discussion Questions. CHAPTER 3: SUPPLY CHAIN OPERATIONS: PLANNING. Five Links in the Chain. Demand Forecasting. Product Pricing. Inventory Management. Chapter Summary. Discussion Questions. CHAPTER 4: SUPPLY CHAIN OPERATIONS: SOURCING MATERIALS AND MAKING PRODUCTS. Procurement. Credit and Collections. Product Design. Production Scheduling. Facility Management. Chapter Summary. Discussion Questions. CHAPTER 5: SUPPLY CHAIN OPERATIONS: DELIVERIES AND RETURNS. Order Management. Delivery Scheduling. The Reality of Returns. Outsourcing Supply Chain Operations. Chapter Summary. Discussion Questions. CHAPTER 6: TECHNOLOGY AND SUPPLY CHAIN COORDINATION. The Bullwhip Effect. Coordinating the Supply Chain. Collaborative Planning, Forecasting, and Replenishment. Starting Supply Chain Collaboration. Information Systems. Inventory Management Systems. Assessing Technology and System Needs. Chapter Summary. Discussion Questions. CHAPTER 7: MEASURING PERFORMANCE: SUPPLY CHAIN METRICS. Four Types of Markets. Market Performance Categories. Customer Service Metrics. Internal Efficiency Metrics. Demand Flexibility Metrics. Product Development Metrics. Collecting and Using Performance Data. Spotlighting Problems and Opportunities. Chapter Summary. Discussion Questions. CHAPTER 8: DEFINING SUPPLY CHAIN OPPORTUNITIES. Identifying Opportunities. Combining System Design and Strategy. Initial Project Plans and Budgets. Chapter Summary. Discussion Questions. CHAPTER 9: DEVELOPING SUPPLY CHAIN SYSTEMS. Organizing a Systems Development Project. Designing a Supply Chain System. Creating a System Prototype. Final Planning and Budgeting. The Build Phase. Chapter Summary. Discussion Questions. CHAPTER 10: THE REAL-TIME SUPPLY CHAIN AND BEYOND. Power on Demand. Global Sourcing. Retail Technology Trends. Thinking Strategically. Adaptive Networks. Chapter Summary. Discussion Questions. Glossary. Index.