Week 1 Discussion Question Response
In this opening Discussion you are to describe the differences between the supply chains for the retail business of Walmart and Dell.
Think about this: What makes two organizations a bit different? It could be what they sell? it could be where their products comes from?
Examine what your colleagues find as a “difference” with your replies asking about what they found.
Here is a source to use; but you are more than free to do an Internet search for Walmart and Dell supply chain.
Maybe you will uncover something about supply chains that will surprise you. They are often a surprise to some waiting customers.
Also, do not forget to think current timeframe. What is this year? Hmmm. Anything big going on between customers and the supply chain side of things?
Hector Ramos Diaz:
Hello Class,
The supply chains of Walmart and Dell are very distinct models tailored to their unique business strategies and customer needs. These differences are fundamental to understanding how each company achieves efficiency, responsiveness, and customer satisfaction. For example, Walmart is a retail store and sources their inventory directly from manufacturers and makes purchases in bulk. This procurement method enables Walmart to leverage its vast scale to secure competitive prices, which it then passes on to consumers as savings. Dell on the other hand, manufactures its products and sells them directly to consumers through its website and over the phone. This direct engagement eliminates the need for intermediaries, allowing Dell to customize orders to customer specifications and reduce inventory costs. This also minimizes the number of storefronts that Dell is required to maintain. Dell’s limited need for physical storefronts differs significantly with Walmart’s extensive use of physical retail space, reflecting different operational and cost structures between the two companies.
Both companies, through their distinct supply chain strategies, optimize for efficiency, speed, and customer satisfaction, although in very different ways. Walmart’s strategy is designed to support its broad market appeal and commitment to low prices, facilitated by its extensive physical distribution network. Dell’s strategy, conversely, focuses on customization and direct sales to meet specific customer needs, supported by an agile manufacturing process that minimizes inventory and enhances flexibility. These strategies are emblematic of the companies’ respective sectors and business models, highlighting the importance of aligning supply chain operations with overall business objectives to achieve market success.
Taurus Lansdowne:
Hello Professor and classmates,
The distinct difference between Walmart’s and Dell supply chain is the type of products that they distribute on a daily basis. Walmart is known as a multinational retail company that is known to sell a variety of goods and services such as food, electronics, automotive services etc. While Dell is a popular company, they are only known for having services in the technology side of the supply chain such as building computers and distributing the equipment. Another key difference between the two companies is where their products originate from. For example, Walmart also sells produce, that produce is purchased from distributors and wholesalers, this is the case for at least 20 other countries that house a Walmart. Another interesting take away about Walmart’s supply chain is that majority of its products come from China, Mexico and various other locations. While on the other hand 90 percent of PC components are made in Taiwan and companies like Dell rely heavily on these firms. As you can see that the two supply chains of Walmart and Dell are uniquely different, it may come as a surprise that the bulk of their products are manufactured outside of America, and the key difference between the two are exactly what they sell to consumers. Another difference between the two company is that Walmart uses a responsive and efficient supply chain with restocked inventories, and Dell’s strategy is savings and waste management making the company more cost-efficient buy building their products to order.
