Summary This program is an introduction to supply chain management. It shows how information technology is used to gather real-time data to provide meaningful management information for maintaining supplier-customer relationships. Hewlett Packard uses real-time information systems to track retail sales, allowing better customer demand forecasting and reduced product inventory. The service parts operation within the Saturn Corporation controls repair parts availability at all Saturn retailers. Their goal is to have all parts available at every Saturn retailer to keep the customer's car on the road. Detailed interviews with potential vendors have enabled Case IH to dramatically reduce finished goods inventory while providing new products to specialized customers. Additional insight into partnerships is provided through an interview with Robert Handfield from Michigan State University's Department of Marketing and Supply Chain Management.

• Documentary