Wal-mart's tips for global supply chains

In a speech that focused on various aspects of global supply chain management, Wal-mart Senior Vice President, International Supply Chain Gary Maxwell said that understanding what a customer needs is key when designing a fluid supply chain.

Addressing attendees at the Council of Supply Chain Management Professionals Annual Conference in Chicago this week, Maxwell discussed how things like diversity in supply chain networks and evaluating supply chains based on the needs of a particular geographic market according to financial condition, education, and the customs and needs of a market, coupled with expectations, are major drivers when setting up developing an international supply chain.

Along with these factors, explained Maxwell, other things that need to be taken into consideration for supply chain planning are land and labor costs, asset allocation, and potential economic risks.

But one of the most important elements when designing a supply chain that Maxwell said is often overlooked is effective inventory management.

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