Bullwhip Effect

Fluctuation in orders increase as they move up the supply chain Demand information is distorted as it travels within the supply chain, so that different stages have different perspectives and estimates of the chain demand The Bull Whip Effect is the uncertainty caused from distorted information flowing up and down the supply chain.

Who is Affected ?

Nearly at all industries are affected. Firms that experience large variation is demand are at risk. Firms that depend on supplier upstream or distributor or retailer down stream may be at risk.

Example

Company sales a FMCG item on open market, Retailer offer a sales promotion to boost sales of that item.
Retailer fail to notify of this sales to Manufacture. Company recognize that sales has increased. Company increases inventory to allow for increased manufacturing of particular item. Company notice to supplier for increase demand. Supplier increase inventory to meet demand.

Bullwhip Effect

Result of Bullwhip Effect

Excess Inventory. Problem with quality. Increased raw material cost. Over time expenses. Increased shipping cost. Lost customer service excellence. Lost sales. Un necessary adjust capacity.

Barrier to Coordination in a Supply Chain

Information Processing Barriers Operational Barriers Pricing Barriers Incentive Barriers

Information Processing Barriers

Independent forecasting at each stage based on received orders Lack of information sharing among the various stages of the chain

Potential Solutions

Sharing point of sale data

Collaborative forecasting and planning Single stage control of replenishment Continuous replenishment programs (CRP) Vendor managed inventory (VMI)

Operational Barriers

Ordering in large lots in order to reduce the fixed costs associated with order placement and transportation.
Rationing and shortage gaming: Ordering larger quantities than necessary, in order to eventually get what you need.

Potential Solutions

Reduce replenishment lead times, by taking advantage of modern IT capabilities Computer-assisted ordering EDI Reduce lot sizes Computer-assisted ordering Shipping in LTL sizes by combining shipments Exploit technology and other methods to simplify receiving Ration based on past sales and information sharing to limit gaming

Pricing Barriers

Lot size-based discounts Price fluctuations (e.g., due to promotions) resulting in forward buying

Potential Solutions

Move from lot size-based to volume-based quantity discounts (consider total purchases over a specified period) Stabilize pricing
Eliminate promotions Limit quantity purchased during a promotion

Best way for tackling Bullwhip effect is

Supply Chain Visibility

End of Topic