Supply Chain Strategies Analysis: Walmart, Boxed, and Whole Foods

This report provides a comparative analysis of the supply chain strategies employed by Walmart, Boxed, and Whole Foods. It begins with an executive summary and an introduction to supply chain strategy as a fundamental concept in modern business, highlighting its importance in managing organizational activities. The report then delves into the competitive supply chain strategies of each company. For Whole Foods, the focus is on its online sales model, wide product range, and efficient production processes. Walmart's strategy centers on minimizing supply chain links, vendor-managed inventory, and strategic supplier selection. Boxed is presented as leveraging its location and a well-planned supply chain system. The report compares these strategies, highlighting the primary supply chain drivers of transportation and information, and concludes by emphasizing the significance of supply chain strategies in adapting to a competitive business environment.

Running header: Supply Chain Strategies 1
SUPPLY CHAIN STRATEGIES
BY[NAME]
INSTITUTION

Supply Chain Strategies 2
Executive summary
This short report compared operations at Walmart, Boxed and Whole foods. The report
analyses strategic fit for the three enterprises through an evaluation of competitive and supply
chain strategies and further compares their performance.

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Introduction
Supply chain strategy is a fundamental concept used in the current world business
running organizations to manage their activities. A good example is the American multinational
Whole Foods supermarket chain that is headquartered in Austin, Texas. The business deals with
hydrogenated fats-free products and artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives. Boxed retailers
and Walmart company are also other examples that use this strategy. To cope up with the
competitive business environment within their surroundings and the entire world, these
organizations employ some of these supply chain strategies discussed below.
Competitive supply chain strategy at the Whole Foods
Whole Foods retailers use the online system in selling their products. This is where a
customer makes an order for a given product, and the business firm then distributes the product
to the place of comfort (home)of the customer cutting off the retail store.
Whole Foods creates a chance for anyone to purchase goods from it. It has a variety of
products, which makes it rated as an online shop with the highest number of products. Having a
wide range of products makes it of preference to many customers. Thirdly, it ensures that there is
everyday production of goods as well as underbidding the suppliers. This means that at no given
time, there will be a missing product that they deal with. Continuous production brings customer
satisfaction doing the business to have many customers. The business premise also works in
hand with technology. The technology ensures that the transportation of products is as scheduled,
whereby a product meant to be shipped for two days will be shipped within that period (Tarafdar
& Qrunfleh, 2017). Delivery within a day is also possible.

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Competitive supply chain strategy at Walmart
Walmart manages its products by minimizing the number of links in its supply chain,
thus having fewer links. This enables the organization to respond rapidly to changes in the
market. It also facilitates tighter coordination between warehousing, delivery, and transportation
(Christopher, 2016).
There is proper product management by the manufacturers. This is ensured through the
use of the "Vendor Managed Inventory." Walmart's company is also selective on its suppliers.
The company has a set of terms that have to be met to supply them with products of their
interest. The supply chain of the company is as one firm. The center point management of the
supply system ensures a proper communication network leading to the success of the business.
The company purchases more generic products from manufacturers instead of buying from the
suppliers. This gives the resultant good, which is original and has no brand names and markup
obtained from suppliers (Mensah, Merkuryev, & Longo, 2015).

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Competitive supply chain management system at boxed
Boxed retailers are well spread everywhere, which gives it a preference business premise
to customers that they can buy from it. Thus, its location is an advantage to the business. The
business has a well-planned supply chain system. This ensures a reduced operation cost in t6he
business and also increases customer satisfaction.
Supply chain drivers and comparison for the three firms
The primary supply chain drivers in this context are the transportation and information.
Whole Foods has a much elaborate system of communication, as its trading is mostly done
online. It uses modern technology to offer shipping and delivery of its products to customers
(Hugos, 2018). Walmart manages its supply system as one firm, thus improved communication.
The company operates its suppliers in a way that limits transportation needs. Boxed retailers
even distribution advantages it both in transport & communication.
Conclusion
The employment of supply chain strategies in various organizations a management
mechanism that makes it easier to run the organization. It also helps them to cope up with the
competitive business market; thus, supply chain strategies should always be used.

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References
Christopher, M. (2016). Logistics & supply chain management. Harlow,UK: Pearson UK.
Hugos, M. H. (2018). Essentials of supply chain management. Chichester, UK: John Wiley &
Sons.
Mensah, P., Merkuryev, Y., & Longo, F. (2015). Using ICT in developing a resilient supply
chain strategy. Procedia Computer science, 43, 101--108.
Tarafdar, M., & Qrunfleh, S. (2017). Agile supply chain strategy and supply chain performance:
complementary roles of supply chain practices and information systems capability for
agility. International Journal of Production Research, 55, 925--938.