ABSTRACT
This chapter explores in a structured manner, the need for information, ways of accessing it and its value, as well as the use of that information for advantage in the management and control of the business. It focuses on the different categories or characteristics of the supply chain: demand, supply, money, understanding and controlling the market. To understand how data can deliver value to a business, it is helpful to understand that there is a hierarchy of data, information, knowledge and understanding. Demand is perhaps the critical piece of information required within the business. In supply chain model a sales forecast is provided monthly to a manufacturing organisation by a direct to consumer' facility. As production, procurement and distribution processes are gradually improved through continuous improvement techniques and other management activity; the supply chain can be made more efficient by reducing the number of Kanban quantities circulating within the system.
