ABSTRACT
New markets, new products, and shifts in end-user needs require new or updated supply chain responses. Chapter 6 described the drivers of supply chain change. Responding to these drivers appropriately entails multiple dimensions of supply chain planning and design. Table 7.1 lists seven-several of which many companies may not associate with supply chain management (SCM). The reader should also note that the list applies for all roles in supply chains-retailers, distributors, suppliers, original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), and service providers. The importance of any one dimension will vary for any particular combination of supply chain role, product, and market. For example, product design and capabilities and capacity are more important for manufacturers than distributors, yet they have a very direct impact on retailers in the form of appropriateness for the market. However, too often some dimensions are overlooked altogether in companies with a narrow view of SCM. This chapter explores these dimensions and describes important decision categories for each.
