The Target Hires Supply Chain Executive From Apple article by Loretta Chao enlightens the issue concerning the appointment of Benjamin Cook as a Target Corporation senior vice president. It is expected that the former Apple executive will manage the company enhancing the supply chain processes and inventory management of the company. Among the factors that led to such a decision, one might note the need to remain highly competitive in the modern conditions of globalization, the previous efficient experience of Cook as well as the need for the delivery cost and complexity reduction.
The first factor that caused the mentioned decision is the rapidly changing environment that requires continuous optimization. Reviewing the article in the framework of Supply Chain Management (SCM), it is essential to pinpoint that this term means the formation of a distribution network, in which the right products are delivered to the right place at the right time and the lowest cost. Chao notes that both inbound and outbound supply chain processes will be embraced by Cook to improve.
In this regard, Target is ready to make supplementary supply investments in “essential categories”. Seeing that more and more customers purchase online, the company and Cook, in particular, will develop new technology investments combining both online and offline shopping. In other words, Cook will oversee the whole supply chain paying precise attention to distribution and replenishment and merchandise performance along with comprehensive logistics. Therefore, all the mentioned steps will contribute to Target’s competitive edge enhancement.
The second factor lays in the fact that Cook possesses considerable experience from his work for Apple. Being an executive, he comprehends the peculiarities of SCM and inventory management in detail. What is more, the author of the article emphasizes that Cook had excellent track records at Kimberly-Clark Corp. and Home Depot Inc. In other words, he proved to be one of the most successful leaders in performing supply chain functions beginning from distribution and transportation to inventory execution. The reliability, as well as the responsibility of the executive, also plays an integral part in his appointment.
The last but not the least factor is the company’s need to improve the delivery of goods through cost and complexity decrease. With the help of Cook, the Corporation hopes to become faster and simpler for the customers to provide the most timely and convenient services. The last-mile delivery seems to be a viable decision in this case. Moreover, applying the creative thinking of Cook, Target will promote the customers’ loyalty and brand development in general. In its turn, it will lead to the long-term growth of Target Corporation due to several thought-out logistics operations.
To conclude, it should be stressed that due to the innovative solutions, the company will be able to collect, process, store, and analyze data and changes in the customers’ needs. Based on this information, managers will be able to expect the potential demand, shape the individual procurement plans for different distributors, and organize delivery and logistics solutions as well as to reduce the costs of all the physical costs including storage and transport costs and brokerage costs consisting of revenue loss and the pent-up demand. Finally, the Target Hires Supply Chain Executive From Apple article illustrates that Target hopes to become more competitive and adapted to the current trends.