Exam 12: Aligning Supply Chains

Define and discuss the term "4PL."

Drivers and facilitators are internal issues that an organization must address before seeking a 3PL.

Approximately two-thirds of 3PL customers think their providers supply:

The first stage in the process model for forming and sustaining supply chain relationships involves the process by which a manufacturer becomes fully aware of its logistics and supply chain needs .

How would you distinguish between the following terms: alignment, relationships, and collaboration?

The "IT gap" refers to the difference between the internal IT capabilities of 3PL users and the IT expertise of the 3PL providers.

A financial based 3PL is a firm that takes a financial interest in an organization in order to underwrite the outsourcing of that firm's logistics.

4PL providers not only provide a broader scope of services to their clients and customers, but typically may be more strategically involved.

What are some example types of services that may be available from a 4PL provider?

A recent annual 3PL study indicates that 3PL customers feel third-party suppliers should each focus on a narrow set of specialized services, rather than offering a broader range of generalized services.

TransNational Trucking has recently invested over $1 million in wireless technologies designed to give the trucking company greater visibility into shipments as they travel door to door. In what way is TransNational adding value to its customers?

Describe the steps in the process model for forming and implementing successful supply chain relationships. What step(s) do you feel is (are) most critical?

The range of relationships with 3PLs ranges from being a vendor to being a vertical supplier.

Collaboration is usually defined as a "business practice that encourages individual organizations to share information and resources for the benefit of all."

One anticipated trend for the future is a narrowing of service offerings into specialty niches. ​