Supply chain process improvement at Macmillan publishers

Abstract

Supply chain related challenges have been identified and successfully addressed in many industry verticals, leading to significant increase in profitability while ensuring availability of right product at the right place at the right time and price. However, Supply Chain benefits have not been sufficiently leveraged for increasing efficiency and profitability in the Publishing sector, possibly because of the high margins enjoyed by the players in this industry. With the advent of online publishing, increasing competition and globalization, the key to sustaining future growth lies in exploiting supply chain efficiencies. This report discusses the Supply Chain Challenges in a publishing Industry primarily in context of Macmillan Publishers, India. The report then proposes to employ more scientific and sophisticated methods for tactical forecasting and network planning to deal with these challenges. This would require a shift in thinking from the traditional way to the Intelligent Supply Chain Way which propounds improved forecasting, optimized planning and increased visibility across the supply chain.