Distribution of engineering polymers to the U.K. and Eire

Considerable emphasis is put on service to customers of Engineering Polymers (Du Pont) making rising logistics increasingly important. The current supply chain serving customers in the U.K. and Eire was developed when service was considered less important. Analysis of this supply chain revealed many operational defects. New systems of performance measurement had to be developed to allow this analysis. As a result, operational improvements were made and continued performance analysis should demonstrate that improved service is being provided. In addition, it was recognised that the real need was for an integrated supply chain that enabled the total logistics concept to be put into practice. Two such tactical requirements were the need for a customer service strategy and a logistics cost analysis system-recommendations are made as to how both could be developed and how future systems could meet the needs of an integrated supply chain.