Alternative Course of Action for Universal Robina Corporation

A. Ensuring On-Schedule Product Delivery

1. Enhancing Logistics and Transportation
- Strategy: Partner with reliable logistics providers and use advanced tracking systems to monitor
shipments in real time.
- Action Steps
-Identify and vet potential logistics partners with a proven track record of reliability and
efficiency.
- Implement a transportation management system (TMS) that integrates with URC's ERP system.
- Use GPS and RFID technologies to provide real-time tracking and updates on shipments.
- Regularly review logistics performance and adjust partnerships as needed.
- Benefit: Ensures real-time visibility of shipments, reduces delays, and improves overall
delivery reliability.
- Disadvantage: Initial investment in technology and partnership agreements may be high.
Dependency on external logistics partners may also pose risks if service levels drop.

2. Implementing Just-In-Time (JIT) Inventory System

- Strategy: Align production schedules closely with demand forecasts to minimize inventory
levels while meeting delivery schedules.
- Action Steps:
- Invest in advanced demand forecasting software to accurately predict customer needs.
- Train supply chain and production teams on JIT principles and practices.
- Develop close relationships with key suppliers to ensure they can respond quickly to orders.
- Continuously monitor inventory levels and adjust procurement schedules accordingly.
- Benefit: Reduces excess inventory, minimizes lead times, and enhances supply chain agility.
- Disadvantage: JIT systems require precise demand forecasting and coordination with suppliers,
which can be challenging in volatile markets. A disruption in the supply chain could lead to
stockouts and production delays.
3. Deploying Sales Force Automation (SFA) Tools
- Strategy: Equip sales teams with mobile tools to manage orders, track deliveries, and address
issues on the go.
- Action Steps:
- Select and implement a robust SFA tool that integrates with existing systems.
- Conduct comprehensive training for the sales team on using the SFA tools effectively.
- Establish protocols for regular data updates and real-time communication.
- Monitor the use of SFA tools and gather feedback for continuous improvement.
- Benefit: Increases sales team efficiency, improves communication, and ensures timely order
processing and delivery.
- Disadvantage: Implementation may face resistance from employees accustomed to traditional
methods. Requires ongoing maintenance and updates to remain effective.

4. Strengthening Supplier Relationships

- Strategy: Establish long-term partnerships with key suppliers to ensure a steady supply of raw
materials.
- Action Steps-
- Identify critical suppliers and negotiate long-term contracts with performance-based incentives
and penalties.
- Schedule regular meetings with suppliers to discuss performance, issues, and opportunities for
improvement.
- Implement joint quality improvement programs with suppliers.
- Develop contingency plans with alternative suppliers to mitigate risks.
- Benefit: Ensures a reliable supply of raw materials, improves supplier performance, and
reduces supply chain disruptions.
- Disadvantage: Overreliance on a few key suppliers could pose risks if they face operational or
financial challenges. Long-term contracts may limit flexibility in sourcing and pricing
negotiations.

5. Establishing Regional Distribution Centers

- Strategy: Set up multiple distribution centers in strategic locations to reduce the distance
between warehouses and retail outlets.
- Action Steps:
- Conduct a detailed analysis of sales data to identify optimal locations for distribution centers.
- Invest in the construction or leasing of facilities in identified locations.
- Equip distribution centers with modern inventory management systems and technologies.
- Train staff at distribution centers on best practices for handling and shipping products.
- benefit: Speeds up delivery times, reduces transportation costs, and improves inventory
management.
- Disadvantage: Initial setup costs and ongoing operational expenses for distribution centers may
be significant. Requires careful planning to optimize inventory allocation and minimize
stockouts.

B. Preventing Receipt of Returned Damaged Products

1. Improving Packaging Standards

- Strategy: Use robust and durable packaging materials to protect products during transit.
- Action Steps:
- Conduct a comprehensive review of current packaging materials and methods.
- Source high-quality packaging materials and test their durability.
- Implement new packaging standards across all products.
- Train staff on proper packaging techniques and monitor compliance.
- Benefit: Minimizes product damage during transit and reduces the number of returns due to
damage.
- Disadvantage: Upgrading packaging materials may increase production costs. Excessive
packaging may lead to environmental concerns and backlash from eco-conscious consumers.

2. Enhancing Quality Control Processes

- Strategy: Implement stringent quality control checks at various stages of production and before
shipping.
- Action Steps:
- Develop and document detailed quality control procedures for each production stage.
- Invest in advanced inspection tools and technologies.
- Train quality control staff on updated procedures and the use of new technologies.
- Perform regular audits and inspections to ensure adherence to quality standards.
- Benefit: Ensures products meet high-quality standards, reducing defects and returns.
- Disadvantage: Increased scrutiny and testing may slow down production processes. Advanced
inspection tools require upfront investment and ongoing maintenance costs.

3. Establishing Clear Handling Guidelines

- Strategy: Develop and distribute comprehensive handling and storage guidelines to all
stakeholders in the supply chain.
- Action Steps:
- Create detailed handling and storage guidelines based on best practices.
- Distribute guidelines to all suppliers, logistics partners, and internal staff.
- Conduct regular training sessions to ensure understanding and compliance.
- Implement a monitoring system to track adherence to guidelines.
- Benefit: Reduces mishandling and accidental damage during transit and storage.
- Disadvantage: Requires ongoing training and enforcement efforts to ensure compliance. Lack
of adherence to guidelines could lead to increased instances of product damage.

4. Implementing Return Prevention Programs

- Strategy: Set up programs that analyze returned goods to identify common causes of damage
and implement corrective actions.
- Action Steps:
- Collect and analyze data on returned products to identify trends and common issues.
- Conduct root cause analysis to determine the underlying causes of product damage.
- Develop and implement corrective action plans to address identified issues.
- Regularly review and update return prevention programs based on new data and feedback.
- Benefit: Identifies and addresses root causes of product damage, reducing the frequency of
returns.
- Disadvantage: Requires dedicated resources for data collection, analysis, and program
management. Implementing corrective actions may involve additional costs and operational
changes.

5. Strengthening Supplier and Distributor Collaboration

- Strategy: Work closely with suppliers and distributors to ensure proper handling and
transportation of products.
- Action Steps:
- Establish clear communication channels with suppliers and distributors for reporting issues.
- Create joint training programs focused on proper handling and transportation techniques.
- Implement collaborative performance improvement initiatives with suppliers and distributors.
- Conduct regular meetings to review performance and address any issues promptly.
- Benefit: Improves coordination and reduces the risk of damage during handling and
transportation.
- Disadvantage: Requires commitment and collaboration from multiple parties, which may be
challenging to maintain. Differences in priorities and operational practices among partners