Issues
Some competitors such as Tesco and Sheetz are making Wawa’s supply chain system less flexible. The company’s supply chain cannot produce the best goals. The company wanted New Jersey Distribution Center (NJDC) to become the best model for collaboration and learning. The supply chain system is currently unsustainable. Wawa Company is planning to come up with a new supply chain system (Keidel, 2011).
This fact explains why Wawa’s Supply Chain Management has constrained its business strategy. The “company lacks enough drive-through for its supply chain” (Keidel, 2011, p. 4).
The company does not have appropriate strategies to support its customers. Wawa’s culture is “no longer supporting the needs of different customers, employees, and collaborators” (Keidel, 2011, p. 12). The company’s supply chain makes it impossible for every customer to get the required products.
Alternative Solutions
Use of Modern Technologies
Wawa can use modern technologies to inform more consumers about its products. Such IT systems will ensure the company liaises with both customers and suppliers. The approach will improve the speed of delivery, communication, and transportation (Keidel, 2011).
New IT systems will “ensure the company identifies the major Demand Influencing Factors (DIFs) such as promotions, weather changes, and holidays” (Keidel, 2011, p. 13).
Use of “Drive-Through” Approach
Starbucks and McDonalds use “drive-through” approaches for customers who want to get quality services while in their cars. This approach works effectively and promotes convenience. Wawa can use this approach to deal with the above challenges.
A New Supply Chain Management and Product Variety
A new supply chain management (SCM) will promote the level of performance. This new supply chain will also promote the company’s brand. The company should supply its products to more consumers in different parts of the world. The new SCM should also embrace the use of modern technologies. Wawa can use partnerships to support its new SCM.
Organisational Culture
A positive organisational culture is critical towards the success of Wawa’s supply chain system. This culture will ensure every manager addresses the issues affecting the company (Keidel, 2011). The approach will ensure Wawa’s new SCM becomes more humanistic. The strategy will produce positive results at the company.
Analysis of the Above Solutions: Pros and Cons
Recommendations
Wawa should identify the major issues affecting its supply chain in order to succeed. The first recommendation is using new IT systems. The company should identify the best systems towards supporting its performance. The company should use drive-through approaches to address the needs of its customers. Wawa should hire new HR managers to support every stakeholder.
The company should also identify new locations to market its products (Keidel, 2011). Collaboration should be a critical part of Wawa’s new supply chain. These “strategic alliances will ensure every product is processed, warehoused, and marketed in a professional manner” (Keidel, 2011, p. 12).
Reference
Keidel, R. (2011). Wawa: Supply Change Management. Richard Ivey School of Business, 1(1), 1-14.