Operations Management
MMBPL502
Patricia Schroeder
January 23, 2012
Introduction
Kathy Kudler, the Founder of Kudler Fine Foods, has decided to expand her business by contracting with local growers of organic produce. Kathy has requested that I report what steps need to be taken and what operational changes will be necessary if Kudler decides to pursue this business path. The report should identify those business processes at Kudler that could be affected by this decision and explain how they would be affected. It should describe how Kudler’s supply chain would be affected by this decision and finally, it should describe the quality control tools and performance standards that Kudler would need to put in place to ensure the effectiveness of its operations. Business Process It is useful to categorize processes to describe how a process is designed. By being able to quickly categorize a process, we can show the similarities and differences between processes. Make-to-order – this process is activated only in response to an actual order. Inventory (both work-in-process and finished goods) is kept to a minimum. Make-to-stock – this is a highly efficient process that produces standard products that can be delivered quickly to the customer. Hybrid – this process combines the features of both make-to-order and make-to-stock (Chase, Jacobs, Aquilano, 2005).
Inventory Control
Each of Kudler’s individual stores is responsible for placing their own supply orders. It is also the responsibility of the ordering manager to verify the orders for accuracy. Finally, once the orders have been placed and received, it is the responsibility of the manager to forward the shipping receipts to the accounting department for payment. It is the sole discretion of the store manager to order and stock what
