...Zara was founded in 1975 by Amancio Ortgeo in La Coruna, Spain and is a leading retail outlet today. Zara’s sales make up 64.8% of its parent company Inditex group revenue and has stores in more than 86 countries. Because of its responsive and unique supply chain sales had increased by 10.1% from 2011 to 2012 fiscal year end. Zara has grown rapidly with a strategy to be highly responsive to changing trends while keeping prices affordable. Zara’s success is because of its responsive supply chain designed around customer needs based on real-time feedback received from store managers. This enables designs to be created or altered to meet customer trends. Zara manufactures in small batches, manages all functions in-house, holds retail stores to strict timetables, ships items on racks with price tags, leaves large areas empty in expensive stores, and allows occasional stock-outs. Zara has total control over design, warehousing, and distribution functions that allows the company to manufacture and have an item ready for display in 15 days normally this process takes design houses months to complete therefore higher net margin on sales than competitors. Zara keeps at least 50% of production in-house and outsources only labor intensive jobs, such as sewing to a select few suppliers, this goes against the industry norm, but it gives Zara control over the entire supply chain. This prevents supplier delays and results in the product reaching the customer faster. Zara’s designers...
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...Case Study – Zara Abstract The competition of current clothing industry is very fierce and Zara has many competitive advantages in this competition. This paper will analyze on about how the information technology help Zara to make decisions and make their performance more speed. First, a case review from Harvard Business Review will be covered in the introduction to show an overview of current Zara’s business model. Second is the Michael Porter’s model analysis based on Zara that including three generic strategies and five forces. Third, some of IT applications are really help the Zara to make their business more efficient, the applications will be applied in the Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP), Supply Chain Management (SCM) will emphasize a speed supply chain for Zara, and Customer Relationship Management (CRM). Finally is about the relationship between Zara and Peter Drucker’s theory, Zara and Andrew McAfee’s theory, Zara and Hey’s theory. The last part will conclude where is Zara today and make brief recommendations. Table of Contents Introduction 4 Zara and Michael Porter’s Model 5 Generic Competitive Strategies Analysis for Zara 5 Five Forces Analysis for Zara 6 Suppliers Bargaining Power 6 Buyer Bargaining Power 7 Threat of New Entrants 7 Threat of Substitute 8 Industrial Competitors 9 The Value Chain of Zara 10 Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) 11 Supply Chain Management (SCM) 11 Customer Relationship Management (CRM) 13 Zara and...
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...The case of Zara – The Postponement strategy I) Introduction In order to compete in the world of rising globalization and shortening of product life cycle nowadays, firms have to deal with the demand for increasing product variety to meet the diverse needs of customers. Mass customization has become a requirement for many businesses especially in the dynamic, fast-changing industries. However, the more product varieties, the more difficult it is to forecast demand, control inventory and manufacture. Therefore, some innovative companies have integrated “postponement” strategies with their supply chain operations to gain control of product variety proliferation. Zara is one of the most successful fast-fashion chains in the world, which is famous for its ability to keep itself up to date with fashion trends and the incredibly short time to introduce new products. In order to react quickly to fashion changes and consumer demand, Zara maintains extremely efficient supply chain operations. By properly designing the product structure and the manufacturing and supply chain process, Zara can delay the point in which the final products assume their specific characteristics, thus raising the flexibility to handle the changing demand for the multiple products. This is known as the “postponement” approach. In this paper, we will analyze how Zara achieves mass customization through “postponement”, with a particular focus on the supply chain structure, relationship and enabling activities...
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...| Zara–Rapid Fire Fulfillment | Unit 1 Assignment 1 | | | Capella University | 1/18/2015 | | Abstract This paper explores the case of Zara–Rapid Fire Fulfillment from research conducted in textbook and on website. Keywords: Supply Chain, Supply Chain Management Zara-Rapid Fire Fulfillment Zara is a company that is known for its speed and being responsive over the cost. While this is not how the industry looks at producing clothing in the marketplace, it has worked very successfully for Zara. Amancio Ortega founded Zara in 1975 with the purpose of understanding the world market and what it means to his fashion merchandise. Ten years after he established Zara, he formed a parent company called Inditex which incorporates other retail concepts and suppliers that he built. Zara began in Spain as a small shop near his factory as he was desperate to find out not to go bankrupt when a buyer backed out of an order that had all of his capital tied up and no prospective buyers in sight. This was the beginning of Zara which is now in 86 countries across the world. The Zara brand is known for the delivery small batches of clothes quickly to the stores. In some cases, this may mean a store will receive new garment orders more than once a week. This does not seem feasible to the clothing industry competitors; however, Zara has been doing this for decades successfully with large profits. The key to this is Zara’s supply chain. Zara controls more...
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...ZARA, IT for Fast Fashion Module 1 A Case Study Prepared by Ritwick Banerjee Date of Submission: 29th September, 2010 Executive Summary My decision is to introduce a new operating system (OS) in segments. The plan identifies a number of non critical stores as pilot case. It introduces the new OS and links the Point of Sales (POS) terminals using internet to the information system at La Coruna. The necessary interface applications get written and tested by the applications development group under the pilot scheme. Training is provided to selected staff. Once the efficiency of the system is established, the existing system gets replaced with the new one in segments. This replaces the phone modem and further cuts down the cost of operation. Zara needs new technology to meet the business strategy, sustain the business plan and create better communication. The operating system DOS is no longer supported by its originator Microsoft. The terminals using DOS should upgrade to Linux operating systems. Exhibit 12 states that one time license cost for Linux system is free. A wireless router will improvise the flow of information with 5 terminals averaging per store. Cost for setting up a wireless router per store is 180 pounds in Exhibit 12. Process Elements Zara is a clothing company founded by Amancio Ortega in 1975 whose business strategy was to meet quickly and accurately the demands of the fashion world. Currently worldwide, there are 531 Zara...
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...Cover Page Business Model Analysis in the fast fashion industry Table of Contents 1. Introduction 3 2. Industry environment of fast fashion 4 2.1 PEST analysis 4 2.2 Five forces analysis 6 2.3 Summary of findings 7 3. Analysis of Zara and H&M 7 2.1 Analysis of Zara 7 2.1.1 Vision, mission and objectives 7 2.1.2 Internal analysis 8 2.1.3 Business model canvas 8 2.1.4 Value proposition canvas 9 2.2 Analysis of H&M 10 2.2.1 Vision, mission and objectives 10 2.2.2 Internal analysis 10 2.2.3 Business model canvas 11 2.2.4 Value proposition canvas 12 2.3 Summary of findings 12 4. Comparison of business models between Zara and H&M 12 4.1 Comparison of business models 13 4.2 Comparison of value proposition canvas 14 4.2 Summary of research insights 14 5. Development of a new entrant 15 5.1 Strategic model 15 5.2 Business model canvas 16 6. Reflection on strategic insights 16 7. Conclusion 17 References 18 1. Introduction Fast fashion is a sub sector of the fashion industry that boasts fast response to consumer demand and efficient distribution of materials and products in the global landscape (Hines and Bruce 2007). Hines and Bruce (2007) also imply that fast fashion could quickly identify and capture business opportunities and transform them into products in a timely manner. As fast fashion retailers need to deliver trendy apparels to end customers, low cost production and efficient distribution become...
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...➢ Major Facts: Zara is a fashion company based in Europe, the case goes over a lot of different areas of the business. Everything from how they operate differently than their competitors, their outdated IT systems, and where they plan to go in the future. The case shows many strategies Zara has taken in order to become successful in Fashion industry, having a customer’s driven process, agility, retail power, and a successful supply chain. As in the case, managing a supply chain in the fashion industry is extremely difficult. Customers’ wants and trends are constantly changing, and suppliers have to be ready for those changes at anytime in order to work with Zara. Zara, one of the brands of Inditex and most profitable, was established in 1975. It has become well known for their fashion designing and manufacturing efficiencies. The company has developed into the leader of highest profit margins comparing to its competitors, also being one of the most famous fashion companies know by consumers. It’s a Spanish based company, manufacturing all of their products in Europe, later distributing them all across the world to their retail stores. Inditex group has set up strategies for Zara to follow when first creating the company, and now with the operations. Stating that “Through Zara’s business model, we aim to contribute to the sustainable development of society and that of the environment with which we interacts”. For each of their retail store the approach has been focused, “at...
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...|University of Dhaka | | | | | Submitted by: | | ▪ Muhammad Rashedur Rahman (25-034) Zara Introduction: Zara is a spanish clothing and accessories retailer based in Arteixo, Galicia, and founded in 1975 by Amancio Ortega and Rosalía Mera. It is the flagship chain store of the Inditex group, The world's largest apparel retailer, the fashion group also owns brands such as Massimo Dutti, Pull and Bear, Uterqüe, Stradivarius and Bershka. Operations...
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...Running head: Zara Case Paper Analysis 1 Zara: IT for Fast Fashion Case Analysis Sonal Bhagwat University of Houston-Victoria MGMT 6352-2011FA-25125 November 2011 Zara Case Paper Analysis Table of Contents: • • • • o • • • 2 Abstract Case Description Goals and Strategy Speed and Decision-making Marketing, Merchandising, and Advertising Information Technology Problem Analysis Firm-based-value chain model Model Application Implementation Opportunity Analysis Evaluation of IS Implementation Tangible Costs Analysis Tangible Benefits Intangible Costs Analysis Intangible Benefits Conclusion for Evaluation of IT Implementation Conclusion and Recommendations References 3 4 5 5 6 6 7 7 7 9 12 12 13 14 15 16 16 19 Zara Case Paper Analysis Abstract This case paper presents the business analysis of Zara, the leading and the profitable brand of Inditex. The case paper’s objective is to discuss whether to update the current DOS/IT infrastructure and evaluate the effects of the upgrade. By using the Michael Porter’s value chain analysis, we can understand Zara’s core business model of vertical integration and assess the areas where IS will add value to the system. The case paper also presents the IS implementation opportunities and evaluating the effectiveness of the implementation. The case paper concludes by providing recommendations for updating the current OS along with its advantages. 3 Zara Case Paper Analysis Case Description Zara is one of the largest...
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...Term Paper In the term paper, I would like to further discuss the ZARA case. My reasons are as followed. To begin with, ZARA has become a most popular fashion collection retailer in Taiwan, so it is interesting and instructive to understand how it can attain such success. Moreover, since I am an “IT” person, I would also like to figure out whether the information system plays an important role in ZARA’s supply chain. To start with my paper, I will first introduce some properties or concepts that had been discussed in class and were pertinent to ZARA. * Distribution Center: Distribution of both outsourced and in-house manufactured garments was centralized at Zara’s 500,000 square meter distribution center in La Coruna. Hanging garments were arranged on coded bars that sorted automatically by style within the distribution center; stock-picking of hanging garments was done manually. Folded garments were sorted on a carousel, with each garment dropped down a chute toward a box for its destination store based on its bar code. Shipments were made out of the distribution center twice a week. Local stores received goods within 24-36 hours of shipment in Europe and within 1-2 days outside Europe. No inventory was held centrally, and there was almost no inventory at the stores that was not on the selling floor. * Integral Process: Zara is a great example of applying vertical integration in supply chain. Zara’s products are designed at the Inditex headquarters in La Coruna...
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...THE CASE OF ZARA: PLANNING AND STRATEGIC CONTROL Alexandra Iacob University of Huelva HUELVA, SPAIN 2015 Abstract Zara is a retail company belonging to the Spanish company Inditex Group. Currently, Zara has 1,808 stores in 86 countries. This paper will analyse Zara’s business model, based on innovation and flexibility, as well as logistics chain and the various tools used to recognize the continuous changes in fashion trends and turn them into a product marketable within a few weeks. Compared with the competition, Zara has three distinctions: vertical integration to achieve a faster turnaround time; rapid expansion; and use of the store as the main tool for promotion, with low spend on advertising. This company offered a product design and quality, low price. In addition, resources and competences have allowed develop a different business model, where all processes from product design, to manufacturing, distribution and sales are carried out within the same organization. Key words: Strategic Management, Strategy, External Environment, Michael Porter’s Generic Strategies, Vertical Integration, Balanced Scorecard, Globalization Culture Introduction Company Background Four letters that make up a fashion brand known around the world. Zara is a Spanish brand of clothing and accessories and the foundation of Inditex’s success as well as their first retail format. Inditex S.A. is a Spanish multinational group of textile manufacturing and distribution established in 1975 in...
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...Zara: Fast Fashion Case Study IEOR 153 Logistics Network Design and Supply Chain Management Niko Katigbak Regine Labog Kevin Leung Ruoyun Li Miranda Ortiz Michelle Papilla Spring 2011 Professor Kaminsky UC Berkeley I. Background Inditex, founded by Amancio Ortega, operates six different chains: Zara, Massimo Dutti, Pull&Bear, Bershka, Stradivarius, and Oysho. Since 2006 when the case was written, Inditex has added Zara Home and Uterque to its collection.1 The retail chains were meant to operate as separate business units within a structure, which included six support areas and nine corporate departments. Each chain addressed different segments of the market, but all share the same goal: to dominate their segment using a flexible business model that could be expanded on an international scale. As the parent company, Inditex focused on providing the corporate services to its respectable chains so that they could accomplish their goals. As a global apparel firm, Inditex’s main development strategy for international expansion is to become the sole or majority shareholder. However, for small or culturally different markets, it extended franchising agreements to leading local retail companies. For countries with l arge barriers to entry and an appealing customer base, Inditex created joint ventures with the possibility of later buying out its partner. Despite the different approaches used to enter into the international market, Zara has shown that there...
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...Zara Case Study - Answer the following questions using both the case in the text and online research. Citations (within the text) and a bibliography are required. Be sure to provide an overview of the case in a short paragraph prior to answering each question. List the question you are answering prior to your answer. Vertical Supply Chain Zara uses a vertical supply chain, which is an uncommon strategy in the fashion industry. A company that operates in a vertically integrated strategy has total control of the various business activities, such as designing, manufacturing, sourcing, and to distribution to retail stores. This gives the company total business management. 1. As completely as possible, explain the supply chain for Zara from raw materials to consumer purchase. (5 points) Zara makes about 40% of their raw material (fabric) and produces more than half of its own clothes. (Kotler and Armstrong). The remaining 60% is outsourced from within Spain, mostly from the La Curuna. Designing of clothes at Zara is done by creative teams of over 300 professionals at the headquarters in La Curuna, Spain. (Supply Chain Brain). After the designers complete a design they are sent to Zara’s production system to cut the fabric. The design is then sent for sewing by one of several hundred local cooperatives. After sewing, the clothes are returned to Zara’s facilities for ironing by an assembly line of workers. After this, the items are wrapped and transported on conveyor...
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...ZARA Word count: 3799 Table of Contents Executive summary 2 Zara background 3 External factors and competitive forces 3 PESTEL 3 Porter’s 5 4 Internal factors 6 Resources and capabilities 6 Manufacturing 8 Logistics 8 Public relations crisis and their effect on peformance 8 Evaluation of strategic options and recommendation 10 References 12 Appendixes 13 Executive summary This project aims to provide an in-depth analysis of external and internal factors affecting performance of world leading retailer Zara. First of all, the brief background on Zara is provided in order to familiarise reader with the business model they implement. Secondly, the PESTEL framework is utilised as the base for analysis of external environment and its potential effects on company’s performance. Further, the Porter’s 5 forces are identified in order to assess where the competitive advantage stems from. After assessment of external environment, this paper provides the overview of internal factors which might be crucial for success, as well as drawbacks of Zara’s internal organisation. Assessment of internal environment starts from the evaluation of Zara’s resources and capabilities, followed by the critical analysis of manufacturing and logistics processes. Further discussion of the PR issues and its effects on company performance is provided. In addition, the benefits of corporate socially responsible policies are discussed. Overall conclusions on Zara strategic...
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...CASE STUDY Zara The case describes how Zara, operating out of the Galician port of La Coruña in north-west Spain has managed to become a benchmark for speed and flexibility in the garment industry. The case offers an illustration of a fast-response global supply, production and retail network. In 2003 Zara was the only retailer that could deliver garments to its stores worldwide (507 in 33 countries) in just fifteen days after they were designed. It could do that because of its unique systems for product design, order administration, production, distribution and retailing. The unconventional approach that Zara often deploys in these areas provides interesting opportunities for discussion and learning. Kasra Ferdows, Georgetown University, USA ferdowsk@georgetown.edu Michael Lewis, University of Warwick, UK michael.lewis@warwick.ac.uk Jose A.D. Machuca, University of Sevilla, Spain. jmachuca@cica.es The unabridged Zara case was the winner of the 2003 Indiana University Center for International Business Education and Research (CIBER)-sponsored Production and Operations Management Society(POMS) International Case Competition. Isabelle Borges, one of the product market specialists in the women’s wear department at the Zara headquarters, sensed that they were on to something. The new khaki skirt had sold out in the La Coruña store after only a few hours on the shelves and the store manager had just told her that she could have easily sold more. A small batch of...
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