Abstract

The case examines the supply chain management (SCM) restructuring initiative undertaken by Unilever, one of the world’s largest food and consumer goods companies. It explains in detail how the company restructured various components of its SCM practices including supply chain organization, procurement, warehousing and distribution. The case also examines how Unilever used the Internet and various information technology tools to improve the efficiency of its supply chain. It concludes with a discussion on the benefits reaped by Unilever due to these measures.

Learning Objectives

The case is structured to achieve the following Learning Objectives:

• Importance of an efficient SCM system for improving operational efficiency.

Keywords

Supply chain management, SCM, restructuring, Unilever, food, consumer, goods, components, supply chain organization, procurement, warehousing, distribution, Internet, information technology tools, efficiency, supply chain