Apple nabs top spot on AMR's Supply Chain 25
By David Hannon -- Purchasing, 7/17/2008 2:00:00 AM
Apple Computer has topped the list of AMR Research's annual Supply Chain Top 25 because, according to AMR's analysis, Apple's “retail outlets churn cash with virtually no physical inventory on site.”
AMR says its analysis of companies' supply chains is based on public data such as return on assets, inventory turns, and growth and incorporates expert and peer assessments of the future supply chain potential of each company. Apple received high praise from AMR, which scores firms' supply chain effectiveness in five categories and uses a composite score to determine a firm's overall ranking. Apple had a composite score of 7.17. AMR said “Apple's scores are outstanding across the board, a result of its brilliant mix of design, software interfaces, and consumable goods that are purely digital.”
AMR went on to say that the introduction of the iPhone and its resulting demand, could have caused some companies to struggle to meet demand or fail on quality. “Behind-the-scenes moves like tying up essential components well in advance and upgrading basic information systems have enabled Apple to handle the demands of its rabid fan base without having to fall back on their forgiveness for mistakes.”
Other companies rounding out the top five include Nokia, last year's winner with won high marks again this year for its supplier collaboration work, Dell, Procter & Gamble and IBM.
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