The effects of data sharing on a perishable goods supply chain
Author(s)
Wilson, Darren (Darren Edward); Yeung, Gerald![Thumbnail](/bitstream/handle/1721.1/77471/827224908-MIT.pdf.jpg?sequence=5&isAllowed=y)
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Other Contributors
Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Engineering Systems Division.
Advisor
Roberto Perez-Franco.
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This research project explores the benefits of retail data sharing in a high-velocity perishable goods supply chain. While this technique has been largely effective in improving supply chain performance in different industries, its benefits are unproven in the perishable goods business. Specifically, due to the short shelf life of produce, it remains to be seen whether data sharing can generate actionable plans for retailers to reduce out-of-stock events and shrinkage due to spoilage. As a result, suppliers and retailers alike have been reluctant to invest in the technology and cultivate the business relationship required to enable data sharing. The findings of this thesis could help companies determine whether a business case can be built for suppliers to invest in the necessary technology, as well as for retailers to share operational data for the greater good of overall supply chain efficiency and profitability. Ultimately, our research indicates that without some fundamental changes to the retailers' ordering process, data sharing does not provide substantial operational benefits for the perishable goods supply chain.
Description
Thesis (M. Eng. in Logistics)--Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Engineering Systems Division, 2012. Cataloged from PDF version of thesis. Includes bibliographical references (p. 65-68).
Date issued
2012Department
Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Engineering Systems DivisionPublisher
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Keywords
Engineering Systems Division.