Supply Chain by the Numbers: October 26, 2007

Supply Chain by the Numbers

-October 26, 2007

The Numbers Worth Knowing this Week in Supply Chain and Logistics

This Week: Toyota Quality Issues Continue; Home Depot wants to Revamp Distribution; 3M doesn't like the Tax Man; Oil Price Record in Sight



19%
The percent of merchandise currently moving through Home Depot DCs, versus 81% which is direct from vendor to store. As part of its supply chain improvement efforts, the $80 billion retailer hopes to significantly increase the level moving through the DCs.

$101.70

The record inflation-adjusted price of a barrel of oil, reached in April, 1980. With current prices flirting with $90 per barrel, many think that record will soon be topped – with pain at the pump and for transportation expense.


$150-200 Million
The amount of savings 3M believes it can achieve not from moving manufacturing to low cost countries – but to low tax countries. It hopes to reduce its overall tax rate by two percent to 30.5% by the moves.




470,00
The number of cars Toyota is recalling in Japan for engine, steering and other problems. President Katsuaki Watanabe has said the continuing quality issues at the company known for its quality focus is in large part the result of engineers taking shorts cuts or not following processes due to perceived time-to-market pressures.