Service Supply Relationships
Service Supply Relationships
Service Supply Relationships
Learning Objectives
Contrast the supply chain for physical goods with the customer-supplier duality of services. Discuss the challenge of managing service supply relationships. Classify business services based on the focus of the service and its importance to the outsourcing organization. Discuss the managerial considerations to be addressed in outsourcing services. Discuss the challenges of delivering services in the field. Prepare a delivery route using the Clarke-Wright algorithm.
Manufacturing
Distribution
Retailing
Customer
Customer Service
Material transfer
Information transfer
Service Design
Service Provider
Customer
Material transfer
Information transfer
Customer -Supplier
Student Patient
>Input Output>
>Mind Knowledge> >Tooth Filling>
Service Provider
Professor Dentist
Belongings
Information
Investor
Client
>Money Interest>
>Documents 1040>
Bank
Tax Preparer
Customer -Supplier
Patient
>Input Output>
>Disturbed Treated> >Blood Diagnosis> >Car Repaired> >Property Loan>
Service Provider
Therapist
>Input Output>
>Prescription Drugs> >Sample Test Result> >Engine Rebuilt> >Location Clear Title>
Providers Supplier
Pharmacy
Bodies
Patient
Physician
Lab
Belongings
Driver
Garage
Information
Home Buyer
Mortgage Company
Bi-directional Optimization Managing Productive Capacity - Transfer: make knowledge available (e.g. web based FAQ database) - Replacement: substitute technology for server (e.g. digital blood pressure device) - Embellishment: enable self-service by teaching (e.g. change surgical dressing) Management of Perishability
Demand Management
Pricing
International Operations
Outsourcing Services
Benefits - allows the firm to focus on its core competence - service is cheaper to outsource than perform inhouse - provides access to latest technology - leverage benefits of supplier economy of scale Risks - loss of direct control of quality - jeopardizes employee loyalty - exposure to data security and customer privacy - dependence on one supplier compromises future negotiation leverage - additional coordination expense and delays - atrophy of in-house capability to perform service
Outsourcing Process
Need Identification
Problem Definition "Do-versus-Buy" Analysis Involve Interested Parties Specification Development
Information Search
References Personal Contact Recommendations T rade Directory
Vendor Selection
Experience Reputation References Cost Location Size
Performance Evaluation
Identify Evaluator Quality of Work Comm unication Meet Deadlines Flexibility Dependability
Service Process
Outsourcing Considerations
Focus on Property Facility Support Service Low cost Identify responsible party to evaluate performance Precise specifications can be written Equipment Support Service Experience and reputation of vendor Availability of vendor for emergency response Designate person to make service call and to check that service is satisfactory
Outsourcing Considerations
Focus on People Employee Support Service Contact vendor clients for references Specifications prepared with end user input Evaluate performance on a periodic basis Employee Development Service Experience with particular industry important Involve high levels of management in vendor identification and selection Contact vendor clients for references Use employees to evaluate vendor performance
Outsourcing Considerations
Focus on Process Facilitator Service Knowledge of alternate vendors important Involve end user in vendor identification References or third party evaluations useful Have user write detailed specifications Professional Service Involve high level management in vendor identification and selection Reputation and experience very important Performance evaluation by top management
What are some possible disadvantages associated with the product postponement strategy? Discuss the similarities and differences in the product postponement strategy used by Hewlett-Packard and Taco Bell? Discuss the implication of service outsourcing on employees, stockholders, customers, and host country economy when a firm outsources a call center overseas.
Interactive Exercise
The class divides into small groups and members come up with examples of multilevel bidirectional service relationships (i.e, service supplier relationships with three or more levels). Be prepared to argue why such service relationships are so rare.
4.
Where are opportunities for bidirectional optimization at Peapod? How can Peapod manage service perishability? How can Peapod manage productive capacity? Suggest reasons why Peapod has not yet become profitable.