Supply Chain Forecasting. Discuss how forecasting effects the supply chain of an automobile manufacturer. Consider especially the forecasting and supply chains involved in manufacturing a new model (entirely new, not an edition/annual change). How do the individual supply chains for the subparts effect the larger supply chain of the whole automobile. How does forecasting effect the just-in-time or lean production system used in most automobile manufacturing plants? Respond to at least two of your classmates’ postings.
Example of a typical automobile supply chain:
1. Suppliers for raw materials
2. Suppliers for parts and subsystems
3. Automobile manufacturer (Ford, in the example). Within a company, there are also different departments, which constitute the internal supply chain:
1. Purchasing and material handling
2. Manufacturing
3. Marketing, etc.
4. Transportation providers
5. Automobile dealers