Subject category:
Production and Operations Management
Published by:
Stanford Business School
Version: 8 March 2004
Abstract
This case describes a challenge facing Hewlett-Packard's (HP) Vancouver Division in 1990. Although its new inkjet printers were selling well, inventory levels worldwide were rising as sales rose. In Europe, high product variety was making inventory levels especially high. HP considered several ways to address the inventory issue: air freighting printers to Europe, developing more formalized inventory planning processes, or building a factory in Europe. The teaching purpose is to discuss inventory analysis and/or to discuss the organizational challenges companies face in implementing supply chain solutions.
Time period
The events covered by this case took place in 1990.Geographical setting
Region:
Americas
Country:
Canada
Location:
Vancouver
Featured company
Hewlett-Packard (HP)
Industry:
Printers
Featured protagonist
- Brent Cartier (male), Manager for Special Projects
About
Abstract
This case describes a challenge facing Hewlett-Packard's (HP) Vancouver Division in 1990. Although its new inkjet printers were selling well, inventory levels worldwide were rising as sales rose. In Europe, high product variety was making inventory levels especially high. HP considered several ways to address the inventory issue: air freighting printers to Europe, developing more formalized inventory planning processes, or building a factory in Europe. The teaching purpose is to discuss inventory analysis and/or to discuss the organizational challenges companies face in implementing supply chain solutions.
Settings
Time period
The events covered by this case took place in 1990.Geographical setting
Region:
Americas
Country:
Canada
Location:
Vancouver
Featured company
Hewlett-Packard (HP)
Industry:
Printers
Featured protagonist
- Brent Cartier (male), Manager for Special Projects