Two new surveys on best management practices and supply chain management strategies were recently initiated by
ECR Hong Kong, the local chapter of the international supply chain standard body
EAN International, to help consumer product companies in the SAR maintain their competitive edge.
Keith Bartlett, chairman of ECR (Efficient Consumer Response) Hong Kong and Supply Chain Director for supermarket
Park・n Shop said the results of the surveys are intended to benefit consumer goods companies in Hong Kong and their overseas suppliers including the SAR・s many small medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).
：The explosion of technological innovation such as the Internet cuts across geographic boundaries and time zones opening up new market opportunities that gives even the smallest SME the ability to compete on a global scale,； Mr Bartlett said.
：The need for on-time replenishment of stock through adopting the best practices of supply chain management and the 3C・s - consumer value, cost savings and collaboration - are imperative for success in today・s competitive business environment,； Mr Bartlett added.
The two surveys will identify Hong Kong・s top 100 most frequently ：Out of Stock； consumer products and ways to improve the cross border supply chain links between Hong Kong and the Chinese mainland
The ：Out of Stock； survey will involve retailers, supermarkets, convenience stores and pharmacies monitoring the 100 most popular items purchased by consumers and the time it takes to replace them. Information will be collated to find better ways to shrink the time between the source of supply and the place of delivery.
The ：Cross Border Supply Chain； survey between Hong Kong and the mainland will involve each stage of the operation from waiting, loading, timing of deliveries and aim to identify ways of speeding up the process.
Anna Lin, Chief Executive of the
Hong Kong Article Numbering Association said with the ever-increasing complexity in the global marketplace, a higher level of supply chain performance is being pursued to deliver better value to both consumers and businesses.
A scorecard system established by ECR Hong Kong to evaluate a company・s readiness to embark on ECR initiatives has been recognized as an industry standard and is used by most Asian countries and the developed business world.
