Mb. Myers et al., The effectiveness of automatic inventory replenishment in supply chain operations: Antecedents and outcomes, J RETAILING, 76(4), 2000, pp. 455-481
The issue of buyer-seller relationships in supply-chain management research
is becoming increasingly critical. Global competition and maturing domesti
c markets have driven supply-chain members to reassess their distribution t
echniques to remain competitive in the market. Finns need inventory repleni
shment systems that enhance customer service whereas at the same time reduc
e inventory costs. Many retailers are demanding time-phased replenishment.
They want delivery made just as they need the stock for sale. High levels o
f anticipatory inventory are no longer acceptable. Retailers want high-volu
me, high-rum items delivered on a just-in-time basis. In this study, we inv
estigate the use of automatic replenishment programs (ARPs) and the effecti
veness of these ARPs in today's markets. Through a survey of U.S. retailers
and manufacturers, we examine the transaction specific, strategic, and org
anizational antecedents that drive automatic replenishment efforts, as well
as the effects of these efforts on the firms' strategic and economic perfo
rmance.