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Describes a supply chain with very quick (i.e., two week) response times and allows students to explore how such short response times are achieved. Allows students to explore why other supply chains, with much longer response times, might not be able to replicate this performance.

Spreadsheet supplement for case 601072.

Despite all the data that retailers and e-tailers can now gather about point-of-purchase information, buying patterns, and customer tastes, they still haven't figured out how to offer the right product, in the right place, at the right time, for the right price. But some retailers are moving profitably toward what the authors call "rocket science retailing"--a blend of traditional forecasting systems, which are largely based on the gut feel of employees, with the prowess of information technology. The authors recently finished surveying 32 retail companies in which they tracked practices and progress in four areas critical to rocket science retailing: demand forecasting, supply-chain speed, inventory planning, and data gathering and organization. In this article, the authors look at some companies that have excelled in those four areas and offer some valuable advice for other businesses seeking retailing perfection. In particular, the authors emphasize the need to monitor crucial metrics such as forecast accuracy, early sales data, and stockouts--information that will help retailers determine when to tweak their supply-chain processes to get the right products to stores at just the right time.

Examines the CompUSA organization, focusing especially on the operations and the company culture. Highlights the economics of PC retailing and the importance of a responsive supply chain for their product category. The description of company culture emphasizes the role of people-management and incentives in achieving responsiveness.