RETAIL INVENTORY MANAGEMENT: A CASE STUDY OF VENDOR MANAGED INVENTORY AT MAKRO ATACADISTA S.A.

Abstract

Since the 90´s there has been increased competition in the Brazilian scenario. At the same time, a great evolution in the technological area has occurred, leading to great changes in companies. The search for better logistic processes is in order, as logistics has played a fundamental role in business management, enabling the development of strategies that focus on the efficacy of supply chain as a whole. In this context, retail and wholesale companies have sought means of improving their logistic processes. Particularly VMI - Vendor Managed Inventory provide an important alternative to better manage logistic processes and inventories. The present article has the objective of analyze the management of supply at the Dutch wholesale chain, Makro, which has been in Brazil since 1972 with 52 stores. The study offers a brief account of the company evolution and some specific information on commercial activities, ways of supply management and inventory control. Furthermore, it highlights the operation of the automated inventory process.