Supply Chain Disasters
Scenario 1 – PlayStation 2
The distinguishing factor of logistics is that it’s physical. There’s no software patch to rescue a Panamax cargo
ship. Sony’s 2004 Christmas campaign to launch the PlayStation 2 is a great example. The supply chain
worked perfectly, right up until an oil tanker became stuck in the Suez Canal blocking ships from China carrying
the festive consignment of consoles. Sales fell 90 per cent in the run up to Christmas. Sony resorted to
chartering Russian cargo planes and flying in the PS2s. But it was too late for many disappointed youngsters
who were left wondering how they’d offended Santa Claus.
Scenario 2 – Ed Sheeran tickets
Music fans have a rotten time these days. Gigs by Beyonce and festivals such as Glastonbury sell out in the
time it takes to refresh a web browser. Ed Sheeran’s UK and Ireland tour sold out in five minutes in February.
One fan tweeted: “Devastated, been on @TicketmasterUK (Links to an external site.) since 9.40 refreshing for
@edsheeran (Links to an external site.) tickets to get error page after error page. Sold out.” Sheeran released
a statement saying he was “deeply concerned” and cautioned against engaging with ticket touts. The problem
is that the supply chain for tickets extends far beyond his reach. Resellers, fan sites, auto-buying bots and bulk
buyers all affect the fan experience, whether he likes it or not.
https://www.raconteur.net/supply-chain/10-supply-chain-disasters/ (Links to an external site.)
Based upon your understanding of supply chain management, ERP, and associated technology, if you were on the post incident response team for either (or both) of the above scenarios, what might some technical mitigation factors be that could be implemented to best ensure the issues described in specific each scenario’s respective supply chain does not happen again?