Get instant access to this case solution for only $15

Supply Chain Optimization at Hugo Boss (A) Case Solution

Solution Id Length Case Author Case Publisher
948 1360 Words (6 Pages) Ananth Raman, Nicole De Horatius, Zahra Kanji Harvard Business School : 609029
This solution includes: A Word File A Word File

Hugo Boss, being a global player in the world of fashion for men and women, realizes that in order to compete with other global brands such as Tommy Hilfiger, Prada, and Pierre Cardin, it needs to have a responsive supply chain, which at the same time should also be efficient. Hence, Hugo Boss does not want to compromise on its brand’s responsiveness to customer orders at the cost of efficiency (minimizing costs).

The problem presented in the case is due to the product range offered by Hugo Boss, with different customer requirements, and some of which are supposed to be Never out of Stock (NOS). These are fashion apparels, which are regularly bought by the customers without each time spending a large amount of time in the purchase decision. Although, Hugo Boss maintains around 97% product availability of NOS throughout the year, it wishes to achieve a 100% as the retail customers may switch to substitute products or all together switch to a competitor in case a product is not available. The dilemma that the company now faces is which product ranges should go in the optimization phase, considering the pros and cons for each of the choices available.

Following questions are answered in this case study solution

  1. Introduction & Problem Identification

  2. Strategic Alternative 1

  3. Strategic Alternative 2

  4. Strategic Alternative 3

  5. Recommended Action Plan

Case Analysis for Supply Chain Optimization at Hugo Boss (A)

2. Strategic Alternative 1

The first alternative that the division director and the head of operations and procurement face is about applying the optimization strategy only on one area of their business. This alternative has both its pros and cons. Firstly, the benefit of such an approach would be that the body wear and hosiery wear division have already been run through a successful pilot. Hence, the company knows that it can attain success by focusing on optimization of one of its divisions, as one division that underwent the pilot achieved 99.9% product availability. 

Secondly, with only one area being chosen to go for supply chain optimization, it will be easier for the manufacturer and supplier, such as Delta Galil to meet the requirements set by Hugo Boss. There will be improved communication, focus, and goals can be aligned much more easily between the manufacturers and its customer (Hugo Boss).

However, choosing only one division or one area for implementation would also mean that the company is on the back foot and not being optimistic about its operations. The company should also keep its manufacturers on toes and give them a bigger challenge for mutual benefits. Focusing on one area of the business only could mean potentially lost sales and profitability which could arise with more areas of the business undergoing optimization. Hence, the company is in a greater dilemma when choosing to decide for one area’s supply chain and procurement modifications. It will be caught up in deciding to go with a more aggressive approach than just utilize one area of business.

3. Strategic Alternative 2

The second alternative for the company is to expand the procedure of optimization to all their product ranges. This would mean that company divisions and classifications, such as Boss Orange, Boss Green, and the “unconventional and progressive” Hugo would be also going through changes in relation to their supply chain. The advantage of such an approach would be that the company shall be viewed as a dynamic organization that is not resistant to change in an effort to improve on its operations.

Secondly, such an investment in its supply chain would have a long-run impact for the organization where the beneficiaries could be future employees and customers. Hence, optimization of all the product ranges should be looked at as a long-range investment. Even if all divisions do not perform well, the success achieved by some of the divisions can compensate for other divisions.

However, the problem with such an approach would be that the company will be asking for too much from its global suppliers and contract manufacturers. It will be difficult for manufacturers to live up to the challenge as they are not vendors to only Hugo Boss, but also supplying material and finished goods to many other fashion brands. Moreover, Hugo Boss will also have to check on its internal capacity for such a way forward. For example, does it have accurate forecasting techniques available to facilitate its manufacturers? It will be difficult for the company to recover, in times of rising competition, from a failure of many of its products in terms of product lead times, controlling its holding costs, and product availability.

4. Strategic Alternative 3

One last alternative for the senior management is to implement the new procedures on a select range of products, and not on all of the product ranges. The main advantage to this approach is that similar product ranges can be utilized to implement changes. Hence, the success of one division would most likely result in the success of other divisions, which can later be expanded to include other divisions of the company as well for supply chain optimization.

Secondly, this approach seems more practical than the other two because when the company can take chances with one area of its business, it can also subject a similar product range, with similar production schedules, to go through the same optimization.

However, the drawback of this approach is that it would be again requiring more efficient and diligent contract manufacturers to be able to respond to the challenge. Moreover, the company will have to involve more manufacturers in the process to minimize its risks and to check on the capabilities of more than one vendor. This could be a time-consuming process. With more than one area of operation undergoing an optimization approach, the results of the change plan have to be a lot more in favor as opposed to optimization of just one product area in order for the optimization approach to be feasible to be continued in the long run.

Get instant access to this case solution for only $15

Get Instant Access to This Case Solution for Only $15

Standard Price

$25

Save $10 on your purchase

-$10

Amount to Pay

$15

Different Requirements? Order a Custom Solution

Calculate the Price

Approximately ~ 1 page(s)

Total Price

$0

Get More Out of This

Our essay writing services are the best in the world. If you are in search of a professional essay writer, place your order on our website.

Essay Writing Service
whatsapp chat icon

Hi there !

We are here to help. Chat with us on WhatsApp for any queries.

close icon