iLounge

Speaking about the iPhone and its supply chain challenges, Simon Croom, Ph.D., executive director of the Supply Chain Management Institute at the University of San Diego, has said to prepare for shortages. In an email to ZDNet.com writer Russell Shaw, Croom wrote, “Launching any product, especially one so hyped, means that the main task is ensuring sufficient supplies are available across the US market on launch. Undoubtedly there will be shortages, service issues and challenges for call centers set upto support users.” Croom continued, stating “Depending on reliability of the product, there may also be a rapid ramp up in returns and warranty claims. Using a global supply chain will likely cause more of a problem 4 – 8 weeks into the ‘first season’ of the launch.”