Value Chain A value chain is a chain of activities. Products pass through all activities of the chain in order and at each activity the product gains some value. The goal of these activities is to offer the customer a level of value that exceeds the cost of the activities so that the company can charge a premium price for the product hereby resulting in a profit margin.
The primary value chain activities which are used in MUL are:
Inbound Logistics i.e the receiving and warehousing of raw materials, and their distribution to manufacturing. MUL’s inputs primarily comprise raw materials and purchased components. In order to improve quality and generate economies of scale, MUL has reduced the number of vendors of components in India from 370 as of March 31, 2000 to about 100 as in 2005. By lowering the time and cost involved in dealing with more vendors, they have increased their supply chain efficiencies In case of repair and replacements, costs of defective components supplied are borne by the vendor o Quality aspect - Periodic vendor quality system audits are conduct in order to ensure that quality standards are sustained. Vendor Quality Control Quality management system such as ISO 9000/ QS 9000 forms the basis for producing a quality product. To assist small and medium vendors in achieving ISO 9000 certification, in 1995 MUL adopted a cluster approach wherein vendors are grouped together, are trained in quality management and are assisted in obtaining ISO 9000 certification. This cluster approach was extended to helping vendors attain QS 9000 certification. o Information systems - Vendors are linked to the MUL through the Internet-based information network, which maintains online information regarding order status and delivery instructions. These has helped in reducing both inventory levels and lead times required for the supply of various components and sub-assemblies, and enable the vendors to more