Paper Manufacturing

1. The paper manufactured in this process is in rolls that are subsequently shipped to other customers downstream in the supply chain. Identify a final product and customer for which paper is used and describe the supply chain beginning with the paper making process.

A final product and customer for which paper is used may be an envelope at Fed Ex. The supply chain would begin with the trees or recycled paper being transported to the paper manufacturer. The manufacturer would create the paper using the debarking, chipping, or recycling process. The manufacturer would then move on to pulp preparation, paper formation, and paper finishing. Once the paper is wound into rolls, it may be distributed to a company that creates envelopes using the paper. The envelopes would then be shipped to a buyer, who would supply the envelopes to Fed Ex. Fed Ex would use the envelopes to ship customer products or sell the envelopes to consumers.

2. Paper making has a relatively straightforward supply chain. What other products besides wood are used in the process; i.e., what are the suppliers to the paper making process?

Other products might include recycled paper from recycling programs in various communities. Chemicals, such as those used when the paper is pressure-cooked in a digester, must also be regularly purchased from a supplier. Bleach, color dyes, coatings and other additives are supplied for the pulp preparation process. Ink might also need to be purchased in order to test the ink holding ability of the paper after it is created. Various pieces for the machines might need to be replaced fairly regularly as well, such as the spinning blades on the chipping machine.

3. Discuss the transportation, distribution and shipping problems that might exist with a paper manufacturer?

Distribution encompasses all of the channels, processes, and functions, including warehousing and transportation, that a product passes through on its way to the final customer. It is the actual movement of products and materials between locations. It involves managing the handling of materials and products at receiving docks, storing products and materials, packaging, and the shipment of orders. Therefore, problems with distribution might include problems with the handling the paper, storing the paper, packaging the paper, and shipping the paper. Speed and quality are the main driving forces behind transporting, distributing, and shipping products such as paper. Problems with speed might include a slow delivery time to the buyer or end user. The paper might also become damaged as it is being transported, distributed, and shipped to the customer, which affects the paper quality. Companies often compete on speed of service, so it is important for the paper manufacturer to ensure fast delivery within its distribution system.

4. Identify the procurement, production and distribution links for the paper making supply chain and discuss how information technology might be used to bind these links.

Procurement is the purchasing of goods and services from suppliers. First, trees must be purchased from forest product companies and private landowners. Recycled material may also be sent by suppliers to create paper. Machines must also be purchased for the paper making process. These machines include a debarker, chipping machine, mechanical pulping process machine, chemical pulping process machine, hydrapulper, screening and cleaning machine, and a paper making machine. Transportation services must also be procured to deliver the paper to customers. Production includes the process of paper making; forestry, debarking, chipping, recycling, pulp preparation, paper formation, and paper finishing. Distribution involves handling the materials and products at receiving docks, storing products and materials, packaging, and the shipment of orders. Distribution may use the transportation services procured by the paper manufacturer and warehouses