1. A system in which the inventory __________ (monitor), planned and managed by the manufacturer on behalf of the customer (often a retailer).

2. A system which is similar to CRP. It __________ (use, often) for products that need to be supplied frequently and in small batch sizes.

3. It means that orders __________ (transfer) electronically to the manufacturer. Then they __________ (deliver) to the retail store.

4. Real-time demand __________ (identify) by electronic cash register and the product movement __________ (co-ordinate) from supplier to the retail store.

5. Products that have similar characteristics regarding their selling profile __________ (categorize) into ‘families’.

Today I’m going to tell you something about CRP. That means continuous replenishment. I'll also explain how it can be used to lower inventory and operational costs and to shorten product lead times.

Let me start by explaining what CRP means. It is a system which is activated by consumer demand and which co-ordinates the flow of information and goods in the logistic chain.

CRP is a sales-based ordering system which works like this: first of all, you decide what products you want to order at what stock level. The system will use this information at the point of sale in the retail store. Then the order is processed at the warehouse. And finally, the goods are delivered to the retailer.

To illustrate how this works in practice I’ll give you an example. The leading clothes retailer Young Fashion introduced continuous replenishment three years ago. With the new system, all orders are generated by computers, which process data received from cash registers. The computer program, which is extremely flexible, is called Retail Ordering Assistant. The orders are sent to the warehouse by electronic data interchange, where they are processed. And finally, the goods are delivered to the different outlets according to a schedule.

Since the introduction of the CRP system, Young Fashion have managed to cut inventory and transport costs by about 15% and have reduced lead time to only 18 hours. Moreover, errors in order processing have been reduced considerably by using scanning technology and EDI.

1. The inventory system is called CPR.

2. It’s a sales-based system.

3. The system co-ordinates the flow of information and goods in the logistic chain. Young Fashion has used the system for six years now.

4. Orders are electronically transferred to the warehouse.

5. The store has reduced transport and inventory costs by about 25 per cent.

Today I’m going to tell you something about CRP. That means continuous replenishment. I'll also explain how it can be used to lower inventory and operational costs and to shorten product lead times.

Let me start by explaining what CRP means. It is a system which is activated by consumer demand and which co-ordinates the flow of information and goods in the logistic chain.

CRP is a sales-based ordering system which works like this: first of all, you decide what products you want to order at what stock level. The system will use this information at the point of sale in the retail store. Then the order is processed at the warehouse. And finally, the goods are delivered to the retailer.

To illustrate how this works in practice I’ll give you an example. The leading clothes retailer Young Fashion introduced continuous replenishment three years ago. With the new system, all orders are generated by computers, which process data received from cash registers. The computer program, which is extremely flexible, is called Retail Ordering Assistant. The orders are sent to the warehouse by electronic data interchange, where they are processed. And finally, the goods are delivered to the different outlets according to a schedule.

Since the introduction of the CRP system, Young Fashion have managed to cut inventory and transport costs by about 15% and have reduced lead time to only 18 hours. Moreover, errors in order processing have been reduced considerably by using scanning technology and EDI.

shipping needs

to plan shipments

to book collections and deliveries

to keep track of your consignments

to prepare shipping and customs documentation

to check shipment records

to log on

a drop-down menu

a web-based booking system

an extensive range of e-services

shipping requirements

to make price requests

to schedule transport

to obtain real-time shipment information

to receive quotations for worldwide shipments

to place orders

to track pick-ups and deliveries

to download commercial documents in pdf format

Job Opportunity

Position: Corporate Procurement Manager

We are looking for a proactive and dynamic professional to take care of our strategic procurement and supplier relationship management.

Reporting to the Director of Corporate Procurement, the successful applicant will be responsible for managing both internal and external customers and for working with the appointed 3PL providers. While liaising with the procurement team, vendors, and related stakeholders, you will also be involved in providing business support to optimize finance-logistics processes, order fulfilment, and logistics costs.

Other responsibilities include providing initiatives to help maximize company business profitability and efficiency.

The ideal candidate should have a degree in supply chain management or logistics management with a deep understanding and knowledge of the China logistics market. You should have at least 5 years' experience in a multinational company and you should possess outstanding negotiation skills. Based in Macau, excellent command of English and Cantonese is a must with Mandarin an advantage.

If you are interested in this role, please send your CV in Word format to...

ROBERT: OK, let’s get started. You know that we need to discuss negotiation strategies with one of our medical equipment suppliers today. I suppose we all agree that we are interested in a more co-operative relationship with our supplier, BAF. I think we would definitely benefit from a strategic partnership. How do you feel about that?

PETER: I agree. I think we could lower costs considerably and work more efficiently if we co-operated more closely. But we need to think about reasons why they should enter into a partnership with us. What are your thoughts on that, Gisele?

GISELE: I think you’re right. That’s why we should tell them that it will be to their advantage to work with us because we are the market leader.

PETER: Yes, and I also suggest telling them that this a good opportunity to associate with a major pharmaceutical brand like ours.

GISELE: That sounds good. In my opinion it would also be important to point out that we’re interested in establishing a long-term agreement.

PETER: Good idea. And why don’t we say that it’s their chance to enter the pharmaceutical market. So far they haven't had access to this market.

GISELE: Yes, good point.

ROBERT: Excellent. Thanks for your comments. I’ll work out a catalogue with the points we have covered today and will send it to you tomorrow.

ASKING FOR OPINIONS / Як запитати про думку іншої людини?

What do you think? / Що ви думаєте ? 

How do you feel about that? / Що ви про це думаєте? Як ви до цього ставитеся?

What are your thoughts on that? / Що ви думаєте про це?

Do you agree? / Ви згодні?

GIVING OPINIONS / MAKING SUGGESTIONS / Як висловити свою думку? / Як висловити своє припущення?

I suggest that we ... / Я гадаю, що ми ...

In my opinion we should ... / На мою думку, нам слід ...

Perhaps we should ... / Можливо, нам слід ...

Why don’t we... ? / Чому б нам не ...

AGREEING / Як погодитися з думкою іншою людини?

That’s a good idea. / Це хороша думка.

That sounds good. / Звучить переконливо.

I agree. /  Я згоден (згодна).

That’s right. / Гаразд. Правильно. Згоден.