Focus on Supply Chain Management in Holland

BUNNIK, The Netherlands – BOVAG, the Dutch dealer association, has taken the first steps for improving the supply chain in the bike business. It has founded the platform ‘Chain Digitalization’ in which next to BOVAG, all retail organizations and the suppliers Accell Group, Giant and (importer/wholesaler) AGU are working together.

The first results are expected with the presentation of a database that holds uniform product codes for all bikes, parts and accessories on the Dutch market.

That database is the first step toward chain digitalization which, in the view of the platform participants, will form the basis for improving supply chain management in the bike business.

Once the database with all uniform product codes has been set up it will be turned into an accessible computer system with software that can be used by dealers as well as all their suppliers. The first version is expected to be completed in August 2008. The year after it will be made available throughout the Dutch bike sector for all dealers and suppliers.

Hopefully the BOVAG initiative sets a trend. Looking at the current lead time problems, improving supply chain management is very much needed to put it mildly!