
International Operations 227
as retailers, firms can also develop ecient customer response (ECR) systems, which can track sales
activity at the retail level. As a result, manufacturers can precisely coordinate production in response to
actual shelf-replenishment needs, rather than based on forecasts.
Two major phases in the movement of materials are of logistical importance.
1. The first phase is materials management, or the timely movement of raw materials, parts and
supplies into and through the firm.
2. The second phase is physical distribution, which involves the movement of the firm’s finished
product to its customers. In both phases, ...