10 Jul Response 1: CPFR  (Andrews, 2008) is an acronym which stands fo

Response 1: CPFR  (Andrews, 2008) is an acronym which stands for Collaborative Planning, Forecasting and Replenishment. It is supply chain planning model aimed at collaborative integration of supply chains between two businesses, while reducing costs for both parties. CPFR is a four-step process  (Vanguard Software, 2017)that includes a stage for strategic planning, a stage for forecasting sales and order planning, a stage for execution, and finally an analysis stage to assess the overall performance of this collaborative effort.Use and implementation of the CPFR process can greatly reduce a phenomenon that is known as the “bullwhip effect”. The bullwhip effect takes its name from the cracking of a bullwhip and is caused by any fluctuation or deviation in demands. Those closest to the handle  (Arkieva, 2018) of the whip (customer) may see little of the effect, where as those as the end see a greater impact as the whip expands. The overall effect is inaccurate forecasts and a higher on-hand inventory on all ends of the supply chain. Where CPFR can reduce the bullwhip effect is self-explanatory, the CPFR plan is built on collaborative planning, forecasting, and replenishment. This plan requires communication from the customer at the end of the supply chain and the manufacturer at the beginning of the supply chain. If both ends are in constant contact, there is less likelihood of there being a miscommunication between the two parties, and this will ultimately reduce the bullwhip effect.There are several supply chain metrics that can improve with the use of CPFR  (Spacey, 2016), including customer order cycle time, which is a measure of the time it takes to deliver the order to the customer once the order is received by the manufacturer. Another metric that can see improvement is the fill rate, which is the percentage of the order filled on the first shipment. Supply chain cycle time is another metric that can be improved. Supply chain cycle time is the amount of time it takes to fill an order for a customer if inventory levels were at zero. Other metrics that can be improved are the on-time shipping rate which is a measure of items that arrive on or before the requested fate of shipping, and the inventory turnover rate, which is the frequency in which a business cycles through its inventory during the calendar year.Response 2:  The purpose of this unit 2 discussion board assignment will be to examine and explain the process of implementing Collaborative Planning, Forecasting and Replenishment also known and referred to as (CPRF) is used between partners or collaborators within the supply chain. This partnering between supply chains can prove to be both important and significant in helping to reduce or decrease what is termed or defined as a bullwhip effect. In most cases supply chains are able to meet many of their goals and objectives together. Collaborative Planning, Forecasting and Replenishment (CPFR) is based on a conception or theory that when supply chains integrate (assist and support) joint methods or procedures, there is a higher chance for success. CPFR is a method that moves to promote a form of cooperation for managing inventory and stock by way of replenishment and joint visibility of goods within the supply chain. The shared information between vendors and suppliers can be beneficial moving forward to plan and satisfy the needs and demands of the consumer using a system which is also supported by shared information. The CPRF process will also enable supply chains to have updates to upcoming requirements and their inventory which will the supply chain process efficient and effective from end-to-end (Hausman, Lee, & Subramanian, 2012).      The bullwhip effect is defined as an anomaly that gives a prognosis or estimation of inefficiencies to the supply chain process. In many instances it refers to increased swings in inventory based on the response to the consumer demand and need for certain products. Consumer need and demand plays a significant role when it comes to moving product or merchandise along the supply chain. As stated earlier, supply chains are able to offset this effect to their 3PL practices and procedures by partnering together (Venkataraman & Pinto, 2019 ). Here are a list of methods that can be used by supply chains to reduce and avoid the bullwhip effect. Continuous improvement of both communication and information within the structure of the supply chain. Reduction in delays of orders, product availability and delivery time. Use of a point of sale (POS) system to closely monitor consumer purchases and ordering behavior. Reduction in amount or quantity to be ordered so that inventory may be able to move freely within the supply chains distribution system. Maintain price consistency when there are fluctuations within the market. CPRF if properly established and implemented can help improve the metrics of any supply chain strategy or plan. With an improved and efficient metric system in place, the supply hain is then in a position to achieve both its goals and objectives. Metrics are a significant standard or method for measuring and gauging performance which will help to communicate and convey this information to company executives and shareholders. Metrics that both play a role and would be improved in the supply chain strategy are: Inventory Velocity Perfect Order – Customer Perfect Order – Supplier Time Compression  Proper implementation of these metrics can and will help to increase the overall performance and sustainability of the supply chain. The significance of these metrics is due to being able to identify and deal with the complete supply chain method and process. The success of these metrics can help to mitigate the problems and failures of a company that deal with such things as; growth, sales and profitability. The value and importance of these metrics are felt in industries, businesses and markets (Cecere, 2015).