Dell tops supply chain rankings

Where efficiency 'separates predators from prey'...

Dell, IBM and Proctor & Gamble are the companies with the best performing supply chains, according to new research.

Benchmarking data compiled by analysts AMR Research shows supply-chain leaders carry 15 per cent less inventory, are 60 per cent faster-to-market and complete 17 per cent "more perfect" orders.

silicon.com recently got an inside look at Dell's Limerick factory, which never holds more than two days worth of inventory and pays for supplies only when they are used.

The analyst said: "Supply chain leaders are able to shape demand, instantly respond to market changes, and crush their competitors."

It added: "These advantages separate predators from prey."

Dell retained the top spot from last year, followed by washing-powder-to-crisps giant Procter & Gamble, with IBM in third. Nokia, last year's number two, dropped to fourth place, with Tesco making an appearance in ninth place.

Technology companies in the top 25 include Samsung (seventh), Intel (11th), Motorola (15th), Cisco (18th) and Texas Instruments (19th).

Rankings are based on publicly available financial data and voting by AMR Research's team of analysts.