In my view, logistics and supply chain involves a process followed before the consumer in the market accesses the product. In most cases, the chain involves various groups from the time of manufacturing to the time of use. However, it is important to understand that the process may not necessarily begin from the manufacturing stage as there is a need to source raw material (Stevenson et al., 2014). One of the products that undergo a long supply chain is The Crest Mouthwash and Toothpaste.
The first step in the supply of this product is its manufacture. The mouthwash is manufactured by the Prestor & Gamble Company, which is based in North America. The company sources most of the raw materials such as chlorine from China which indicates that sourcing is as well part of the manufacturing logistics. After the toothpaste is packaged, the company suppliers directly to the wholesalers such as the BJ's Wholesale Club. This step is crucial as the wholesalers are responsible for determining prices and availability of the paste in bulk. There is a need to involve intermediaries, and hence retailers play an important role in ensuring products reach customers (Stevenson et al., 2014). Some of the retailers who are involved in supplying the mouthwash include supermarkets and vendors like Johnson & Johnson.
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Some of the ethical issues that could affect the supply chain include the supply of fake products that are imitations of the crest mouthwash by wholesalers and retailers. This issue may occur due to the need by middlemen to make more profits by selling cheaper products that could affect the consumer's health (Burtonshaw-Gunn, 2010). The manufacturer may also change raw materials due to cost production changes and fail to indicate changes in the ingredient list.
References
Burtonshaw-Gunn, S. (2010). Essential tools for operations management: Tools, models and approaches for managers and consultants . John Wiley & Sons.
Stevenson, W. J., Hojati, M., & Cao, J. (2014). Operations management (p. 182). McGraw-Hill Education.