Seven-Eleven Japan's Supply Chain Strategy
Seven-Eleven Japan's highly efficient supply chain rests on:
- Centralized Distribution: Own DCs control inventory flow from suppliers to stores.
- Optimized Transport: Trucks, trains, ships + route software minimize cost/time.
- Cross-Docking: Goods move supplier→DC→store without storage, boosting freshness.
- Vendor Managed Inventory (VMI): Suppliers manage store stock levels.
- Just-in-Time (JIT) Replenishment: Orders triggered by real-time sales data.
- RFID Tracking: End-to-end visibility of product movement.
- Sustainability: Local sourcing, reduced packaging, energy efficiency.
Result: Fresh, high-quality products at competitive prices with minimal waste.