Question

Case Study: Supply Chain Trends The Do- Green Solar Systems case addresses challenges faced by a Canadian manufacturer as a result of the CUSMA trade agreement. As you read through the case, think abou the challenges, risks and complexities in changing their supply chain from North Americanto Internationalmarkets. Do-Green Solar Systems Taylor Douglas, V.P of Do- Green Solar Systems, was evaluating the strategic position of the company. With the new Canada-United States Mexico (CUSMA) agreement in place and the uncertainty around future trade with the United States Taylor was pondering the future direction of Do-Green. Do-Green's History Taylor grew up in the family business. Established in 2000 Do-Green began as a family run electrical contracting company. Their core business focused on providing residential electrical contracting for new home construction as well as renovations and electrical upgrades to existing homes. As the business grew Taylor began to deal more and more with requests from customers for solar power options for their homes. Taylor realized that the market for residential solar power was growing. Supply agreement/partnership attempts with solar component suppliers proved to be unreliable. It was at that point Taylor decided to purchase a facility to begin manufacturing solar power components for residential use. In 2004 Do-Green Solar Systems was formed. Do-Green was now involved in both the manufacture and installation of solar power systems for residential use. The business saw steady growth through 2006. Do-Green had established a lucrative business niche for itself. New Opportunities At the same time that Do-Green was establishing itself, Canadian's saw the expansion of big box home improvement retailers and the proliferation of the "do-it-yourself" craze. In 2008 Taylor Douglas approached several home improvement retailers and in 2009 Do- Green signed a supply agreement with a big box home improvement retailer to stock their products in 25 stores across Ontario. People could now purchase and install their own residential solar power systems and Do- Green's business profile evolved into that of a manufacturer/distributor. To meet the

Answer 1

1) One of the major macro trends that has been used by the company is the fact that they have focused their business in providing green energy which would further help to tackle the various problems energy and give the world a source through the solar energy which could be harnessed.

2) The unique aspect of the company is the integration process undertaken by collaborating with local providers. The other major step was that of the tag of providing a sustainable solution to the energy resource and solar generation. The idea of innvoation each time made the founder have an edge over other competitors. This did not hinder the expansion of the company, this is because they very well established themselves in the US. The slogan can be "The sustainable solar power"

3)

a) The risk of losing the market in US

b) The profit will shrink due to devalued currency

c) Loss of the backend providers and other mergers along with natural disaster and terrorism

4) The challenges are

a) Better ERP than the Chinese technology

b) New and more innovative plans to reestablish the mergers to provide a disturbution channel

c) need of multi-tiered supply chain system.