When measuring SC it is important to know what is to be
measured. Quinn (1998) and Hoole (2005) describe measures of
SCC that have been performed. Quinn (1998) describes astudy
done by the research and consulting firm of Pittiglio Rabin Todd
and McGrath.The firm found that companies considered to be
best-practice companies in moving a product to market had a 45%
supply-chain cost advantage compared to the average competitor.
The order-cycle time was half and their inventory days were 50%t
less compared to their competitors.Further,their deliver preci-
sion was 17%better. Christopher and Gattorna(2005) point out
that the need to take a supply chain view of cos is further
underscored by the major trend of outsourcing that is observable
across industries worldwide. Solvang (2001) refers tocost as one
of the most important performance metrics of asupply chain.