Feb. 21, 2008 - Graham Wilkie, supply chain director at U.K. electronics retailer PC World, says smarter supply chains are the key to success in a business where products on store shelves are quickly replaced by new and upgraded versions. One way to boost efficiency - from both a logistical and environmental standpoint - is to share supply routes with corporate partners, he tells Supply Chain Standard.

"We are focused on renewables and more generally on sustainability - for example, creating ways in which we can share networks and out-bases [locations a long way from the company's main distribution center] with...Curry's [another electronics retailer owned by the same conglomerate as PC World], so we only need one vehicle between us,'' he says. ''We've managed to achieve a substantial increase in supplier backhaul, which has both reduced empty running and allowed us to take more control of the inbound process.''

Other sustainability initiatives at PC World include powering road fleets with biodiesel, redesigning delivery trucks to improve aerodynamics, using more roll-cages to reduce the need for cardboard, and returning delivery pallets to suppliers for reuse.