How Hp Dealt with Network Printer Design Issues

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Case Analysis- Hewlett-Packard Company: Network Printer Design for Universality Group B02: 1. In what way is a Universal power supply a postponement strategy? Ans: The power supply requirements for printers were different in North America and Europe. For North America a 110-volt supply was needed and for Europe it was 220-volt supply. Due to long lead time of manufacturing, HP had to specify the requirements for each type at least 14 weeks ahead. This often gave rise to inaccurate demand forecasts which created huge inventories for one location while causing lost sales due to stick-outs in another. Eg: Case of Viper where product was sold out in Europe but was less in demand in North America. Universal Power Supply will solve this problem as the system design takes care of both types of input supply (110V and 220V). Hence it can be sold in both American and European markets. As such the marketing team does not have to specify the individual forecasts for these markets a long time ahead. On the contrary, only the worldwide product demand has to be made. Individual market demand forecast can be delayed or postponed for two and half months. This will help create more accurate forecasts and help prevent localization errors. 2. What are the costs and benefits of a universal power supply (feel free to make assumptions)? Ans: Costs: The primary cost involved in developing the Universal power supply printer vis-a-vis separate power supply type printers is increase of $30 in material cost. Benefits: The benefits are immense from implementing the Universal Power supply printers. Firstly, the regional allocation decision of American and European markets can be delayed by 2.5 months which will result in greater precision of estimated demand. This will increase profit by reducing lost sales and lowering inventories. Secondly, a printer can

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