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  • October 2014 (Revised June 2015)
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Quiet Logistics (A)

By: Robert Simons and Natalie Kindred
  • Format:Print
  • | Language:English
  • | Pages:18
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Abstract

This two-part case focuses on how to identify and manage strategic uncertainties in an innovative, entrepreneurial start-up company. In the (A) case, students learn about Quiet Logistics, an e-commerce fulfillment company working with high-end apparel retailers such as Bonobos, Gilt Groupe, and Zara. What distinguishes the company from its rivals is its use of Kiva robots which collect customer items within the warehouse and bring them to the appropriate work station for employees to package and prepare for shipment. Processing up to 8,000 orders per day, the robots help make Quiet Logistics a highly-efficient firm and free its workers to complete additional value-added services such as handwritten thank-you notes. The company has also developed proprietary software to collect data on productivity measures, resulting in 99.99% accuracy in its inventory system and completing orders on-time.
At the end of the (A) case, students are asked to list the strategic uncertainties that should be keeping the two co-founders awake at night as they consider growth opportunities for their company.
The one-page (B) case reveals a surprising strategic twist that throws their plans into disarray. Students are asked to figure out how to respond.

Keywords

Strategy Execution; Strategic Uncertainty; Disruptive Change; Managing Growth; Robotics; Disruptive Technology; Managing Start-ups; Management Control Systems; Performance Measurement; Business Growth and Maturation; Disruption; Entrepreneurship; Disruptive Innovation; Crisis Management; Risk Management; Organizational Change and Adaptation; Business Strategy; Competitive Strategy; E-commerce; Distribution Industry; Technology Industry; United States

Citation

Simons, Robert, and Natalie Kindred. "Quiet Logistics (A)." Harvard Business School Case 115-001, October 2014. (Revised June 2015.)
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About The Author

Robert Simons

Accounting and Management
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Related Work

    • October 2014
    • Faculty Research

    Quiet Logistics (B)

    By: Robert Simons and Natalie Kindred
    • June 2017
    • Faculty Research

    Quiet Logistics (A) and (B)

    By: Robert Simons and Jennifer Packard
    • August 2017
    • Faculty Research

    Quiet Logistics: CEO Bruce Welty Discusses New Robotics Company

    By: Robert L. Simons and Jennifer Packard
    • October 2014 (Revised June 2015)
    • Faculty Research

    Quiet Logistics (A)

    By: Robert Simons and Natalie Kindred
Related Work
  • Quiet Logistics (B) By: Robert Simons and Natalie Kindred
  • Quiet Logistics (A) and (B) By: Robert Simons and Jennifer Packard
  • Quiet Logistics: CEO Bruce Welty Discusses New Robotics Company By: Robert L. Simons and Jennifer Packard
  • Quiet Logistics (A) By: Robert Simons and Natalie Kindred
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