Interview Question for Operations at Apple:

A short answer; The biggest challenge is merging products within the supply chain for delivery to customer or retailers. Apple's Supply Chain is very integrated and each and every part of it depends on the other for optimum efficiency and cost effectiveness. For example, spikes in business that create a demand of over 200% in one months time have been known to happen at year ends, creating a nightmare for Purchasing, Transportation and suppliers. The partnership and leverage that Apple has with it's logistics partners is critical to it success. There are daily challenges of forecasting, pricing and getting product to the right place at the right time with the most cost effective means possible. Consistent negotiations and world class services are required.