You can disparage WMT for not making anything, but man can they run a supply chain.
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True, true. This cannot be denied.
Indeed, I must grudgingly admit that Wal-Mart is one of the few examples of what capital can accomplish if it truly takes IT seriously as a critical strategic resource. I've studied their supply chain techniques and the role of computer power in making it happen and it is a dark wonder.
The level of data command and control on display by WMT is staggering and should serve as an example to everyone of the unlooked for consequences of achieving high levels of information efficiency (the holy grail of corporate lords and governments everywhere).
Inefficiency has many charms one of them being preserved room for human movement.
And of course, these techniques can be duplicated elsewhere (I've written a white paper for a client on this very topic). I predict a data stream analysis arms race between these poverty surfing firms.
.d.