Apple knocks Nokia off AMR's #1 spot

Dell returns to AMR's Top 25 Supply Chain list at #3

Staff -- Logistics Management, 5/29/2008

Last year, the computer giant came in second to the cell phone maker, but AMR praised Apple's handling of the potential supply chain headaches that followed the introduction of the popular iPhone with grace and efficiency.

"With its introduction of the iPhone, Apple could have stumbled meeting demand or failed on quality. It did neither," said the AMR report. "Behind-the-scenes moves like tying up essential components well in advance and upgrading basic information systems have enabled Apple to handle the demands of its rabid fan base without having to fall back on their forgiveness for mistakes."

Procter & Gamble, which came in third last year, was bumped to fourth place this year by Dell, which returned to the list at third place after being left out last year due to AMR not having complete 2006 financial statements from the make-to-order computer manufacturer at the time of the 2007 ranking.

IBM remained in the top 5 at fifth place, slipping from its fourth place slot last year, while Toyota, which was in the top 5 last year at fifth place, dropped to No. 7 on this year's list.

According to a report from AMR, Toyota "secured top place among peer voters but fell on a less-than-stellar ROA (5 percent)." According to the report, Toyota still handily beat Lockheed Martin (No. 23) and Johnson Controls (No. 23), the only other industrial corporations to make the 2008 cut.