“…The importance of managing inventories cannot be underestimated, especially for merchandizing and manufacturing firms, since it is the most difficult asset they must manage (Kolias et al, 2011), and has a significant influence on supply chain and firm performance (Jeremy F. Shapiro & Wagner, 2009). Due to its influence as driver of performance, different initiatives have been taken by firms to improve its efficiency and effectiveness (Eroglu & Hofer, 2011a), which include implementing initiatives on supply chain collaboration such as quick response and vendor-managed inventory (Waller et al, 1999), adopting just-in-time inventory management practice (Schwarz & Weng, 2000), employing postponement approaches (Garcia- Dastugue & Lambert, 2007), and applying supply chain software (Blankley et al, 2008).…”