Write a six (6) page paper in which you:

1. Determine the types of inventories these companies currently manage and describe essential inventory characteristics.

2. Analyze how each of their goods and service design concepts are integrated.

3. Evaluate the role inventory plays in the company's performance, operational efficiency, and customer satisfaction.

4. Compare and contrast the four (4) different types of layouts found with each company; explain the importance of the layouts to the company's manufacturing or service operations.

5. Determine at least two (2) metrics to evaluate supply chain performance of the companies; suggest improvements to the design and operations of their supply chains based on those metrics.

6. Suggest ways to improve the inventory management for each of the companies without affecting operations and the customer benefit package. Provide a rationale to support the suggestion.