W.W. Grainger Value Chain AnalysisW.W. Grainger value chain analysis is an analytical framework that assists in identifying business activities that can create value and competitive advantage for global MRO products distributor. Figure below illustrates the essence of Grainger value chain analysis. W.W. Grainger Value chain analysis   Grainger Primary Activities Grainger Inbound logistics Grainger inbound logistics involves receiving and storing MRO products by the global industrial supply company in its distribution centres for subsequent shipment to customers. The worldwide distributor of industrial products purchases approximately 1,7 million types of MRO products from approximately 5000 suppliers worldwide and stores them in distribution centres. Economies of scale is a major source of value creation in inbound logistics for the global industrial supply company.  Additionally, the B2B distributor benefits from its strategic relationships with its suppliers in general and key suppliers in particular.   Grainger Operations Grainger operations are divided into the following three segments: 1. United States segment. This segment generated sales of USD 8,6 billion in 2018, 72% of total revenue of the company.[1] The industrial supply company divides its customers in US segment into two categories according to complexity of their needs.  a) Large customers in the US. Customers in this segment have complex needs and require services at their place of business. Grainger source of value creation in dealing with large customers in the US include adoption of partnership approach and assisting customers to reduce total cost of ownership in MRO spend by helping them to manage their labour, product and inventory costs. b) Medium customers in the US. This customer segment has less complex needs compared to large customers. Moreover, medium or mid-size customers in the US are mainly concerned with the solutions of their immediate business problems. Ranges and prices of products can be specified as major source of value creation…