Publisher's Synopsis
Lean supply chain management is not exclusively for those companies who manufacture products, but by businesses who want to streamline their processes by eliminating waste and non-value added activities. Companies have a number of areas in their supply chain where waste can be identified as time, costs, or inventory. Although lean thinking is typically applied to manufacturing lean techniques and focus are applicable anywhere there are processes to improve, including the entire supply chain. A lean supply chain is one that produces just what and how much is needed, when it is needed, and where it is needed. The underlying theme in lean thinking is to produce more or do more with fewer resources while giving the end customer exactly what he or she wants. This means focusing on each product and its value stream. To do this, organizations must be ready to ask and understand which activities truly create value and which ones are wasteful. The most important thing to remember is that lean is not simply about eliminating waste-it is about eliminating waste and enhancing value. Supply Chain and Lean Six Sigma draws how to apply the principles of lean operations and six sigma to supply chain management. The tools, methods and concepts presented in the book provide a concise Lean Six Sigma supply chain reference for champions, managers, black belts, green belts, lean experts as well as supply chain professionals. It provides concise information to major supply chain systems such as master production scheduling, materials requirements planning, inventory systems, forecasting systems and logistics. Practical examples of Lean Six Sigma applications for supply chain management are provided throughout the book including a detailed discussion of strategies to improve asset utilization and reduce inventory investment. Lean supply chain management gained popularity in the manufacturing area, as this is where significant improvement can be achieved. Manufacturing processes can be improved to reduce waste and resources while maintaining operational performance. Quality is an important part of lean manufacturing. Having zero defects in the manufacturing process reduces waste and increases efficiency within the organization as a whole. With greater quality customers will no longer return goods, which means fewer resources will be needed for returns and quality issues. Lean supply chain management requires businesses to examine every process in their supply chain and identify areas that are using unnecessary resources, which can be measured in dollars, time or raw materials. This will improve the company's competitiveness as well as improve the company's overall profitability.
