As you work to address your lean supply chain costs, you’ll probably uncover the fact that your supply chain may be the biggest cost opportunity you have. Many organizations overlook this opportunity. Does your team have extensive experience applying lean to all aspects of the supply chain? Look left, look right:
- Sourcing
- Inbound freight
- Internal warehousing
- Facility Layout & Slotting
- Dock operations
- Outbound freight
Strategic Sourcing
Strategic Sourcing encompasses your entire team’s view, knowledge and skills to achieve best pricing, quality, delivery and technical solutions needed for your organization. Based on the needs of your organization, you will want to develop your tool box.
Negotiations:
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Global Commodity Management:
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Inventory Reduction – Right-Sized Inventory
If inventory turns were doubled, what would it mean to your company? Does your team have the skills and know-how to get there? Inventory is often needed to accomplish your business goals. It exist in your in-bound supply chain, raw warehouses, work-in-process, finished goods, distribution channels and even at your customers. Right-Sized Inventory allows your value stream to execute smoothly and free up cash flow. Often, broken processes create unnecessary inventory (excess) and shortages (shutdowns / late shipments). Flow Consulting can help you identify the correct right-sized inventory for your Lean Supply Chain – your customers want the right amount of your product at the right time, and this philosophy should drive your entire inventory strategy. Areas where we may work with your team are listed below.
Demand and requirements planning:
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Right-Sizing Inventory:
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Quality:
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Supply Chain Optimization – Logistics
If you haven’t addressed your logistics network costs in the past two to three years, odds are you are leaving significant money on the table. Here are a few ways Supply Chain Optimization can begin reducing costs and improving service:
- Logistics Network Optimization
- 3rd Party Logistics Outsourcing
- RFP for warehousing and carriers
- TMS (transportation management systems)
Warehouse Space Optimization
Are you sure you have the right warehouse space in the right locations – are you optimizing inventory storage costs within your business? Your team should be using Warehouse Space Optimization tools in support of minimizing capital costs of warehouses while optimizing the delivery service to your clients:
- ABC Analysis
- Warehouse Layout & Storage Types
- Facility Layout (AutoCAD)
- Pick Modules and Racking design, selection, installation
- Slotting (right product in the right place)
- Simulation & optimization with Slot 3D
- Dock operations
- Labor productivity: waves and order queue
- Pick Technologies – pick to light
Do You Need Help with Your Lean Supply Chain?
Why not get in touch and see how Flow Consulting can help you with Lean Supply Chain improvements.