What if…your supply chain was strong enough to meet the demands of new buying patterns?
The domino effects of the current credit squeeze I blogged about also impact on the dramatic shift in buying patterns.
As an executive coach working with SMEs in wide-ranging sectors, I want to share with you that:
- Some customers are buying smaller quantities more often
- Others are holding minimum inventories and demanding delivery at very short notice
- Many require greater customisation
Is your supply chain agile and flexible to meet changing buying patterns without it costing an arm and a leg?
My leadership coaching and manufacturing expertise has taught me that The Lean Manufacturing approach of Runners, Repeaters and Strangers can effectively meet changing customers’ demands without added cost – and often with big savings.
Organise your production line into three separate units and do the following:
- Set up Unit 1 for Runners – weekly and monthly standard orders
- Set up Unit 2 for Repeaters – orders that will come in, but you don’t know when – and which may have very short lead times
- Set up Unit 3 for Strangers – you don’t know if or when they will come in, and can often be ‘specials’.
As a coaching executive I recommend experts like SA Partners who can dramatically reduce cycle times, add extra value for the customer and increase competitive advantage.
To build Lean Manufacturing into your business strategy, drop me an email to: richard.bosworth@whatifspecialist.com, find me on LinkedIn under Richard Bosworth or follow @richardwhatif on Twitter.
What tips, ideas and experiences do you have of increasing the flexibility and speed of your supply chain? Contact me at the above.
