Lean Distribution Course

Introduction

The course focuses on the customer is a fresh approach to lean. Companies that can bear the burden of variability will develop a strategic advantage in today's volatile market; it is a comprehensive yet concise work with clear leanings, this comprehensive course captures the revolution occurring in today's increasingly competitive and global supply chain.

On completion of this course you should be able to: 

• Apply Lean techniques, typically effective in manufacturing processes, which can be applied in the downstream supply chain in a practical and productive manner.
• Eliminate losses through lean manufacturing and lean distribution initiatives, reduce operating costs, slash inventories, reduce floor space, and improve customer service.
• Understand how to break through the forecast accuracy barrier by applying proven Lean practices that reduce costs and simplify distribution processes.
• Resolve the forecasting dilemma and discuss an actionable road map to transform the supply chain with specific recommendations to implement improvements.
• Describing the principles and a foundation to provide a comprehensive, real-world framework and specific recommendations for customizing a Lean approach to transform distribution in any business.

Course Outline

Taking the Lean Approach

• The lean change in distribution
• The RFID change Dilemma
• The forecast barrier
• The balancing act
• Business and operational plans
• Forecast accuracy
• Another approach
• The traffic analogy
• Improving distribution operations
• Lean paradigm shifts
• Lean distribution framework
• Lean distribution transformation
• Role of information technology
• Applications for lean distribution

Distribution Challenges

• Customer directions
• Global sourcing
• Cost reduction
• Lean streamlining
• New challenges?
• Functional silos

Optimizing Distribution

• Distribution sports franchise analogy
• Optimizing distribution
• Technology infrastructure
• Lowering production/Sourcing costs
• Improving inventory management
• Maximizing asset utilization
• Technology directions

IT Transforms Distribution Processes

• Distribution business processes
• ERP Transformation

Lean Operating Capabilities

• The Lean Approach
• Managing uncertainty with Lean
• Lean and DRP: Collaboration
• Lean-Enabled Collaboration

Customer Service Policy

• Overview of Customer Service Policy
• Segmentation
• Service strategies

Buffer Strategy

• Overview of Buffer strategy
• Determine service strategies
• Service distinctions

Pull Approach

• Pull Trigger
• Replenishment orders
• Inventory targets
• Buffer management

Conclusion

• The simplicity challenge
• Planning transformation
• Lean distribution benefits
• Selling the lean distribution vision
• Implementing lean distribution