Lean Supply Chain
Lean Supply Chain Practices Lead to Stronger Companies – and Careers
A company can ensure its financial strength not only by providing a high-quality product or service, but also by following the Lean supply chain objective of eliminating waste. Waste takes many forms, including time, inventory and money, all of which can substantially hurt a company’s bottom line. Wasting time leads to an inefficient operation. Wasting inventory and money compromises profitability. But these forms of waste aren’t always apparent. A thorough analysis of the supply chain – followed by the implementation of Lean supply chain strategies – is crucial for any business that is part of or relies upon a supply chain.
Practical Application of Lean Supply Chain Management Methods
Lean supply chain management does not work the same way for all companies. Creating a customized supply chain model is the preferred solution. Key aspects of this include:
- Analyzing the entire existing supply chain process from end to end
- Mapping out an ideal new supply chain
- Looking for gaps or redundancies that add unnecessary time to processes
- Determining the root causes of issues, rather than just addressing their symptoms
- Getting buy-in from everyone from upper management to the people who load the trucks
- Developing solid metrics that will quantify improvements
Overall, it is important to remember that a successful Lean supply chain does not entail a one-time change, but an ongoing assessment and readjustment of business practices. It takes a lot of planning, hard work and discipline, but the resulting benefits make it well worth the effort.
Lean Supply Chain Management Expertise Leads to Career Advancement and More
Supply chain specialists can add significant value to their companies by learning and implementing Lean principles. And with the American Society for Quality (ASQ) reporting a 3% increase* in the average wages of quality assurance jobs during a recession that saw many salaries fall, it’s clear such expertise can also add financial value to their careers. Lean supply chain proficiency is best gained through training from an established, respected educational institution. The University of San Francisco, ranked one of “America’s Best Colleges” by U.S. News & World Report, offers a variety of 100% online supply chain courses, including Lean Supply Chain Management. This expert-led program helps participants develop the expertise to reduce waste and increase savings and efficiency enterprise-wide. What’s more, it’s presented in a format that makes learning convenient:
- Lectures are available anywhere, 24/7, via streaming video and CD-ROM
- The virtual classroom eliminates commutes and traditional class schedules
- There are no required login times
- Each session can be completed in eight weeks or less
Become a Lean supply chain leader, or develop a team of Lean experts. Ask for more information about the University of San Francisco’s 100% online program today!
*Source: ASQ article published on QualityDigest.com, December 1, 2009
