CHANGE FOR THE BETTER! Learn to create world-class logistics and supply chains in any industry using kaizen's seven main principles At a time when businesses are restructuring to become more competitive, many seek a road map to improve their operations. Kaizen in Logistics and Supply Chains is at the forefront of this journey--and can point you in the right direction to help your company in implementing innovative production and logistics systems and changing its culture for the better. Based on the themes of Masaaki Imai's bestseller, Gemba Kaizen, considered the "bible" of the quality/management movement, this new work provides the first highly detailed explanation of how to create world-class logistics and supply chains regardless of industry. It includes more than 200 photographs, flow diagrams, value stream maps, and tables--and features a case study that illustrates how a company became more competitive by successfully implementing kaizen principles. There's never been a better guide to lead your company's quest for improvement. KEY FEATURES: Explanation of how the seven main kaizen principles can be applied to transform world-class logistics and worldwide supply chains Prerequisites for implementing these systems, including stabilization and change management activities Concrete steps to implementing kanban systems, internal and external logistics loops, design flow production lines, and supermarket systems Detailed real-world case study to illustrate successful implementation of the book's theories, and scorecards so readers can evaluate their progress in practice Foreword by Masaaki Imai, Founder and Chairman of the Kaizen Institute, and author of the bestseller Gemba Kaizen

"The documented benchmarks for success and the many examples help explicate the complexities for the reader. The book is organized and written so that it will be useful as an introduction to the field and also as a reference when special challenges arise for the practicing manager." -- DR. JOHN J. COYLE, Professor Emeritus of Logistics and Supply Chain Management, Department of Supply Chain and Information Systems, Smeal College of Business, Pennsylvania State University "The book is a must-read for all supply chain managers seeking to drive down costs and improve profits and must be read before any investment is made in your supply chain. Get copies for your controller and all senior managers...this book lays it all out." -- DR. RICHARD LANCIONI, Chair, Marketing & Supply Chain Management, Fox School of Business, Temple University Expert Strategies for Improving Supply Chain and Logistics Performance Using Lean This practical guide reveals how to identify and eliminate waste in your organization's supply chain and logistics function. Lean Supply Chain and Logistics Management provides explanations of both basic and advanced Lean tools, as well as specific Lean implementation opportunities. The book then describes a Lean implementation methodology with critical success factors. Real-world examples and case studies demonstrate how to effectively use this powerful strategy to realize significant, long-term improvements and bottom-line savings. COVERAGE INCLUDES: * Using Lean to energize your supply chain * The eight wastes * Lean opportunities and JIT in supply chain and logistics * Lean tools and warehouse * Global lean supply chain and logistics * Lean opportunity assessment, value stream mapping, and Kaizen event management * Best-in-class use of technology with Lean * Metrics and measurement * Education and training Valuable training slides are available for download.

Capitalize on a Powerful, 10-Step Improvement Process to Identify and Solve Supply Chain Problems in Industrial Organizations! Six Sigma practitioners and industrial managers who want to improve supply chain effectiveness in their organizations now have a powerful new weapon to add to their arsenal! Lean Six Sigma for Supply Chain Management offers a unique 10-step improvement process for identifying and solving the root causes of supply chain problems in everyday operations. Written by Master Black Belt James William Martin, this proven management tool combines key aspects of Lean Manufacturing (from the Toyota Production System) and Six Sigma management principles in order to create a Lean Six Sigma approach that can dramatically improve supply chain function. Lean Six Sigma for Supply Chain Management contains specific information for developing inventory models, metrics for aligning objectives with strategic goals, a concise overview of supply chain concepts, and models illustrating how lead time and demand impact customer service and inventory investment levels. This vital resource features: A complete program for Lean Six Sigma improvement and control The latest Lean Six Sigma methods to identify and manage supply chains Expert help with Lean Six Sigma supply chains and third party logistics Applications of Lean Six Sigma to MRPII Guidance on root-cause analysis using Six Sigma tools Designed to help Six Sigma professionals and frontline managers achieve higher levels of competitiveness, Lean Six Sigma for Supply Chain Management provides the guidelines, tools, and techniques required to eliminate supply chain problems and boost company performance.

The goal of this book is to gain a clear picture of the current status and future challenges with regard to the digitalization of the supply chain – from the perspective of the suppliers, the manufacturers, and the customers. They were the target groups of the book. Digitization has touched upon all aspects of businesses, including supply chains. Technologies such as RFID, GPS, and sensors have enabled organizations to transform their existing hybrid (combination of paper-based and IT-supported processes) supply chain structures into more f lexible, open, agile, and collaborative digital models. Unlike hybrid supply chain models, which have resulted in rigid organizational structures, unobtainable data, and disjointed relationships with partners, digital supply chains enable business process automation, organizational flexibility, and digital management of corporate assets. In order to reap maximum benefits from digital supply chain models, it is important that companies internalize it as an integral part of the overall business model and organizational structure. Localized disconnected projects and silo-based operations pose a serious threat to competitiveness in an increasingly digital world. The technologies discussed in this text – artificial intelligence, 3D printing, Internet of things, etc. – are beginning to come together to help digitize, automate, integrate, and improve the global supply chains. It’s certainly an exciting and challenging time for both new supply chain professionals and long-time supply chain professionals.