There are entire books, thorough training, and certification processes all devoted to lean supply-chain practices. But within any manufacturing environment, there are a few relatively simple steps that will help any enterprise to make its supply chain more lean. This article touches on these simple measures—ones that any company can take.

Lean in a supply-chain context is about a holistic view of procurement, manufacturing, distribution, and sales-order processing. This means that some level of enterprise technology is necessary to view the organization in an integrated context instead of as functional islands. However, before technology can facilitate the lean supply chain, manufacturing executives need to start thinking in lean supply-chain terms. We will be reviewing those terms and sharing the key concepts that are the foundation for the lean effort.

In short, we will discuss:
• Four tips to help you bring lean supply-chain improvements to your manufacturing operation
• Six technology tools that help automate these lean supply-chain practices

 …