Lean Distribution: Applying Lean Manufacturing to Distribution, Logistics, and Supply Chain

Description

"Kirk Zylstra's focus 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." ―Travis Jarrell Institute of Industrial Engineers Program Committee Chair " Lean Distribution is a comprehensive yet concise work with clear leanings. Kirk's experience across a range of industries brings a unique understanding of common opportunities and solutions available to optimize distribution processes. Lean techniques, typically effective in manufacturing processes, are applied in the downstream supply chain in a practical and productive manner that will offer something to any business distributing tangible goods." ―F. Jeff Duncan Jr. VP, CIO, and Director of Technology Louisiana Pacific Corp. " Lean Distribution has robustly captured the revolution occurring in today's increasingly competitive and global supply chain. Eliminating losses through lean manufacturing and lean distribution initiatives will become even more critical enablers to organizations developing cost-advantaged supply chains." ―Rick McDonald Director of Manufacturing The Clorox Company Review: bueno..pero carece de ejercicios y aplicaciones concretas - Está bien el libro, pero quiza le faltan "ejemplos y ejercicios concretos que ayuden a entender la puesta en práctica de los conceptos expuestos. El libro se queda en un aspecto general bastante introductorio. Review: Longwinded and lacking detail - As an experienced manufacturing and distribution consultant I was very disappointed with this book. The first half of the book goes on and on about how current distribution inputs are "bad", specifically forecasts and says the lean distribution will help solve all your problems (my exaggeration). Unfortunately, like many lean writers, the author really doesn't give you many fresh ideas or detail, other than "lean is good". His answer to most demand uncertainty is to drop forecasting and go to period review (hardly new for the readers of Plossl and Wight), except if you have long lead time items...like anyone that sources overseas. Cutting lead times, using MAD for safety stock are other "relevations", again hardly new to anyone that has read and understood Plossl and Wight. To be fair, this would be a good primer for someone with little distribution experience. However, if you have a reasonable amount of experience in distribution and/or inventory planning, you may not find anything new here.