Improving the Extended Value Stream: Lean for the Entire Supply Chain

When most teams map a lean value stream, they tend to focus on internal processes, and many organizations have reaped the benefits of implementing lean within their own facilities. The total value stream, however, for a typical product crosses many different organizations and suppliers. In Improving the Extended Value Stream: Lean for the Entire Supply Chain, Darren Dolcemascolo presents a step-by-step plan for extending lean manufacturing across the entire supply chain. He makes the case for improving the extended value stream by demonstrating the benefits: increased profitability, reduced lead times and inventory, and better quality. He then presents proven methods for sustaining success and continuously improving the entire supply chain. The techniques addressed include extended value stream mapping, process kaizen, outsourcing strategy, supplier evaluation, and supplier integration activities as they relate to a lean supply chain. Readers of this book will learn how to extend lean manufacturing to the entire supply chain, magnifying the benefits of lean manufacturing to their bottom line.