Lean manufacturing offers the promise of improved manufacturing performance, greater flexibility and higher profits. Yet the focus on lean manufacturing has largely been within the four walls of the plant - streamlining floor layouts; cutting out non-value added tasks and eliminating inefficient inventory stores. Lean advocates are starting to realize, however, that in order to fully leverage the advantages of "lean," manufacturers need to extend the lean principles to their supplier-facing procurement and replenishment processes.

SupplyWorks MAX makes it easier for manufacturers to integrate their suppliers tightly into a lean manufacturing environment, thereby increasing inventory turns, eliminating waste, and lowering costs.

Applying lean principles to the supply side of the plant can help manufacturers:

• Cut lot sizes and lead times resulting in lower inventories
• Achieve best-in-class procurement and receiving processes
• Create visibility, and eliminate non-value-added activities
• Reduce costs by eliminating waste in the supply base
• Continuously improve key procurement processes
• Align supplier metrics with lean principles

There are many improvements in lean supply management that simply cannot be made without appropriate supporting technology. For more information on how SupplyWorks MAX can be the enabling technology in implementing a lean supply management program, or to answer any other questions about Lean Manufacturing and SupplyWorks MAX, contact Consona today.