Kaizen Supply Chain Case Study

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KAIZEN APPROACH TO SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT: FIRS STEP FOR TRANSFORMING SUPPLY CHAIN INTO LEAN SUPPLY CHAIN. Chains are usually series of entities established for the sole purpose of offering services and goods to the market and the management mechanisms for supply chains vary significantly. One of the most prominent management approach employed in chains is the lean supply chain management. Kaizen approach to boost the lean control mechanism is an integral part of the process, usually applied at the early stages of the lean management strategy.
To establish the effectiveness of the daily Kaizen approach when identifying the limitations of the supply chain, a case study was conducted. The subject of the study was an assembling company that …show more content…

Alternatively, the diagram is also known as fishbone drawing or the cause and effect illustration. Individual participants filled their Ishikawa diagrams which were later evaluated to establish the most voted cause of the problem. Four main causes of the frequent delays were identified through the application of the Ishikawa diagram. Inefficient communication, surplus supplies, complex purchasing procedures, and supplier related issues were attributed to the constant delay of deliveries to …show more content…

An observation was made that three-quarters of the challenges were as a result of the company’s processes and so an improvement was needed in the company’s procedures. Through brainstorming, various participants suggested various corrective measures and how to apply those particular measures. After conclusive discussions and analysis, simplification and reduction of the purchase procedure were resolved as the most viable method to counteract delay issues.
Lean management mechanisms as well as the one day Kaizen approach are very useful tools in the identification of all problems and their causes in supply chains. Other simple application tools such as the fishbone diagram, brainstorming, and the 5XWhy are useful instruments in the process of problem identification for supply chains. These devices are accurate since they help in the focus shift for the suppliers to improve their purchase procedures. These tools are appropriate for problem evaluation and identification of the most suitable remedy actions for chain

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