Abstract

NEL, JD  and  BADENHORST-WEISS, JA. Using a theoretical road map for the management of lean supply chains. JCMAN [online]. 2012, vol.9, n.1, pp.190-211. ISSN 1815-7440.

Lean supply chains aim to reduce cost and waste and have to be managed accordingly. The article proposes a theoretical road map for managing lean supply chains. The road map consists of three major elements. The first element establishes whether organisations should implement a lean supply chain strategy or not. This decision is based on the supply chain determinants of market demand predictability, market winners and the position of the supply chain's decoupling point (if necessary). Once a lean supply chain strategy is suggested based on these theoretical principles, the road map advises organisations how their supply chain drivers should be managed to conform to lean supply chain principles. The road map also indicates which key performance indicators are important to measure performance within lean supply chains. The road map was tested empirically within four organisations. The article concludes that the road map can be useful for organisations to manage their lean supply chains.

Keywords : lean supply chain; supply chain driver; supply chain performance; supply chain strategy.

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