tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5865768815327716731.post1026491375527335038..comments2008-03-24T09:02:36.214-04:00Ralph Bernsteinhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14872065446489560244noreply@blogger.comBlogger1125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5865768815327716731.post-22104801093058432882008-03-24T04:51:00.000-04:002008-03-24T04:51:00.000-04:002008-03-24T04:51:00.000-04:00Hello,<BR/>I agree that the supply chain complexity is increasing day by day. To my understanding most CPG companies use traditional batch manufacturing systems. Though it is hard in that industry to move from batch manufacturing to continuous flow, they can adopt optimal (small) lot sizes. One of the biggest wastes in CPG industry is the inventory thru the supply chain. They maintain several weeks supply if not months as many products have huge shelf life. Those in the short shelf-life / perishable / chilled food industry maintain a few days to few weeks inventory. The challenge is to cut down on the inentories in the distribution channel and at the same time reduce order to delivery cycle.<BR/>Lean can definitely help but it needs a change of mind set.<BR/><BR/>Vishnu Rayapeddi<BR/>Productivity Solutions Limited<BR/>www.solutions4productivity.comVishnuhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/08225974286054049897noreply@blogger.com