Unlike other strategic procurement guides, Lean Supply Chain Management considers an organization's "business condition" as a contributing factor in the development of a strategic procurement strategy. That is, rather than taking a "one-size fits all" approach, the author's more individualized approach illustrates techniques specific to organizations operating in a standard or crisis environment.

Highlights include:

• Methods for developing and tracking strategic procurement initiatives.
• Planning in the "standard" and "crisis" environments.
• Coordinating supply chain management and lean manufacturing.
• Performance measurement tools.

Lean Supply Chain Management provides purchasers and supplier development professionals with the tools needed to transform procurement from a mere cost center to a profit generator.

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With 60% to 70% of the cost of a company's manufactured product now residing within the value chain of suppliers (i.e., bought out), he champions the creation of a Chief Procurement Officer to underscore the vital contribution that purchasing makes to corporate profits.

His book's underlying theme is the collaborative approach to supply chain management - working with the suppliers to improve designs and processes, optimize costs and reduce lead times while surprising and delighting the customer. Encouraging companies to put away the big sticks when they deal with their suppliers, he provides solid advice for supply chain management in standard as well as crisis environments. He demonstrates how sound principles of lean theory and action can be coordinated with enlightened supply chain management practices to add value to bottom-line profits.

This book puts the strategic focus back into the purchasing function. I highly recommend this book.

4 of 4 found the following review helpful:

A Practical Step-by-Step Approach to a Lean Supply ChainNov 22, 2006
By Kelly K. Pedersen
This books provides an excellent detailed road map for taking Lean concepts to the supply chain. Many of the publications I've read summarize the success companies have had in implementing Lean concepts. This book goes well beyond that, outlining HOW to take Lean to the supply chain. The book includes a 5 phase process with step-by-step instructions for each phase.

The real "jewel" in the book is the authors discussion of companies in a "crisis environment" versus companies in a "normal environment". Lean initiatives are often initiated as a result of a company finding itself in a "crisis". These initiatives fail because Lean practictioners are unable to recognize the need, or are unable to deliver, the quick results needed in a time of crisis.

This book is a "must have" for anyone wanting to take Lean concepts to their supply chain.

2 of 2 found the following review helpful:

Using the bookJan 07, 2004

After reading Lean Supply Chain Management, we began adopting the practices in our operations in the U.S. and in England. We immediately saw improvements that we expected would take months to achieve. Without a doubt, we will continue to implement the improvements Mr. Wincel writes about in his book.