Question

Effective SCM requires reducing cost, increasing inventory velocity and compressing cycle time. What of the following is true? 1. Different product categories might require a different mix of these three objectives. 2. This is a tricky question, all options with a specific answer are true. 3. The three goals have to be accomplished at the same time. 4. More frequently than not, the three objectives are compatible.

Answer 1

Answer:

The answer is: 4) More frequently than not, the three objectives are compatible.

Explanation:

Toyota is famous for its Just in Time (JIT) management. They are the absolute kings of efficient supply chain management and they were able to do it by making the three objectives compatible. That doesn't mean that they all have to be dealt with at the same time and with the same intensity.

Toyota's first goal was to reduce costs and in order to reduce costs they had to increase their inventory turnover. Then they discovered that in order to keep increasing inventory turnover, they had to compress their cycle time. When they were able to compress their cycle time, their turnover increased even more and their costs were lowered. The system produces continuous feedback and their efficiency keeps increasing.

I once visited one of their factories that produces almost 500 pickup trucks per day and every single work station had available inventory for only 4 trucks; only 4 engines, 16 doors, etc. It is amazing how they do it considering that every 3 minutes one truck is fully produced.

The three objectives are not only compatible, but they are absolutely necessary for the SCM to be effective.