Supply Chain Problems: "For Want of a Nail..."

This chapter looks at some of the issues with the supply chain that cause downtime and some ideas on how to deal with them. It starts with the internal issues because they should be the easier ones to tackle. ERP certainly has its place and its benefits. Sometimes materials are not delivered to the line when needed even when it is known where they are. Every company needs a golden rule - all materials need to be at the line before the line needs them. The best solution uses sensors to identify low levels of material and activates the andon light early enough that material can be brought to the line before the line shuts down. Raw materials and WIP should be stored at the use point wherever possible. A Water Spider is a higher level job and can be a critical part of a Lean initiative.