Lean Distribution: Applying Lean Manufacturing to Distribution, Logistics, and Supply Chain

By Kirk D Zylstra and Kirk D. Zylstra

Book Overview

"Kirk Zylstra's focus on the customer is a fresh approach to lean. Companies that can bear the burden of variability will develop a strategic advantage in today's volatile market."
--Travis Jarrell Institute of Industrial Engineers Program Committee Chair

"Lean Distribution is a comprehensive yet concise work with clear leanings. Kirk's experience across a range of industries brings a unique understanding of common opportunities and solutions available to optimize distribution processes. Lean techniques, typically effective in manufacturing processes, are applied in the downstream supply chain in a practical and productive manner that will offer something to any business distributing tangible goods."
--F. Jeff Duncan Jr. VP, CIO, and Director of Technology Louisiana Pacific Corp.

"Lean Distribution has robustly captured the revolution occurring in today's increasingly competitive and global supply chain. Eliminating losses through lean manufacturing and lean distribution initiatives will become even more critical enablers to organizations developing cost-advantaged supply chains."
--Rick McDonald Director of Manufacturing The Clorox Company

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0471740756
• ISBN13: 9780471740759
• Release Date: November 2005
• Publisher: Wiley
• Length: 240 Pages
• Weight: 1.01 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 6.4" x 9.3"

Customer Reviews

Lean Distribution is a "must have" text on supply chain optimization

Zylstra has effectively packaged more than two decades of experience as a leading practitioner of production and supply chain optimization. Sharing client experiences has allowed Zylstra to add context to what at times is necessarily a technical path to getting the most out of your supply chain for both your organization and your customers. Lean Distribution is a "must have" text on how to successfully analyze and implement proven optimization techniques.

Excellent primer for how to do distribution right

This book is an excellent guidebook for how to setup distribution right the first time. I found many concepts inside that were highly applicable to my business which involves several different and complex distribution challenges due to compliance and lead time constraints. I would encourage anyone looking to setup a distribution network or rework one to read this book.

Good addition to logistician's tool kit

Applying well tested "Lean principles" across the entire supply chain is the theme of this book. Kirk has done well in expanding lean thinking to distribution challenges as well as pointing out practical ways to apply them successfully. "Pull" verse "push" is not new but he explains how to fully transform a supply chain into demand chain; where end consumer demand triggers replenishment; "When cash registers ring the factory hears and builds to replenish" He incorporates a holistic view of logistics, and warns to avoid pitfall of optimizing one element at the expense of others. Key nuggets in this book include: * Building nimble processes which are simple and responsive to overcome the challenge of forecast inaccuracy. * Establishing segmented customer service levels based on customer's replenishment methods and partnership maturity. Well thought out, with practical and field tested solutions makes this a valuable addition to every supply chain professional and logisticians tool kit

Outstanding Insights on Lean Distribution/SCM, Methodically written

Kirk has done an outstanding job in decomposing the issues and content related to an area that is receiving broader attention as businesses leverage lean techniques "outside the four walls". For business models looking for advantages and cost containment opportunities, this is a good place to start to better understand the complexities and techniques associated with Lean Distribution. It is clear that he has been "around the block" with respect to seeing and developing this expertise for businesses across multiple industries and I am encouraged to see others sharing their expertise in this domain (which often lacks the attention it deserves). Overall, well-written, methodically explained and great insights throughout. A great book to supplement any academic curriculum or Supply Chain initative in my opinion

A fresh perspective on Lean outside the factory

I found this to be interesting read on using lean principles to streamline the supply chain between the plant and the customer. Too often, Lean (like TOC, Six Sigma, etc.) is described by its followers as the magic solution for every problem. Refreshingly, Zylstra has not only addressed a specific topic, but also hasn't claimed that it always works perfectly and should never be questioned. From a reader's perspective, the book is well written -- the case for lean distribution is made clearly through a series of brief chapters that serve as building blocks toward a logical, cogent conclusion. By matching my own experiences to the methods and concepts presented in the book, there appears to be a great deal of "been there, done that" behind the author's positions. Many of the clients I have worked with -- and had great success with -- could benefit from spending some time with this book and thinking about how they could further improve using the concepts covered. Overall, a pretty strong effort from what looks like a first-time author.