Supplier consolidation lowers costs and improves productivity as long as there is a complete understanding of the customers' needs and goods are distributed by a demand supply chain. According to Stephen Parker, CEO of North Carolina-based Datacraft
Solutions, "The reduction of waste associated with rarely used items in inventory allows distributors to focus on core competencies and production effort is vital. No time should be wasted sourcing and procuring infrequently used items. There are very few digital Kanban systems, and the old Kanban card system has severe restrictions when there is an external supplier in the supply chain. Digital Kanban re-orders based only on actual consumption are electronically communicated during each phase of replenishment."
'Daily Demand Import Interface' (DDII) provides alternative sources for inputs necessary to derive optimal inventory levels for large numbers of parts or card sets within the existing product base. Using a DDII tool allows distributors to quickly and easily upload 'Average Daily Demand' data and reset the calculation.
DDII web applications have three major components: Import Demand, Calculation Reports, and Print Cards. The complete article authored by manufacturing journalist TR Cutler in Supply Chain Management & Logistics 2.0 may be read at http://trcutlerinc.com/Supply%20Chain%20Management%202.0%20-%20Cutler%20Jun'07.pdf.
Datacraft Solutions (www.datacraftsolutions.com) delivers a revolutionary digital kanban process of automation solutions to lean manufacturers through a secure Internet gateway, eliminating the need to install and maintain a complex IT infrastructure. The company has experienced significant growth in the past twelve months by eliminating complicated, expensive, time-intensive software implementations as well as extensive training regiments and the need for internal support. The Datacraft Solutions' demand driven supply chain digital kanban lean system allows customers access and fully utilize powerful lean benefits immediately for a low, predictable monthly fee. Services are scalable so manufacturers and distributors can design an appropriate digital kanban solution.
