10.2 Design for logistics
Given that a supply chain could be efficient or responsive, depending on the nature of the product, it makes sense to explore ways in which the value of the product can be enhanced. The road to that enhancement can be achieved through adoption of three key strategies related with the design and manufacturing of the ' core product'. These can be considered as essential supply chain activities. They are:
- packaging aimed at easier transportation, handling and cheaper transportation
- using concurrent and parallel processing in manufacturing to reduce manufacturing cycle time
- using postponement/delayed differentiation to better manage demand.