Creating the responsive supply chain

11 important questions on Creating the responsive supply chain



Where does Lean owe his origins to?

Toyota Production Systems (TPS) and its focus on the reduction of waste. Also known as Muda.

Explain the Generic supply chain strategies matrix

Supply - Short LT / Demand - Predictable = Kanban (continuous replenishment)
Supply - Long LT / Demand - Predictable = Lean (plan and optimise)
Supply - Long LT / Demand - Unpredictable = Hybrid (de-couple through postponement)
Supply - Short LT / Demand - Unpredictable - Agile (quick response)

Explain the variables in the Volume/variability matrix.

Volume = the level of demand for a product over a period of time
Variability = the extent to which the level of demand changes from one period to another
  • Higher grades + faster learning
  • Never study anything twice
  • 100% sure, 100% understanding
Discover Study Smart

Explain the Volume/variability matrix

Variability - Low / Volume - Low = Lean and efficient (predictable but small volumes)
Variability - High / Volume - Low = Simplify and justify (undpredictable 'spikey' volumes)
Variability - High / Volume - High = Separate base and surge (base volume with unpredictable surges)
Variability - Low / Volume - High = Continuos replenishment (large predictable volumes)

What is the EOQ formula?




A = Annual usage / demand
S = Ordering cost / set-up cost
i = Inventory carrying cost

What is safety stock?

Additional inventory for when demand increases during replenishment or when replenishment takes longer than planned.

What does market sensitive mean?

Capable of reading and responding to real demand

What does the arm's-length approach mean?

Suppliers and buyers only care about the transaction

What are the foundations of agility?

  1. Synchronise activities through shared information
  2. Work smarter, not harder
  3. Partner with suppliers to reduce in-bound lead-times
  4. Seek to reduce complexity
  5. Postpone the final configuration/assembly/distribution of products
  6. Manage processes not just functions
  7. Utilise appropriate performance metrics

Which kind of customers are there and which supply chain strategy fits them?

  1. Driven by cost - Lean
  2. Driven by service/responsiveness - Agile
  3. Seeking specific solutions - Customised

Which three dimensions provide the platform for any supply chain?

  1. (Lead)time
  2. Inventory
  3. Throughput capacity

The question on the page originate from the summary of the following study material:

  • A unique study and practice tool
  • Never study anything twice again
  • Get the grades you hope for
  • 100% sure, 100% understanding
Remember faster, study better. Scientifically proven.
Trustpilot Logo