ABSTRACT
Weak links show up at any “seam” in the supply chain. This can be in the organization or at interfaces with trading partners. A weak link can also be upstream or downstream of one's own trading partners. In theory, these links are beyond direct control of the company but still affect the cost of doing business. The entry recommends how to weed and feed the supplier base and how to set up “pull” demand‐driven replenishment decision making that replaces “push” forecast‐driven decision making. Popular techniques mentioned include the Theory of Constraints (TOC), replenishment types, the 3C Alternative to MRPII, and ABC inventory/supplier rationalization.
