ABSTRACT
A lean supply chain focuses on adding value for customers, while identifying and eliminating waste – anything that doesn't add that value, often through the standardization of processes and systems. While lean can improve quality and productivity, and reduce waste and cost, an agile and responsive supply chain is also important in an omni-channel environment, as the customer controls not just what to buy, but also the when, where, and how. The changes affect the entire organization – facilities, equipment, technology, and people – and agility is critical to supporting omni-channel requirements because the environment is constantly changing. Because of this, the key to achieving an agile supply chain in an omni-channel world is orchestration: Having the technology and systems in place to move products through the supply chain seamlessly while still being in control at the origin. Retail supply chain management then focuses on the need to optimize those processes to maximize both speed and efficiency.
