Understanding Lean Distribution

Omaha, NE – The concept of Lean Distribution has grown in popularity over the past decade, but have you really taken the time to explore its meaning? At PartnerConnect! 07, DMSi presented a pre-conference seminar, “Understanding Lean Distribution.” Forty participants from 20 companies joined the interactive session to learn about the principles of Lean Manufacturing as they apply to distribution.

Historically, the term “Lean” has most commonly been linked with manufacturing. Likewise, Lean Distribution uses the simple, but powerful, principles of eliminating all wastes to run more efficiently and profitably. Lean organizations focus exclusively on providing customer defined value. If your customer would not pay for your company to perform a task – then it is a waste and should be eliminated.

Customers, representing various building material industries, participated in activities to help identify wastes within their organizations. While learning about lean tools such as the “Five S’s”:  Sort, Straighten, Scrub, Systematize and Standardize; attendees discussed real world scenarios and brainstormed on how to simplify daily tasks. Most importantly, DMSi customers spent time networking and sharing stories of their success with one another.

Companies don’t become lean overnight. It takes years of improvement and a dedication to changing their company’s culture. But, as participants discussed, writing policies and procedures is one approach, but changing a company’s culture is quite another – and it isn’t easy. The long term approach of “Culture eats strategy for lunch” is critical for lean thinking to take hold within an organization.

“The ‘Understanding Lean Distribution’ seminar was informative and fun,” explains Steve Chambers, President of Harper Chambers Lumber. “Since the seminar was my first brush with lean concepts, I’ve ordered some of the recommended reading material.”

DMSi uses lean concepts in the creation of its software. For more information on DMSi software, call 402.330.6620, email dmsi@dmsi.com, or visit www.dmsi.com.

About DMSi Software
For over 30 years, DMSi has been the leading business management solution for distributors of building material and forest products. Nearly 400 of North America’s top lumber, millwork, roofing, siding, laminate, drywall, and other building product suppliers use DMSi software to efficiently manage daily activities in 1,100 distribution yards, shops, warehouses and offices.

Press Contacts
Distribution Management Systems, Inc.
402.330.6620
dmsi@dmsi.com

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