Lean and Technology: Working Hand in Hand to Enable and Energize Your Global Supply Chain

4. Software and Hardware Sourcing Process and Applications of Supply Chain and Logistics Management Technology

Before delving into the various supply chain processes and discussing where Lean and technology can work together for a business, we need to discuss the identification of requirements and subsequent technology selection and implementation process. Failing to do this in a thorough and thoughtful manner can lead to disaster, resulting in not only less-than-expected benefits but additional costs and delays.

The Procurement Process

In many ways, the software and hardware decision process has much in common with other sourcing decisions for goods and services. Figure 4.1 shows a generic procurement cycle; these cycles may vary depending ...