In Lean Management, there are 7 types of waste (non-value add) that are identified: Overproduction, overprocessing, excess inventory, transportation, defects/rework/scrap, excess motion, and waiting. However, if I have a global supply chain, I have to have transportation of goods between suppliers, processors, distributors, retailers, and customers. Which of the following best describes how to think about transportation in terms of Lean principles?
| a |
Transportation should be paid for by customers and suppliers, so it is not a “real” waste. |
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| b |
Transportation is just necessary and it doesn’t count as a “real” waste. |
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| c |
Transportation will eventually be eliminated by teleportation. |
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| d |
Transportation should be examined for the potential minimization. This could include optimizing delivery routes, optimizing shipments, or positioning inventory closer to the point of use. |
