Released on: July 14, 2008, 3:51 am

Press Release Author: Thomas R. Cutler

Industry: Software

Press Release Summary: Datacraft Solutions' Van Nostrand Offers Kanban Advice

Press Release Body: Ron Van Nostrand, CPIM, MBA, is the Services Project Manager for
Datacraft Solutions. According to Van Nostrand there are some simple pieces of
advice that assist companies in moving forward in digital kanban. The maxims of
kanban and pull systems are:
1) never ship bad product to your customer;
2) ship the exact quantity ordered;
3) deliver on-time (not early, not late).

It has been said "Uncertainty is the Mother of All Inventory" (a quote from Martin
Christopher). According to Van Nostrand, "Using consumption based replenishment
will help your organization lower on-hand inventory levels. As you reduce inventory
levels, your exposure to the risk of running out of key items increases and that
could stop your production line. Worse, a stock-out can prevent you from shipping
on-time to your customers and you could possibly shut down their production lines.
It takes time, creative thinking, persistence and negotiating skill to eliminate
variability in your supply chain. You seldom have leverage to change the
unpredictable demand patterns of your customers, but if you are determined, you can
work with your suppliers to change the paradigms of key relationships. If you don't
have a formal Supplier Development Program, start one now. Look for every
opportunity to reduce and eliminate variability in your supply chain partners,
upstream to suppliers, within your four walls and downstream with your customers. In
today's intensely competitive global marketplace, the most efficient and cost
effective supply chain wins. It's no longer my company versus your company
competition. It's my supply chain against your supply chain. Remember, inventory is
expensive and carrying costs run between 20% - 35%. The cost of inventory in your
supply chain will always have to be paid by the end customer, so it can be a huge
competitive edge when inventory is minimized across the supply chain."

Datacraft Solutions (www.datacraftsolutions.com) delivers a revolutionary digital
kanban process of automation solutions to lean manufacturers through a secure
Internet gateway, eliminating the need to install and maintain a complex IT
infrastructure. The company has experienced significant growth in the past two years
by eliminating complicated, expensive, time-intensive software implementations as
well as extensive training regimens and the need for internal support. Datacraft
Solutions' replenishment supply chain digital kanban system allows customers to
access and utilize powerful lean benefits immediately for a low, predictable monthly
fee. Services are scalable so manufacturers can design an appropriate digital kanban
solution.


Datacraft Solutions
www.datacraftsolutions.com
Sonja Foust
sfoust@datacraftsolutions.net
800-819-5326



Web Site: http://www.datacraftsolutions.com

Contact Details: Datacraft Solutions
604 W. Morgan St.
Suite B-9
Durham, NC 27701
800-819-5326