An examination of multiple mapping techniques for supply chain optimisation: a case of the footwear industry

Abstract

Lead time reduction is one of the targeted aims of any organisation as it is linked with process efficiencies and greater profitability. One of the most used tools in this aspect is lean manufacturing (LM). In order to be lean, organisations must analyse their processes to find out the waste and ways to reduce that waste. In this paper, we are using different mapping techniques to analyse the footwear supply chain processes, process breakdown structure (PBS), order fulfilment map, and pipeline mapping. The aim is to analyse the processes that have a small production capacity, and in order to fulfil the demand of the customers, it has outsourced its production and has opted for supplier-based production. Another goal is to differentiate the processes of inhouse and supplier-based production on the basis of lead time for both cases. We highlight the value added (VA) activities, non-value added (NVA) activities, and other wastes in the supply chain (SC) processes. After analysing the process flaws, LM tools are used to improve the process. In order to improve the SC processes, the most important concept is the integration of SC processes. Integrated processes focus on strong linkages and communication with each other.