MAY 2006

For Immediate Release

APPLY LEAN TO ENTIRE SUPPLY CHAIN AND INCREASE YOUR BOTTOM LINE

New York… Many organizations have reaped the benefits of implementing lean manufacturing internally. However, when most people map a lean value stream, they tend to focus on internal processes. But, the total value stream for a typical product crosses many different organizations. Thus, much of the total cost of a product depends on supplier processes, which are not addressed in a typical lean manufacturing implementation. For many lean manufacturers, this has resulted in major frustration.

Today, the most popular approach to reducing supply chain costs in to switch from local to offshore suppliers. Although this reduces the "per-unit" product cost, off-shoring often does not result in bottom-line improvement because it simultaneously creates excess inventory and other wastes. Therefore, the lean solution to reducing overall supply chain cost is to apply the principles of lean in a systematic way to the entire supply chain.

Now, with Productivity Press new, Improving the Extended Value Stream - - Lean for the Entire Supply Chain, author Darren Dolcemascolo provides an action guide for extending lean manufacturing across the entire supply chain so companies can create an extended lean enterprise. The workbook includes sections on the planning, implementation, and sustaining and continuous improvement necessary for companies to effectively extend the value stream. By effectively applying lean to the entire supply chain, companies can experience increased benefits to their bottom line, including increased profitability, reduced lead times and inventory and better quality.

Improving the Extended Value Stream includes methods such as extended value stream mapping, internal value stream mapping, process kaizen, outsourcing strategy, supplier evaluation and supplier integration activities. Each technique addressed includes a case example from a fictitious manufacturing organization, EVS Corporation.

Improving the Extended Value Stream:

• Is the only complete resource available on the subject of improving the extended value stream.
• Gives a step-by-step system for implementing lean in the extended value stream.
• Teaches the value stream mapping methodology required to create plans for an extended lean enterprise.
• Will prove invaluable to plant managers, purchasing managers and executives, operations managers and executives and Industrial and Manufacturing Engineers.

About the Author

Darren Dolcemascolo is co-founder of EMS Consulting Group, Inc., a management consulting firm focused on lean manufacturing strategies. Dolcemascolo has worked with clients in a wide variety of industries including medical device, pharmaceutical, aerospace, capital equipment, consumer and industrial goods. He holds a BS from Columbia University and an MBA with Graduate Honors from San Diego State University.

List price is $45.00. Complimentary review copies are available to media contacts by calling (212) 216-7865 or by e-mailing: leon.carter@taylorandfrancis.com. For more information on Improving the Extended Value Stream, or any of Productivity Press' other titles, call 1 (800) 319-5852, or access our online catalog at www.productivitypress.com.

"Darren Dolcemascolo has contributed a comprehensive, practical and readable work to part of the Lean Enterprise that has, with few exceptions, been ignored. This book offers a structured approach that any manufacturer can use effectively."

—Quarterman Lee
President, Strategos, Inc.

"In Improving the Extended Value Stream, Darren Dolcemascolo has written in a clear and concise manner, providing realistic examples in a book that will be a great addition to any Lean library. Definitely a must read for Lean Champions who want to get the most out of their Lean implementation."

—Michael Watling
Lean Project Manager, Dako North America, Inc.