How can we increase customer response while lowering inventories?

By implementing Six sigma, It is quite possible to achieve the higher customer response at the same time we can keep our inventories at lower level.

Lets see one example, In retail consumer appliances showroom, If we can plan and execute SKU plan, what are all the fast moving models in that particular market as per the trend and make them available at display. And provide enough skill and product training to salesman to handle customer. Obviously we can have better sales where salesman can convince and sell product which is in display to customer and also he can promise delivery at stipulated time. Where supply chain department can procure the product from brand and deliver the same to customer with in time.  

We can see salesman sells life style luxury products only by showing product catalogs like high-end automotive, appliances etc. where supply chain lead time to fulfill customer order needs to be accurate enough to make customer feel the WOW experience.

• Don’t always blame inventory control.
• Re-engineer
• Improve supply chain management
• Improve production scheduling
• Use effective performance metrics.
• Utilize “pull” based on demand
• Reduce cycle times
• Develop flexible manufacturing