Integrating kanban and MRP to reduce lead time

In many make-to-order environments lead times to customers are based on MRP-driven cumulative lead times. In a world of increasing competitive pressure, often lead time can define a company's position in a market. This case study considers what one company did to reduce its MRP-dependent lead time and thus its lead time to its customers. The company's use of a tandem combination of MRP and kanban to manage selected long-lead-time components is described.
ENVIRONMENT In a market environment that increasingly stresses service, sometimes lead times to customers can define a supplier's competitive advantage (or disadvantage). In many cases the ability to shorten lead [...]