Lean RFS (Repetitive Flexible Supply): Putting the Pieces Together

Is it possible to be repetitive and flexible―at the same time? Using proven examples and quantifiable evidence, Lean RFS (Repetitive Flexible Supply): Putting the Pieces Together demonstrates that repetitive flexible supply (RfS) is not only possible, but that its implementation can help you reach a new level of improved performance in manufacturing and across your entire supply chain.

Winner of a 2013 Shingo Research and Professional Publication Award, this book is unique in that it clearly spells out the theory and practice originally published in the Shingo Prize winner, Breaking Through to Flow, with actual stories of Kimberly-Clark’s experience in using them over the years with great success. These stories provide a real feel of how this learning-by-doing journey led to "aha!" moments for those involved.

The book also explains why most planning systems in use today will result in a different plan every time, and that these plan changes are actually the cause of the fire fighting that is endemic in most companies.

Ian Glenday started his Lean journey as a microbiologist running a plant producing enzymes from deep-culture fermentation of bacteria. It was here that Ian first began developing RfS concepts and principles for application in process industries.

After taking time out to gain an MBA from Bradford Business School in the UK, Ian joined the manufacturer Reckitt & Colman, where he led an MRPII project To Class A status in the company’s pharmaceutical division. This experience offered Ian a valuable lesson in understanding why applying batch logic in MRP can cause problems.

Ian then moved to Reckitt & Colman’s household and toiletries division, where he initiated and helped implement a pan-European supply chain strategy based on the Lean concept of every product every cycle, before joining Colman’s of Norwich as head of policy deployment, responsible for applying Lean/RfS thinking across the entire company.

Ian currently divides his time between working with Professor Dan Jones at the Lean Enterprise Academy, UK, where he is a senior fellow, and helping businesses around the world make their own Lean transformations through his company Repetitive flexible Supply Ltd.

Rick Sather is vice president, customer supply chain, for Kimberly-Clark Corporation’s North America Consumer Products Division. In this role, he is responsible for service and efficient product flow from the end of manufacturing through the customer’s retail shelf.

Originally from Wisconsin, Rick received a BS degree in industrial technology from the University of Wisconsin-Stout in 1985, and for the past twenty-seven years has worked in a wide range of supply chain roles. Rick’s Lean journey began in 2005 when he first connected with Ian and began implementing Lean/RfS at Kimberly-Clark. Learning and applying Lean/RfS in direct-line roles has enabled Rick to establish a problem-solving cultu