The changes required to make the transition from batch flow to lean production by various companies, are discussed. There are several important phases a company must go through to achieve a lean and agile supply chain. Collaboration implies a greater level of interconnectivity between customer and supplier. Once the framework of a lean supply chain has been established, companies must move from a
... [Show full abstract] program mode to an institutionalized version in which the key features of the program become part of management.