Supply chain and material costs account for over 50% of the turnover of many manufacturers and a further 5-10% is spent on processing sales orders. Benefits can be realised from improving these supporting areas.

This disproportionate amount of focus is partly due to the wide availability of information on how to implement improvements in the factory, combined with the fact that results are often achieved more quickly and are more obvious there.

An efficiently run supply chain can reduce stock levels and leadtimes. Improvements in sales order processing can improve lead-time.

This often leads to improvement in levels of customer service and in the generation of repeat business.

For ideas on how to make improvements in your nonmanufacturing areas contact the Manufacturing Advisory Service in the South East on 0845-609-2121 or email info@mas-se. org. uk where the team can put you in touch with support wherever you are located in the UK.

To find out more about the national MAS initiative visit www.mas.dti.gov.uk.