Improving Lead Times Through Collaboration With Supply Chain Partners: Evidence From Australian Manufacturing Firms

Abstract

Whilst it is well recognized that lead time reductions can be of strategic benefit to firms, most existing methods for generating these outcomes are seen as being too complex and difficult to implement. In this paper, the possibility of using supply chain collaboration for the purpose of reducing lead times was examined. Data from a study involving 416 Australian manufacturing plants showed that there were strong albeit indirect links between collaborative practices that firms develop with key customers and suppliers, and lead time performance. From this, it is suggested that firms consider, amongst other strategies, developing strong collaborative relationships with their trading partners i..