Which practice can help in reducing lead times from order to delivery?

Reducing the length of the supply chain can significantly minimize lead times from order to delivery. When a supply chain has fewer links or stages, there are fewer opportunities for delays to occur. A shorter supply chain typically means that products move more quickly from manufacturers to distributors and ultimately to customers.

By streamlining the supply chain, businesses can react faster to customer demand, reduce handling times, and cut down on transit times. For instance, when a company sources materials closer to manufacturing facilities or sells directly to consumers rather than going through multiple intermediaries, it enhances the speed and efficiency of the entire process. This reduction in the number of steps helps ensure timely deliveries, ultimately improving customer satisfaction and operational efficiency.