TABLE OF CONTENTS 
Capable logistics networks have minimal variation. Minimizing variation results in a predictable operation. Predictable operations improve customer service as delivery commitments are kept and customers do not feel the negative effects from out-of-control processes. Predictable processes are the foundation for continuous improvement because predictability is preceded by standard operations. The three strategic focus areas for Predictability are:
Organization
Coordination
Complexity
These three areas will be discussed in this chapter.
Truism: Being organized is a prerequisite to any major accomplishment.
Walk through any Lean plant and the first thing you will notice is that the workplace is organized. Yellow tape on floors, signage everywhere, labels and instructions on every post that is the Lean norm. As we know, any Lean training curriculum will have a significant component allocated to the "5S" method of organization, and its importance cannot be overstated (a full description of 5S is given in Chapter 22). Why, you might ask, does something as simple as being organized get so much attention? Organization is so important, but we seldom attain and sustain an organized workplace. Recall that Lean is about the elimination of waste. The organized workplace facilitates waste elimination. To begin, it is important to discuss the concept of workplace.
Asked to picture a workplace, many people visualize a manufacturing facility and, likely, the specific area of the facility in which they work. For logisticians, the workplace requires a much broader definition. Their workplace starts at the supplier's facility, which leads to transportation...
