Strategem
Comprehensive Supply Chain Management Training

DRIVING LESSONS

Master the Flow from Raw Materials to Finished Homes

Just as smooth traffic flow requires planning and coordination, supply chain excellence demands visibility, collaboration, and continuous improvement. This 3-4 day intensive workshop uses the traffic metaphor to teach demand planning, inventory optimization, manufacturing collaboration, logistics, and more.

Schedule Your Workshop
3-4
Days
10-20%
Cost Reduction
15-25%
Inventory Reduction
Why This Course Matters

Course Overview

The homebuilding industry has operated on high-waste practices for decades. With increasing material costs and competitive pressures, you can no longer afford to ignore waste.

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Interactive Learning

Not a traditional lecture—engage in hands-on exercises, real-world case studies, and collaborative problem-solving throughout the day.

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Cross-Functional

Learn how different departments impact each other and work together to eliminate waste across the entire organization.

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Actionable Results

Leave with a concrete 90-day implementation plan and the tools to immediately start reducing waste in your operations.

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Proven Methods

Based on Toyota Production System principles adapted specifically for the unique challenges of homebuilding.

Comprehensive Curriculum

What You'll Master

1

Demand Planning & Forecasting

Master rolling forecasts, communicate demand signals to suppliers, handle forecast variability, and smooth material flow through predictable planning—just like managing predictable rush hours.

2

Inventory Optimization

Balance service level, cost, and risk. Learn JIT vs. just-in-case strategies, calculate optimal inventory levels, reduce carrying costs, and implement vendor-managed inventory (VMI) approaches.

3

Batch & Flow Operations

Apply manufacturing principles to construction. Understand batch production vs. continuous flow, takt time, production leveling, and how to influence supplier production scheduling for better results.

4

Manufacturing Collaboration

Work with manufacturers on labor optimization, tooling investments, design for manufacturability (DFM), and process improvements. Learn what questions unlock cost reduction opportunities.

5

Logistics & Delivery Excellence

Optimize transportation modes, delivery strategies, staging, and freight costs. Design logistics that get the right product to the right place at the right time—every time.

6

Strategic Sourcing Decisions

Know when to use competitive bidding vs. negotiated contracts. Master the Kraljic Matrix, evaluate global sourcing, understand reverse auctions, and make data-driven sourcing decisions.

7

High-Performing Teams

Build strategic partnerships across the supply chain. Structure alliances, conduct business reviews, share innovation, and employ resources throughout the network to drive business performance.

8

Ethics & Continuous Improvement

Navigate ethical procurement dilemmas, maintain integrity, implement Kaizen and PDCA cycles, establish metrics and KPIs, and create a culture where improvement is everyone's job.

3-Day Core Program

Workshop Journey

Supply Chain Fundamentals & Demand Planning

Traffic flow metaphor introduction. Supply chain management principles, bullwhip effect, TCO. Demand planning and forecasting methodologies. Inventory optimization: types, carrying costs, JIT vs. just-in-case, VMI. Batch & flow operations and takt time.

Manufacturing Collaboration & Logistics

Manufacturing labor and tooling optimization, design for manufacturability. Logistics optimization: transportation modes, delivery strategies, milk runs, freight cost management. Building high-performing supply chain teams and strategic partnerships. Estimating resources and project management.

Strategic Sourcing & Continuous Improvement

Negotiated contracts vs. competitive bidding decision framework. Ethics in procurement and global sourcing opportunities/risks. Continuous improvement methodologies: Kaizen, PDCA, 5S, metrics and KPIs. Change management. Integration and action planning with individual commitments.

Advanced Negotiation Training

Negotiation fundamentals, BATNA analysis, creating vs. claiming value, multi-variable negotiations. Advanced tactics, supplier perspective (role reversals), handling difficult negotiations. Role-play exercises and application to supply chain initiatives.

Target Audience

Who Should Attend

This comprehensive workshop is designed for procurement professionals and operations leaders seeking mastery of supply chain management principles.

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Purchasing & Procurement

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Supply Chain Managers

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Operations Leaders

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Construction Managers

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Pre-Construction Teams

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Estimators

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Division Presidents

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VPs of Operations

Ready to Improve Material Flow?

Contact us today to schedule this transformative workshop for your team

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