Steve JobsAnalytical perspectiveSJ-P02PRODUCT ADVISORY COUNCIL
Shorten the feedback loop
Steve JobsAnalytical perspectiveSJ-P02The method
Shorten the feedback loop
When inventory and supply lead times force long-range demand guesses, shorten the delay from demand signals to production changes.
When to use it
- Demand fluctuates and inventory or supply adjustment delays can be measured.
Ask yourself
- How can supply planning respond sooner to demand?
Put it into action
- Measure delays in customer signals, purchasing, production and distribution separately; identify the main bottleneck.
- Shorten one stage in a limited trial and compare stockouts, inventory losses and delivery times before expanding.
Keep these limits in mind
- Shorter inventory cycles do not mean less inventory is always better: disruption risk, delivery promises and scale efficiencies may require buffers.
- The historical speech describes a plan and a judgment, not an independent evaluation of inventory reduction.