S/OM/27. Trace the influence of Henry Ford to todays supply chain relationships. What techniques and ways of working may be attributed to his ideas? Are they still relevant in the 21st Century?

This report looks at Henry Fords influence on Just-In-Time, Lean Manufacturing, Lean Thinking, Continuous Improvement (kaizen), Vertical integration and the kaizen supply chain. All elements of Just-in-Time are discussed (Quality, Inventories, Human Resources, Continuous Improvement). Deeper issues of Scientific Management, Human Relations and Division of Labour are touched upon. The origin of Fords ideas are also discussed. It is concluded that Fords techniques and methods lie at the core of many of todays supply chain relationships. 32 References are cited.