There are generally no easy answers when it comes to optimization. The best answers depend on a deep dive based on a company's specific situation, including suppliers, production and customers. While there are some tried-and-true supply chain optimization techniques, you can rest assured that there is no “one-size-fits-all” approach to optimizing your supply chain.
A strategic network analysis will allow you to look at a wide range of metrics including physical facilities and inventories, costs for warehousing, transportation and labor, and distribution networks. The supply chain optimization initiative will typically use the company's data to create various "what if" scenarios to uncover the best solutions for creating and storing inventory within the supply chain to minimize operating costs.