Supply Chain Architecture - William T. Walker

A must read book for Supply Chain Enthusiasts which talks about networking the flow of material, information and cash.  It talks about five principles:- Velocity, Variability, Vocalize, Visualize and Value.

Every manufacturing and service firm lives or dies within a networked context. Business success is now largely determined by conditions outside the four walls of any one company. The objective of the book is to assemble all the relevant techniques in the pursuit of defining a ‘supply chain architect’ role, bringing together various organizational functions on a project, rather than a line management, approach. This is essentially an innovative textbook to scan, with plenty of detailed tables and graphics.

It also uses the technique initiated in The Goal, in this case interweaving various storylines through the book, to illustrate the theories and techniques. The takeaway is the 38-step blueprint or road map used in designing and operating supply chain networks.