Question

How can lean manufacturing and near-sourcing help a company gain a competitive edge and prepare for the future?

Answer 1

http://www.jiskha.com/search/index.cgi?query=lean+manufacturing

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Answer 2

Lean manufacturing use less of everything compared to mass production. This can help gain a competitive edge because it saves money. If you use less materials you can "make more with less." Maybe instead of making on soda pop can, you can make two or three. Its lighter weight also. Your competition will be losing out on money while you are making money. In near-sourcing business processors are moved to closer and cheaper locations.