Lead-Time Management in a Make-to-Order Fashion Supply Chain

In the make-to-order environment, demand is sensitive not only to price, but also to lead-time. If the promised lead-time cannot be achieved, it will incur damage to client, which influences demand. Thus, lead-time management is crucial to make-to-order enterprises. This paper firstly introduces the mode of operation and characteristics of a wedding dress and evening dress enterprise which provides customized service for consumers. Secondly, the reasons which prolong the actual lead-time in the supply chain are analyzed. The authors suggest that the lead-time management should achieve transparency, automation and intelligence. The development of a make-to-order supply chain information system is proposed. The supply chain information system can be divided into four modules: order management, purchasing management, manufacturing management and delivery management. The function of each module is analyzed.