This problem uses Evergreen Products (the case found in Chapter 3). Management is not happy with the current process that is present at Evergreen Products. You have been called into the office of the CEO and given the following task. Beginning with a blank sheet of paper, you are to reengineer the entire order fulfillment process so that it can achieve the following performance metric: Irrespective of however the order is placed (by phone or by a salesperson), the time from when an order is placed to when the customer receives the order must be no longer than four hours. This new system must even provide delivery of orders on holidays (e.g., Valentine’s Day). You are allowed to challenge any of the current practices in place. In doing your analysis, please recognize the following assumptions and constraints:

• Time is measured from the moment that the order is placed by the customer until the order is in the hands of the customer.

• It takes about 90 minutes to build a load and to fill a truck for shipments.

• No less-than-truckload quantities will be allowed.

• It takes, on average, about 60 minutes to go from the plant to the specific florist.

• Assume that it takes about 60 minutes from the time that a call is received until enough orders are consolidated for a full truckload to be planned.

• Truck drivers/salespeople have cell phones and are in contact with the plant.

(Hint: There is a feasible solution to this problem, but only if you are willing to

challenge any and all assumptions and practices found in the current process!)