Purpose: The purpose of the study is to investigate how lead time as a strategic weapon can be defined and used to create customer value in the PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) triad, as well as discuss benefits, challenges and respective mitigation of those challenges.

Design/Methodology/Approach: An explorative study of the term ‘lead time as a strategic weapon’ is chosen. A structured approach towards literature review is used to build a body of knowledge. Furthermore, a case study with two embedded triads including four companies and one industry expert is executed, using eight semi structured interviews, participatory observation (two informal interviews), two focus group workshops and quantitative data. The data is analyzed internally, across each triad, across both units of analysis and in comparison to theory.

Findings: Lead time is used as a term addressing multiple meanings within the supply chain context, making it necessary to further define the intended meaning. Lead Time as a strategic weapon in the PCR triad is defined by understanding lead time being an influencing and influenceable variable rather than being a pure output and measure and by using the construct of end to end lead time in the PCR triad to identify strategically relevant lead times. Its usage is possible through providing transparency, configuration, allocation and integration to create reduction, stability and accuracy and therefore fulfilling the purpose of the triad and testing the patient in time and correctly. Benefits of the lead time usage are visible in the success of the PCR triad through managing the crisis and serving the customer and consequently patient. Main challenges in using lead time as a strategic weapon to create customer value are creating lead time stability and accuracy, providing lead time reduction and the risk for lead time based on external influences. Mitigation can be supported by creating transparency, automating decisions for configuration, integrating departments and supply chain actors, prioritizing the most relevant lead times and allocating decoupling points.

Originality/Value: While lead time is studied in various aspects, a definition of its strategical relevance and how that can be turned into customer value is provided in this thesis and contributes to the stream of lead time literature. The study is furthermore focusing on the PCR triad, an environment that was highlighted as highly socially relevant through the COVID-19 pandemic, that has barely been studied from a supply chain perspective and where the triadic approach provides a deeper understanding of the subject compared to single company or dyadic approaches. In addition, the study provides managerial value in the form of a toolbox on how to use lead time as a strategic weapon and reach customer value through that.