In short, not only the normal distribution assumption is bad, but the whole approach is very naïve. It made (somewhat) sense before the advent of computers, but at present, safety stocks should be treated as a method of historical interest only.
If we look at other fields we can realize safety stock will never get buried completely.
We have modern medicine, but healers still do exist.
We have modern agriculture, but growing 'organic' movement (which is in fact less sustainable).
Etc, etc, etc.
Those advocating for "supply chain is not for tech, but for people" will always seek for dysfunctional but simplistic recipes.
My previous take on safety stocks:
https://tv.lokad.com/journal/2019/1/9/why-safety-stock-is-unsafe/
In short, not only the normal distribution assumption is bad, but the whole approach is very naïve. It made (somewhat) sense before the advent of computers, but at present, safety stocks should be treated as a method of historical interest only.
If we look at other fields we can realize safety stock will never get buried completely.
We have modern medicine, but healers still do exist.
We have modern agriculture, but growing 'organic' movement (which is in fact less sustainable).
Etc, etc, etc.
Those advocating for "supply chain is not for tech, but for people" will always seek for dysfunctional but simplistic recipes.