There is no end to the lean manufacturing process- it is a process in development. This is one reason why it is it is difficult to “define”, even more difficult to feel as if you have finished. Because it is a program in development, you are always trying to improve.

When you finally decide to commit to the program, you need to decide if you are able to follow through with such an ongoing process process by using your in-house personnel, or if you should hire one of the many lean manufacturing consultants.

One way to begin is by asking people in a similar industry and company size. You can learn a great deal from the experience of others. The recommendations from trusted friends ispriceless.

What are some lean manufacturing methods?

  • Identify the areas where waste occurs
  • High defect rate
  • Exessive inventory
  • Waiting
  • Motion
  • Wasted transport
  • Overproduction

Some of the processes you will use :

5S implementation is one of the most important things you can do for your business, no doubt about it. Your clutter will vanish, everything in your [shop will have a place and be in its place], more pleasant and more productive]. What more could you ask for! The best way to start is with 5S implementation.

Kaizen and continuous improvement are actually synonymous, the name is Japanese and it has a few meanings of slight difference, but continuous improvement is best for our purposes.

The Kaizen event, or Kaizen blitz, is one of the more popular programs. This has become a very useful and common tool in lean manufacturing. Numerous businesses have implemented kaizen into their company culture with great success.

Value stream mapping is a powerful tool to help visualize the entire lean manufacturing process. At first glance it seems complicated, but, as with other aspects of your program, when it is broken down into small steps it is really quite simple.

An overview of six sigma reveals a methodology for quality improvement. The trademark is owned by Motorola, and as such Six Sigma is a “brand name.” Because it is also used by countless consultants who use the name of six sigma, you see it in lower case letters when used by consultants, and capital letters when Motorola uses the name.

Using the lean manufacturing process to eliminate waste

  • Quality-eliminating mistakes
  • Flow production-pull systems
  • One piece flow-intelligent automation
  • Reducing lead times
  • Level loading-mixed model production
  • Manage your time more effectively

Use common sense

Ask a manufacturer who has successfully implemented the lean manufacturing process, you will find that they truly like it because it is just common sense. One major difference is that it is monitored and sustained company wide, or at least within a work area or department.

Once a system is in place, it is rather like another spoke on a wheel, making it stronger and better. You must use an integrated approach if you want to achieve the maximum results.Implementing lean manufacturing is like having a wheel with many spokes, each spoke helping the entire wheel. The most benefits are realized by using an integrated approach. Each part of the program supports the other, like the wheel spokes and the entire company benefits.

Who are we?

Jon Arnett and Randy Hough have been involved in lean manufacturing for manufacturing for over 30 years. Their main focus has been in plastic injection molding and mold making. They have an excellent website designed to give you an understanding of the lean manufacturing process and how to implement your lean program.

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