The Lean Manufacturing Process In Action
The lean manufacturing process is an ongoing development, with no possible ending. 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 striving for improvement.
After you have [made a commitment] to start on your formal journey, you must decide if you are able to implement with such an ongoing process process by using your in-house personnel, or if you should hire one of the many lean manufacturing consultants.
A good way to start is by asking people in your industry and size of company. A wise man learns 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
- Extra inventory
- Wasted time waiting
- Exessive motion
- Transportation
- 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, you will know where every single thing is 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.
A popular version of Kaizen is the Kaizen blitz, also known as a Kaizen event. This has become a very useful and common tool in lean manufacturing. Many companies have incorporated it into their business culture very successfully.
Value stream mapping is great program that enables you to see the big picture of where you and where you want to be. At first glance it seems complicated, it is actually rather simple, once you break it down into small pieces.
An overview of six sigma shows you how to strive for quality improvement. Motorola owns the trademark, and as such Six Sigma is a “brand name.” Because it is also used by , thousands of consultants who use the name of six sigma, you see it capitalized when it is used by Motorola and in lower-case letters otherwise when used by Motorola.
How to use the lean manufacturing techniques to eliminate waste
- Quality-mistake proofing
- Pull systems-flow control
- One piece flow-intelligent automation
- Reducing lead times
- Level loading-mixed model production
- More effective time management
Use common sense
If you ask a manufacturer who has successfully implemented the lean manufacturing process, you will find that most people truly like it because it is so logical and helpful. The big difference is that it is monitored and sustained company wide, or at least within a specific department or work area.
Once a system is in place, it is rather like another spoke on a wheel, making it stronger and better. You cannot realistically expect to be successful without an integrated approach.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.
About us?
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.
Mail this post
Leave a Comment