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How To Make The Lean Manufacturing Process Work
May 29, 2009 |
The lean manufacturing process is an ongoing work, with no possible ending. This is one reason why it is it is difficult to “define”, much less attain finished. Because it is a process, you are always striving for improvement.
After you make the decision to commit to the program, you must decide if you are able to follow through with such an long term 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. Word of mouth recommendations are always the best as well.
What are some lean manufacturing methods?
- Identify major areas of waste
- Defects
- Extra inventory
- Wasted time waiting
- Wasted motion
- Transport
- Producing too much
Several methods you will implement :
5S implementation is one of the smartest things you can do for your company, no doubt about it. Your clutter will vanish, work area will have a place and be in its place], and everybody will be happier and more productive and more productive]. This is a good thing! The best way to start is with 5S implementation.
Kaizen and continuous improvement are actually synonymous, the name is Japanese and it has several subtly different meanings, but for now continuous improvement is the best.
The Kaizen blitz is one popular method, also known as a Kaizen event. 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 great program that enables you to see the big picture of where you and where you want to be. It might appear complicated at first, 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 , thousands of 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.
How to use the lean manufacturing techniques to eliminate waste
- Quality-eliminating mistakes
- Flow production-pull systems
- One piece flow-intelligent automation
- Lead time reduction
- Level loading-mixed model production
- Manage your time more effectively
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. One huge 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 dramatic results without an integrated approach.Just as the wheel needs all the spokes, so does a lean manufacturing program need every part of the plan in order to work properly
About us?
Jon Arnett and Randy Hough have worked together for over 30 years in a variety of manufacturing environments, mainly 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.
