Definition Of Lean Manufacturing

Definition Of Lean ManufacturingDefining Lean ManufacturingUnderstanding what lean manufacturing is does nottake rocket science, nor does it take a conferenceof ten experts to bear down to the basic concepts.Simply put, lean manufacturing is the achievementof the greatest efficiency and profitability fora company by eliminating the wasteful methods andactivities that are commonly present in corporateregimes.At first glance, some firms are intimated with the

thought of adopting lean manufacturing because ofits fancy sounding name. But, if truth be told,it's actually easier than seems. What you justneed to have is the dedication and the disciplineto see things through and make change happen.First up, let us identify what the top sevenwastes companies identified as the reasons forthe production delays, gargantuan costs and,eventually, bankruptcy filings and hostiletakeovers.1) overproduction2) transportation3) motion (processes that don't need to beconducted)4) inventory5) processing6) waiting time7) defectsThese are the key reasons why most firms often

fail. For instance, with defects, instead offocusing on achieving the best quality output atthe shortest period of time, some firms wasteeffort and energy into looking at and fixingequipment and method defects and problems. If thekinks had been addressed in the first place andthe problem nipped at the bud, such an unnecessaryactivity would be eliminated.Definitions of popular lean manufacturing termsIf a company wants to fully understand what leanmanufacturing is, it should first familiarizeitself with some of the prominent technical termslinked to it. Don't let these words scare you off.Cellular manufacturingThis involves the linking manual and machineoperation to achieve the most efficient andcost-effective combination that would extractmaximum value from a certain activity and method,

while reducing wastes at the same time. Cellularmanufacturing is usually U-shaped and flows in asingle pattern.Kanban SystemThis is a pull method that makes use ofcolor-coded cards attached to parts to be able toensure the smooth flow of the production process.A 'pull method' simply means the customer'sinterest is foremost, instead of you as themanufacturer dictating what the consumer shouldhave.ValueThis is what the customers is willing to pay for.It is the responsibility of the leanmanufacturing strategy to deliver what thecustomer wants exactly.Pull system

This involves the replacement only of goods thathave been used up or depleted.Takt timeThis is identified by the customers' rate ofdemand. The takt time is what sets the productionpace and matches it with how badly consumers needthe product delivered to them. It is oftenreferred to as the heartbeat of leanmanufacturing systems.