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Lean techniques unit 2
Advantages of lean production
Merits of lean production
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Recommended: Lean techniques unit 2
Lean Manufacturing
Lean manufacturing is an exercise that is based on waste minimization. It considers the utilization of resources for any activity other than the creating value for the customer, as waste. Basically, lean is centered on “Delivering value with less work by eliminating waste” (Liker, 1997). Lean manufacturing philosophy involves never ending efforts to reduce or eliminate 'muda' (Waste) in manufacturing processes.
Just in Time Management
Just in Time (JIT) is a production philosophy that attempts to improve business profit by reducing the inventory and inventory carrying costs. To meet this objective, the process relies on signals or ‘Kanban’ between different points. These signals tell production when to make the next part. For example if an inventory of a material finishes, the JIT system sends a pop up to the e-procurement team to procure additional material for production. This pop-up on the screen of e-procurement team is a Kanban. When implemented correctly, JIT focuses on continuous improvement and can improve a manufacturing organization's process quality and efficiency. JIT Management system is an outcome of enabling Lean manufacturing systems in your organization (Womack, 2007).
Both the terms of Lean manufacturing and Just in Time management have come from the Toyota Production System. Therefore the organization reference that will be used to define these two philosophies will be Toyota.
Wastes or Muda
According to Toyota, following wastes account for 95 % of all costs (Abdulmalek, 2007): -
Overproduction – Producing more than the customer demands. Anything produced beyond what customer needs occupies valuable resources as well as time that can be utilized in delivering to other customer needs that ha...
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...of lean systems in an organization also depends upon implementing the same at the supplier location as well. Suppliers of Toyota found it hard to plan and schedule according to the requirements but the affects were greatly diminished because of no exposure to similar situations earlier.
Conclusion
Lean Manufacturing as a practice is increasingly being used by organizations worldwide. Toyota motors has set the benchmark by implementing lean processes and showing some fabulous results to support the lean philosophy. Organizations that have implemented Lean manufacturing have become more responsive to the dynamic trends of the industry. They have been able to adapt faster and deliver customer value in a short span of time thereby achieving client satisfaction and recommendations. This has led to increasing profitability and growth in productivity and continues to be so.
Lean manufacturing refers to systematic identification and elimination of waste through CI processes in pursuit of perfection (Khan et al. 2013; Yang & Yang 2013). Lean production is now used worldwide in manufacturing plants to eliminate waste from all ar...
Based on future supplier contracts, shortening lead time for delivery of parts and materials establishing leaner processes, namely addressing wastes identified through implementing a Just-In-Time (JIT) system. A centralized wharehouse system, co-located near the manufacturing plant will reduce shipping and transportation costs or look for larger space with warehousing capacity. Savings, significant enough will be a factor if space with warehousing falls within the
Lean Six Sigma is a methodology that creates processes within an organization to cut waste and improve the company’s performance. However, studies have shown that over the past decade applying Lean Manufacturing and Six Sigma can create problems for companies financially and potential problems for employees. Companies should take great care before implementing a Lean Six Sigma solution because in some instances, going lean can do more harm than good both financially for the organization as well as destroying employee loyalty and moral.
Quality is an important part of any business rather from a customer’s perspective or a producer’s perspective. Quality from a customer’s perspective is they “want value and quality has become a major factor in the value of products and service” (Russell & Taylor, 2013, pg. 53). “The customer is the most important part of the production line” (Russell & Taylor, 2013, pg. 53). This can be referred to as quality of design meaning “involves designing quality characteristics into a product or service” (Russell & Taylor, 2013, pg. 54). Now let’s look at the quality from a producer’s perspective. This can be referred to a quality of conformance meaning “making sure the product or service is produced according to design” (Russell & Taylor, 2013,
According to Toyota, they have undertaken a manufacturing revolution that has fundamentally changed established practices; all the way back to the product development and design. They have done this by integrating four areas: design, production engineering, procurement, and component supply. They have achieved higher quality at lower costs by creating standardized, multipurpose components. Also the reduction in cost has heightened the value and fortifies the competitiveness of product. To do this, Toyota has required intensive coordination with its suppliers. Another factor of their Integrated Low Cost is that Toyota steadily feeds cost improvements back into the product to raise their value along with the fact that four Toyota’s seven corporate auditors are outside corporate auditors.
The basic premise for JIT is fairly simple: a company only produces an item when there is a need, or just-in-time for a company or individual to purchase it (Manoocherhi, 1988). The theory of JIT also accepts that there may be a need for an item at another work station and this would also create the need for production. Rather than utilizing the common practice of mass production and attempting to sell and distribute the products after they are created, JIT waits until there is a defined need that must be met. By doing this, JIT systems allow companies to decrease the level of production, decrease the necessary manpower hours utilized in mass production modes of supply, and eliminates the waste inherent in over-production. These techniques are especially effective for small companies, who are far less able to absorb the impact of unsold products. JIT has been shown to significantly impact reductions in overhead costs that reduce re-investments, and encourage stabilizing business practices(Manoocherhi, 1988).
A LEAN Company is our best description and our business philosophy (creating more value for customers with less resources), which pursues to deliver what the customer wants, when they want it, at maximum value with minimum misuse.Through the application of LEAN, we achieve more fulfillment as it helps to reduce the possibility to constantly be fighting a battle against difficulties. Besides, we promote a Continuous Improvement Culture in our performance.
In the new global economy, with the improved information technology, and the increased competition, a study by Levy (2007) shows that, many companies have attempted to recognize and implement lean production (LP) systems, established by Toyota, that involve goals such as just-in-time (JIT) delivery, low inventories, zero defects, flexible production in small batches and close practical cooperation with suppliers. Therefore, this paper will present how Kellogg’s has been able to manage its lean production in a very efficient way to create long term value products and competitive advantage.
Toyota’s core competencies seem simplistic, yet they are very powerful. There are two in which they focus on which is continuous improvement and respect for people. These core competencies are a part of their production system, better known as the Toyota Production System (TPS). The TPS is based on the philosophy “completely eliminating all waste”. Excess inventory, defective products, and unnecessary processing steps are all inclusive when discussing excessive waste, which eventually negatively effects the corporation as a whole. In 1924, Sakichi Toyoda created the Toyoda Automatic Loom, which improved productivity and work efficiency by eliminating wasteful practices and defective products. Kiichiro Toyoda believed that “the ideal conditions for creating things are more successful when machines, facilities, and people work together to add value without generating any waste.” (The orgin of the toyota production system,
...hould be noted that the process of Lean management was first applied in the area of manufacturing. Some analysts tell that his particular business management process came out of the Toyota Company’s production system of cars. It should be noted that the Japanese are very much inclined to adopt anything that would reduce costs and eliminate wastes. Hence, it is no wonder that the Japanese are known for their simplicity and design and the minimalist view on things. However, nowadays has evolved from the area of manufacturing and could now be applied in the area of management. Before moving forward to the essential principles of Lean management, it would be better to clearly define it first. The said book by Bradley did not really give a definite and concise definition of Lean. Instead, he tried to define this said business management concept though examples.
• While making a methodology is challenging, executing it is considerably more troublesome. Numerous organizations comprehend Toyota Production System now, yet at the same time think that it is troublesome to execute and implement.
(5) Liker, Jeffrey K. The Toyota Way: 14 Management Principles from the World's Greatest Manufacturer. New York: McGraw-Hill, 2004. Print.
Lean production is an approach to production developed in Japan. Toyota, the Japanese car manufacturer was the company that invented lean production. The whole aim of lean production is to reduce the quantity of resources used up in production. By doing this, lean production uses less of - factory space, materials, stocks, suppliers, labour, capital and time. Lean production reduces costs, increases efficiency and output and improves motivation. Lean production involves using a range of practices designed to reduce waste and improve productivity and quality.
Toyota has implemented many different systems such as performance monitoring software, the Just in time (JIT) inventory system, electronic quality control system, communication system and information system thought out their value chain which enable to make correct decision during the manufacturing process. They have identified that having large inventories of spares cost them extensive capital and they have implemented the Just in time (JIT) inventory system which advices the suppliers the exact spares that the product line required and provides a time frame. Toyota adopted continuous learning and embraces change allowing their staff to research and innovation (Toyota
In 1950s, Toyota has developed lean thinking. The Toyota Production System aspires to minimize waste and increase efficiency while at the same time enhances its product quality. From this initiative, Toyota managed to widen its competitive edge by employed fewer employees in the car production with a small number of flaw products.