| Although other terms such as just-in-time production | | | | several manufacturers. If there is a communication |
| are used, lean manufacturing is the most common | | | | breakdown, things will be less efficient. |
| way to describe this leading goal for modern | | | | If a process in the manufacturing is being unnecessarily |
| production methods. But what exactly is lean | | | | duplicated in supply chain members, it can be eliminated |
| manufacturing? How does it benefit the consumer and | | | | if it does not contribute to the value, function, or quality. |
| or the industries who use it? How can lean | | | | A smooth work flow is the only way to get the best |
| manufacturing improve quality while keeping costs | | | | results at the lowest cost. This is all the more reason |
| down? | | | | for cooperation within a supply chain. Transportation, |
| The idea of lean manufacturing is not new, but it has | | | | machine set-up, inventory, quality consistency and |
| received a lot of attention in recent years. Basically, | | | | inspection, material handling, these all affect the work |
| lean manufacturing seeks to look for waste and | | | | flow and are closely evaluated to achieve lean |
| inefficiencies and eliminate them. Anything that does | | | | manufacturing. |
| not add value, functionality, or quality that can be | | | | Aside from cost savings, another benefit to lean |
| stripped out is removed from the production process. | | | | manufacturing is that better use can often be made of |
| Continuous improvement by the shortest, fastest route | | | | smaller spaces. With solutions such as work cells, |
| possible is the ultimate goal. | | | | minimal movement of parts and assemblies creates |
| If one company can provide a higher quality product | | | | better efficiency with less manufacturing space. Other |
| for less cost than their competitor, they have a distinct | | | | befit include reduced defects, less handling, better |
| advantage. | | | | on-time delivery, and less inventory or storage |
| In the past, manufacturing companies basically | | | | requirements. |
| produced their products to fill orders and everyone | | | | Lean manufacturers can get higher quality products to |
| was left to do their own thing as long as products | | | | market quicker, control their costs, reduce waste, |
| were made to the given specifications and deadlines | | | | partner with other supply chain members to achieve |
| were met. For lean manufacturing to work best, | | | | the most efficient work flow, and offer better value to |
| everyone in the supply chain needs to be more | | | | the consumer while still making profit. |
| informed because the end result usually involves | | | | |