Lean manufacturing is a management system that sets out to achieve a continuous removal of waste in all aspects of your business processes. This is achieved through small improvements that are implemented in increasing proportions over a period of time. The benefits can be seen in three significant areas of the business. These are financial, industrial, and commercial.
Most people are familiar with the lean concept and can even give a more in-depth explanation of what it entails. The value of knowledge cannot be waived aside but it is more important to focus on the practical application of what is known for. The benefits of this principle cannot be seen without proper implementation. The remaining part of this article deals with the results that will be obtained after the elimination of waste from the manufacturing process.
The real benefit to the business is an improved production process which leads to an increase in profits. Various studies and research has shown that a lot of money is being thrown away daily with the use of inefficient production systems. A big enterprise has the ability to save thousands of dollars every year by making a number of small adjustments to prevent unnecessary waste.
Lean manufacturing has been correctly defined as a philosophy. It is a mindset that should be imbibed by all employees that are on the workforce. Most companies make the mistake of sending only senior officers for training. This sometimes makes it difficult to carry along the rest of the employees. It is important to get as many people as possible involved in the implementation. This will develop a group with a single mindset that is working towards the same objective.
The tangible results of this new system of operation will come out easily when there is a high level of employee morale. Change can only start when workers are ready to leave their old ways and adapt to the new. Once the concept of change has been accepted by the workers, the company will start to experience a more significant improvement in its operations.
There will be a great improvement in the relationship between senior and lower level employees. A standardized manufacturing philosophy will reduce the occurrence of problems between management and employees. A lot of practices that are detrimental to the success of the company will be eliminated.
Lean manufacturing will lead to the production of higher quality products with fewer defects. There will also be a reduction of inventory because each operation will produce only what is required. When there is a reduction in inventory levels, less space and less manpower will be needed for their management. Overall manufacturing flexibility will be enhanced and the work environment will be safer.
The company will be able to reduce the use of capital and have more cash at hand when adopting the Lean Six Sigma Philosophy. The greater emphasis on productive and profitable work will lead to a better return on investment. There will be an increase in product with the same level of investment. Delivery times will also be reduced because production is timed with customer demand.
