Visual tools are an essential part of any lean transformation, and understanding correct application of appropriate tools is crucial. This book clearly illustrates how successful organizations, such a
The benefits of advanced manufacturing methods can't be realized until they're practiced consistently and proficiently by your entire workforce. Here's a simple, low-cost way to get everyone on board
Kanban is the name given to the inventory control card used in a pull system. The primary benefit of kanban is to reduce overproduction, the worst of the seven deadly wastes. A true kanban system prod
In a "pull" production system, the final process pulls needed parts from the previous process, which pulls from the process before it, and so on, as determined by customer demand. This allows you to o
Applying lean to the supply chain is a hot topic. While lean operations can produce significant benefits to an organization, the greatest benefits will not be realized unless lean is extended beyond t
Equipment downtime can bring a lean manufacturing operation to a complete standstill. Total productive maintenance (TPM) is such a fundamental part of becoming lean because a machine failure at one st
Standard work is an agreed upon set of work procedures that effectively combines people, materials, and machines to maintain quality, efficiency, safety, and predictability. Work is described precisel
Changeover is the process of setting up a production line for a different process or product. Many plants take hours or even days to do a changeover - a major barrier to manufacturing flexibility. Qu
