What Does Lean Mean to Manufacturing?

Lean is a manufacturing method for improving effectiveness and eliminating waste in order to produce increasing customer value and satisfaction. These principles and practices are important to Lean:

Definition of a value-added activity

A value-added activity needs to have the following standards:

• It must transform the product or service.

• The customer must be willing to “pay” for it.

• It must be done correctly the first time.

5S method of the workplace

The 5S method is a good way to establish organized flow. The 5S steps are:

• Sort: Organize the workplace. Dispose of all unnecessary items.

• Straighten: Arrange all remaining items in standard locations that can be easily and readily accessed.

• Scrub: Keep all equipment and working areas neat and clean.

• Systematize: Create a system to maintain order in the area as a regular part of the daily activities.

• Standardize: Exercise discipline to maintain cleanliness in the workplace and find ways to enhance/improve the process.

Lean fundamentals

The basic principles of Lean:

• Focus on the customer.

• Improve the value stream.

• Maintain flow.

• Pull through the system.

• Strive for perfection.

• Respect people.