How to start using Lean manufacturing methods?
Often when I’m out visiting factories I see many areas needing improvement and most of these can be greatly improved by applying simple lean methods to lift the productivity of a production process. While discussing these possible options a common question usually asked “We know we need to improve however we just don’t know how to start using lean methods?
My reply is simple “Do you have 3 basic step in place?”
1 – Do you have the support of leadership team. Are your leaders willing to drive, help and follow up on lean improvements.
2 – Do you have Standard Work in place? Without a standard work improvements are very hard to measure. Maybe starting practical 5S is an excellent way to get Standard Work in place.
3 – Lastly, do you understand your processes and where the opportunities are, based on a customer value perspective? Developing Current and Future state value stream maps can quickly define how a more efficient operations will look like, and help prioritise the starting point.
