subject: Applying Lean Manufacturing Techniques And Strategies [print this page] Lean manufacturing techniques have been in practice of renowned manufacturing concerns over a long period of time. Lean manufacturing techniques were first introduced into the manufacturing process by Toyota which had space and inventory related issues which it was finally successfully able to tackle with the help of lean manufacturing techniques.
The basic philosophy behind lean manufacturing techniques and strategies is to stop wastages. What are considered wastage by typical lean manufacturers? Any of the process of manufacturing that does not add value to the product or even service that is served to the ultimate customer is considered as a waste. A lot of controversies have clouded this lean manufacturing process but ever since its inception it has been in practice for being able to boost productivity, efficiency and processes.
Some of the well in practice lean manufacturing techniques includes JIT (Just in Time Inventory), FRS (Fixed Repeating Schedule), and Kaizen. All these techniques affect the manufacturing process in one way or the other, increasing the efficiency of the production system without disrupting the whole process.
Why would lean manufacturing techniques be used in any manufacturing process by the manufacturers? A key advantage has been the reduction in cost that was more in case of wastages and spillages. This leads to increased profit margins for the manufacturer that can further be transferred to all the members of a supply chain in a usual manufacturer to consumer setup including wholesalers, distributors, suppliers and retailers.
Lean manufacturing techniques also improve the overall time in which one unit of finished goods is produced. As the time in making one unit of finished good improves that also results into increase in the overall productivity. The productivity of the labour in manufacturing also increases as less of their time is spent in making more units.
With the wastages kept in check, the overall errors related to manufacturing are also reduced considerably. Managing the wastage is just one way of looking at the lean manufacturing techniques; the other way of looking at it is the way to improve the way resources are allocated to their best possible use.
Like many other manufacturing techniques used by UK manufacturers or Asian manufacturers, lean manufacturing has also been met with stiff resistance. A major criticism has been too much focus on the wastages which can lead to less innovative products available to the end consumer. Lean manufacturing techniques are still in use by many large industries however caution has to be exercised not to overdo lean manufacturing as it may dry up the whole process and make it difficult to experiment with newer products.
