Ask the Manufacturing Execution Systems (MES) Expert: Scheduling Assistance
 Asked on Apr 8 2005 1:56:07:000PM | Q | We are a small industrial parts manufacturers, and recently, without explaining exactly how, our CEO has mandated that we are to become a "lean" company. I am a manager in the IT department, and after doing some research on the concept, I am fairly confused by what he means. What is "lean" and what are we expected to do about it? Trish, Irvine, CA |
| A | Another thoroughly-considered, well-communicated mandate from the top! Did he say "lean and mean," or just "lean"? Supposing the latter, "lean" is a theory, dating back to pre-WW II Japanese auto manufacturing, which in its simplest form aims to remove waste from the manufacturing process. Many companies have had early success with this by focusing on the corner office. There are various forms of lean, but ultimately all of them include the five steps that require manufacturers to identify: value; value stream; flow; pull; and perfection. Or, in a bit more detail, this means identify and define the processes, measure the processes capabilities and shortcomings; analyze how the process measures to its objective; make changes that improve the process; and once improvements are made, document, control it, and where it makes sense, replicate it. A final point: Achieving "lean" is holistic, and is more a way of refining process activities, as opposed to a status. It involves cross-functional cooperation, and the full backing of senior management. However, in your case, it sounds like your CEO is already on board. That is, unless he/she just meant "lean and mean." |
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