Lean Production

A lean organization and Just in Time inventory

A lean organization ensures minimization of wastes without sacrificing productivity. Just in Time inventory is a strategy that an organization employs to aid in increased efficiency and reduced wastes (Slack, 2015). The manufacturing philosophy ensures stockless operations thus reduced stock deterioration and obsolescence. Elimination of set up time results in shorter production cycles and time. Non-value adding activities are avoided as much as possible so as to do away with cost totally. Flexibility is ensured as zero lead time is achieved and materials made available as needed. The required stock is delivered as a single unit so as to reduce the transportation and acquisition costs. The organization benefits from the strategy such that it objects zero defects, only products that meet customers’ expectations are produced through continuous improvement.

Sources of wastes

There are various sources of information regarding wastes. Overproduction is essential for the provision of information on wastes. It involves production that is more than needed or before it is essential. Inventory held in a firm indicates excess products and materials that are being processed. Defects entail resources that are thrown out or reworked upon. Waiting indicates the time that is wasted waiting for the next step in a production process (Heizer, 2016). Excess is extra steps in the manufacturing that is unnecessary or not valued by the customer. Transportation deals with the unnecessary movement of products and processing resources.

Involving line employees for improved lean production

Line employees should be involved in making recommendations to improve lean production and processes. Improved attitude towards a lean system in an organization is achieved. Involvement of the line workers increases the decision making capability of the company. Improved productivity is also attained. Empowerment and job satisfaction is acquired when the team is given the opportunity to give their suggestions. Reduced cost is also a positive impact on the worker participation. Increased plant performance is also encountered due to the familiarity of the processes to be implemented.

References

Heizer, J. (2016). Operations Management, 11/e. Pearson Education India.

Slack, N. (2015). Operations strategy. John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.