BackStreet Lean: Solutions for the Job Shop, Plant Edition
Through the successful application of Lean in the job shop, a group of world-class plants share their best practices and numerous photos from their shops.
TABLE OF CONTENTS BackStreet Lean: Solutions for the Job Shop, Plant Edition
Phase 2: Working with Lean Tools
Overview
Section Overview
Phase 2 is about taking action with a variety of Lean tools and concepts geared toward implementing Lean in the organization immediately! Top management's commitment continues to play an important role, as all members of the organization get involved in Lean activities designed to eliminate waste and increase profitability.
| Critical First Action | Developing part families to group and categorize parts by type, usage, capacity, and machine helps identify a family of parts that requires the least amount of tool changes, and that has enough volume to sustain the work area's capacity. |
| Critical First Action | Eliminating unnecessary parts that do not fit the organization's core competencies enhances the bottom line with a small investment. Think of the 80/20 rule. Twenty percent of the parts made likely reduce profits on the 80 percent of work that does fit capacity and is profitable. |
| Critical First Action | Designing the first cell to function successfully is a key step in gaining organizational support for implementing Lean tools and concepts. Try to use existing equipment and select a part family that everyone understands. |
Utilizing a Kanban system provides structure and consistency to purchasing and helps decrease inventory carrying costs. Much like a supermarket shelf, when items reach a minimum quantity, they are immediately replenished.
Developing supplier/customer relationships ensures everyone in the supply chain supports, and is involved in, Lean initiatives. Maintaining a visiting schedule and involving a variety of people from each organization helps everyone understand roles, relationships...
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